Introduction

When choosing cabinets for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the most important decisions is the material. Metal cabinets provide a sleek, modern aesthetic that works well in contemporary spaces. However, not all metal cabinets are created equal. The type of metal, quality of construction, hardware, and finishes can impact durability, ease of cleaning, and overall look. This article explores the pros and cons of different metal cabinet options to help you determine which are best for metal cabinets.

Stainless Steel Cabinets

Stainless steel is one of the most popular metals used for cabinetry. Here are some of the benefits stainless steel cabinets offer:

Durability

Stainless steel is highly durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and corrosion. Quality stainless steel cabinets can last a lifetime with proper care. The material is ideal for busy kitchens and bathrooms that get heavy daily use.

Easy to Clean

The non-porous surface of stainless steel makes it very easy to keep clean. Fingerprints and water marks can simply be wiped away. Stainless steel harbors less bacteria than other materials.

Modern Styling

Brushed or polished stainless steel has a contemporary, industrial chic look. It pairs well with other finishes like glass and granite. The metal gives kitchens and bathrooms a sleek, cutting-edge style.

Versatile Finish Options

Stainless steel cabinets are available in different finish options. Brushed stainless has a matte look that hides fingerprints. Polished stainless has a shiny, reflective finish. Many manufacturers offer customized finishes like textured patterns.

Resale Value

Stainless steel is a trendy material that appeals to many home buyers. Stainless steel cabinets are likely to be a selling point and add resale value to your home.

However, stainless steel does have some downsides:

• Price – Quality stainless steel cabinets tend to be more expensive than other materials like wood, MDF, or laminate.
• Smudging – Brushed stainless steel shows fingerprints and water drops readily unless routinely cleaned and polished.
• Noise – Stainless steel can be noisy when doors and drawers are opened and closed, especially lesser quality products. Look for cabinets with sound dampening features.
• Magnets – Stainless steel is not magnetic, so you cannot use magnets to hold items on the cabinets.

Best Brands of Stainless Steel Cabinets

Some of the top brands for stainless steel kitchen and bathroom cabinets include:

• Sub-Zero – Known for high-end kitchen appliances, Sub-Zero also makes exceptional stainless steel cabinets. They offer custom sizing and panel options.
• KraftMaid – This manufacturer offers an affordable brushed stainless line with soft-close doors and drawers.
• Merillat – Owned by Masco Corporation, Merillat provides several stainless collections with excellent warranties.
• Thermador – Along with luxury appliances, Thermador makes pro-style stainless cabinets ideal for serious home chefs.
• Avonite – For a durable solid surface material with a stainless steel look, Avonite makes great modular cabinets and vanities.

Painted Metal Cabinets

Another option is powder coated or painted metal cabinets. Paint gives metal cabinets, often made of steel, aluminum, or galvanized steel, a finishing touch. Benefits of painted metal include:

Color Options

Metal cabinets can be painted literally any color from bold hues to neutral tones. This allows much more versatility than stainless steel.

Budget-Friendly Cost

Painted metal cabinets are typically more economical than stainless steel or solid wood cabinetry. The powder coating process is efficient.

Trendy Look

Like stainless, powder coated cabinets have an industrial, modern vibe. But the addition of color provides a more playful, eclectic look that fits many design styles.

Easy Touch-Ups

Paint finishes are very DIY-friendly. If the cabinets get scratched or damaged, you can easily sand, prime, and touch up with matching paint.

Potential disadvantages of painted metal cabinets include:

• Prone to Chipping – The paint finish may chip easily without proper handling, especially at edges and high use areas.
• Fingerprinting – Gloss and satin sheens highlight fingerprints on painted cabinets.
• Fading – Over time, painted finishes are prone to fading, especially with exposure to direct sunlight.
• No Magnetic Properties – Like stainless steel, paint eliminates the magnetic qualities of steel.

Best Brands of Painted Metal Cabinets

Top manufacturers of powder coated and painted metal cabinets include:

• KraftMaid – Offers painted finishes in satin, matte, and gloss across several door styles.
• Yorktowne – This Pennsylvania company provides high-quality painted cabinets with modern, transitional, and traditional looks.
• Wellborn – Known for their wide array of finishes, Wellborn has durable cabinet collections that take paint beautifully.
• Merillat – Along with stainless steel, Merillat also produces painted aluminum cabinet lines at various price points.
• Masterbrand – Painted metal cabinets are available through brands like Diamond, Kemper, and Aristokraft.

Galvanized Steel Cabinets

Galvanized steel has a shiny, zinc coating that gives it a distinctive look. Pros of galvanized metal cabinets include:

Rustic, Farmhouse Appeal

The galvanized finish gives these cabinets an aged, rustic vibe perfect for farmhouse, industrial, and vintage-inspired spaces.

Budget Buy

Galvanized steel cabinets tend to be reasonably priced, making them a good option if you want metal cabinets on a budget.

Minimal Maintenance

The galvanized coating is oxidation resistant and helps prevent rust. It does not require re-coating or paint touch-ups.

Strong and Durable Material

Like other steel alloys, galvanized steel is a very strong, durable material able to withstand heavy use.

Potential galvanized steel disadvantages:

• Prone to Denting – Although strong, galvanized steel can dent more easily than stainless steel.
• Fingerprint Magnet – The raw steel shows fingerprints, dust, and other marks readily.
• Limited Style Options – Galvanized cabinets primarily come in basic cabinet box styles. There are fewer door styles and design choices.
• Not for Every Style – The rustic patina limits the settings where galvanized cabinets fit in. They may look out of place in modern, sophisticated spaces.

Best Brands of Galvanized Steel Cabinets

Some manufacturers producing quality galvanized steel cabinets include:

• Dura Supreme – This company offers galvanized cabinets in classic shaker and slab door designs.
• Premier Custom Built – Specializing in hand crafted cabinetry, they provide made-to-order galvanized kitchen cabinets.
• Simplicity by Signature Hardware – For an affordable option, Simplicity has ready-to-assemble galvanized base cabinets and wall cabinets.
• Southeastern Salvage – Galvanized cabinets with acrylic doors create a unique farmhouse aesthetic.
• Coppersink – Known for copper kitchen sinks, Coppersink also produces gorgeous galvanized islands and cabinets.

Chrome Cabinets

Another sleek and shiny option is polished chrome cabinets. Benefits include:

Ultra Modern Look

Seamless, mirror-like chrome has an ultra contemporary vibe perfect for modern kitchens and baths. It makes a dramatic statement.

Easy to Clean

Like stainless steel, chrome has an impervious, non-porous surface that wipes clean with little effort.

High End Appeal

Chrome is associated with luxury cars, jewelry, and other high-end items. Chrome cabinets elevate the aesthetic of any space.

Makes Small Spaces Gleam

Chrome’s reflective properties make it ideal for small spaces. It maximizes light, creating the illusion of a larger area.

Downsides of chrome cabinets to consider:

• Fingerprint and Water Marks – Smudges stand out on the polished finish. Chrome needs frequent cleaning.
• Cost – As a luxury product, chrome cabinets come with a higher price tag than other metals and finishes.
• Limited Styles – Chrome is primarily found in minimalist, ultra modern styles.
• Overpowering Shine – The mirror finish may be overly metallic and reflective for some tastes.

Best Brands of Chrome Cabinets

Some reputable manufacturers of chrome kitchen and bathroom cabinets include:

• Signature Hardware – For mid-priced chrome cabinets in various configurations with soft-closing hardware.
• Stark – High-end modular cabinets handmade in Italy with gorgeous chrome finishes.
• Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry – Custom shop offering made-to-order cabinets in polished chrome.
• NuSteel – Specializing in metal cabinetry, they offer chrome cabinets, hoods, and bathroom vanities.
• Metal Solutions – For chrome base cabinets, wall cabinets, and accents like floating shelves.

Copper Cabinets

The warm, orange-brown tone of copper makes it a unique choice for metal kitchen and bath cabinets:

Natural Beauty

Copper has an inherently attractive look, resembling precious metals. The natural patina develops into a lovely aged finish.

Antimicrobial

Copper’s antimicrobial properties prevent bacteria and other microbes from accumulating. This helps keep the cabinets hygienic.

Artisanal Appeal

With hand hammered, forged, and cast options, copper cabinets bring old-world, artisanal charm to a space.

Luxurious and Upscale

Long prized in jewelry and decorative items, copper conveys luxury. Copper cabinets elevate a kitchen or bathroom’s style.

Considerations when choosing copper cabinets:

• Oxidation – Copper develops an oxidized patina over time that some may consider unsightly. Frequent polishing is required to maintain the original shine.
• Expense – As a high-end option, copper cabinets come at a premium cost. Pricing is comparable to stainless steel and solid hardwoods.
• Extra Care – Copper is relatively soft and prone to scratching and denting. It needs gentle handling and extra care during cleaning.
• Limited Styles – Copper cabinets lean toward traditional and antique styles. Those seeking a contemporary look may need to look elsewhere.

Best Brands of Copper Cabinets

Some of the top producers of copper kitchen and bathroom cabinets include:

• Native Trails – Specializing in artisanal, hand-hammered copper cabinetry with beautiful patinas.
• Copper Smith – Traditional styled solid copper cabinets that develop a rich, natural patina.
• Valeur Interiors – For copper cabinets with a polished nickel finish for a warmer, less orange-hued look.
• Signature Hardware – This brand offers copper-clad stainless steel cabinets at more affordable prices.
• Green River Copper – Provides gorgeous, made-to-order copper cabinetry handcrafted in Utah.

Metal Cabinet Construction

Beyond just the type of metal, how metal cabinets are constructed is key to their quality and durability. Be sure to examine:

Hardware – Dovetail drawers, full extension slides, and soft-close hinges mean smooth, seamless opening and closing. Avoid cheaper slides and plastic hinges.

Joinery – Precision welds and metal joints should fit flush with no gaps. Joints should be ground and sanded for a seamless look.

Gauge – Metal should be 20 gauge or thicker for cabinet boxes, with 18 gauge optimal for shelves and panels. Thinner metal dents and warps more easily.

Reinforcements – Well-made metal cabinets have reinforcements at stress points, corners, and edges to maintain structural integrity.

Frames – Doors and drawers should be reinforced with sturdy underneath frames and metal backplates for stability and longevity.

Pros and Cons of Metal Cabinets

To decide if metal cabinets are the best fit for your space, consider these key pros and cons:

Pros

• Highly durable and resilient material
• Easy cleaning and maintenance
• Sleek, contemporary aesthetic
• Available in wide range of metals and colors
• Lighter weight than solid wood
• More affordability than stone or concrete

Cons

• Can dent or scratch more easily depending on metal
• Condensation and water spots need frequent wiping
• Limited style options with some metals
• Not always suitable for traditional design
• Resonance and hollow sounds need damping
• Cannot attach items magnetically

The Takeaway

Choosing metal cabinets brings unique benefits like strength, sanitation, and distinctly urban style. However, the type of metal, construction quality, hardware, and finishes play a key role in determining the best metal cabinet options for your specific needs. Doing thorough research allows you to select durable, high functioning metal kitchen or bathroom cabinets tailored to your taste and lifestyle.

FAQ About Metal Cabinets

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about metal kitchen and bathroom cabinets:

Q: Are metal cabinets better than wood cabinets?

A: There is no definitive “better” choice between metal vs wood. Metal is more durable and easier to clean. Wood offers a classic, warm aesthetic. Choose based on your style, budget, and usage needs.

Q: Do metal cabinets dent easily?

A: Solid stainless steel resists dents well, while steel, copper, and aluminum can dent if subjected to heavy impacts. High quality hardware, reinforcement, and sufficient gauge thickness improve dent resistance.

Q: Can you paint metal cabinets?

A: Yes, metal cabinets can be painted, typically using a bonding primer followed by enamel cabinet paint. For easier touch-ups, many manufacturers now offer pre-painted metal cabinet collections.

Q: Are stainless steel cabinets expensive?

A: Quality stainless steel cabinets range from $7,000 to $10,000 for an average sized kitchen. This falls mid-range on price – lower than solid wood but more than laminates. Stainless provides great value for the durability.

Q: Do metal cabinets rust?

A: Rusting is not a concern with stainless steel or chrome. Painted steel and galvanized cabinets have protective coatings that prevent rust. Unfinished raw steel can develop rust over time when exposed to moisture.

Q: Can metal cabinets be cleaned with harsh chemicals?

A: Yes, metal cabinets can tolerate harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and degreasers. This makes them ideal for sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms. Be sure to read each cleaner’s instructions.

Q: Are metal cabinets noisy?

A: Metal can be noisier than wood or laminate. Quality construction with sound dampening features minimizes noise. Fully lined cabinet boxes, rubber-tipped hardware, and cushioned doors and drawers reduce metal sounds.

Q: Do metal cabinets get condensation?

A: Temperature fluctuations can create external condensation on any material. Keep the kitchen and bathroom humidity in check. Wipe any water droplets that form on metal cabinets to prevent mineral deposits.

Q: Can you hang wall cabinets on metal studs?

A: Yes, metal wall studs have enough structural strength for securely mounting wall cabinets. Use proper anchors designed for metal studs. Add reinforcement blocks if needed.

Conclusion

There is no straight answer for which type of metal cabinets are unequivocally the best. Stainless steel provides classic style and durability. Painted metal allows personalization. Galvanized steel has vintage appeal. The ideal metal cabinet material depends on your budget, kitchen or bathroom style, and practical needs. Examine the pros and cons of each type of metal to make the most informed choice. With high quality materials and construction, metal cabinets provide a lifetime of functionality and aesthetic appeal.