Everything To Know About Slab Cabinets Before Installing Them In Your Home

One surprisingly impactful choice that you'll have to make when furnishing or renovating your home is your choice of cabinets. There are so many kinds of cabinets you can get for your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. From mullion doors with glass insets on wooden frames to minimalist and chic slab cabinet doors, the choices are almost limitless. But, here's the thing: your choice of cabinets can dramatically change the look and feel of any room they're in. So, if you're leaning towards slab cabinets for your kitchen, you might want to know everything you can before making the jump.

Slab cabinets are cabinets with a simple design that consists of flat panel doors and ... nothing else. There are no contours or decorative details on them. They just sport a simple, sleek look that is only broken up by your choice of handles or knobs. Even the types of cabinet hardware typically used for these doors are simple pull designs, push-to-open latches, or recessed pulls. This gives the room a clean and uncluttered vibe that complements interior styles like minimalist, modern, and contemporary. Don't mistake slab doors for the shaker type as they're different. Shaker doors have a five-piece construction with a recessed center panel and four frames, while the slab uses one large flat panel for a simple look.

If you've decided to go for the slab cabinet style, your next decision should be on the material to use. While there are many popular cabinet materials you can use to make your slab cabinets, the most common materials are solid hardwood, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). No matter which material you use, choosing slab cabinets means using less material overall, as the doors are made from just one piece.

Solid hardwood is an expensive option for cabinets and will require professional manufacturing. However, the look and feel of wood grain is always breathtaking, and hardwood is very durable. Unfortunately, solid wood slabs absorb water and can warp on exposure to high humidity. You can add back battens to the cabinet doors to prevent warping. Also, since excessive moisture exposure is a common way to damage your cabinets without noticing, you can prevent it beforehand by sealing your wooden cabinets with a quality varnish that will create a moisture-proof barrier. 

Plywood is made from thin 'plies' of wood glued together. But, just like solid wood, it is still vulnerable to moisture, so you will need to take similar precautions as with hardwood. MDF is made from pieces of wood mixed with adhesive resins and pressed into flat panels. This is the material IKEA uses for their kitchen cabinets. It is lightweight, easy to work with, and affordable. It tends to scratch easily and is more susceptible to moisture damage than plywood and hardwood and needs to be sealed.

Knowing the pros and cons of this cabinet type will help you make a final decision. Slab cabinet doors are very easy to clean. Thanks to the smooth and uninterrupted panel in front, there aren't any crevices for dust or food particles to settle into. And because they are made from a single piece of wood, these cabinet styles won't warp easily. With the absence of grooves that can hold water and dirt, slab cabinets are easier to maintain. This makes them more cost-effective in the long run compared to some other styles.

Unfortunately, they are not all roses and butterflies as a major concern with these cabinets is that they are difficult to install. This style requires more precise techniques to build since they have no frame. Plus, the slab has to be cut precisely to achieve that seamless look. Long story short: This isn't your average DIY cabinet. Slab cabinets, because they are so simple, can show nicks and scratches more easily. However, don't let these issues scare you away from slab cabinets as they are still a great option if you're going for a modern aesthetic. But to be sure you are choosing the right cabinet style for your space, it's a great idea to do extensive research and ask questions before making a final decision.