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sumeet_kaur11

Polyurethane vs Polytec Melamine ‘Matt

9 years ago
Hi Guys, me and my husband are building our first home and are really confused about cabinets.
Polyurethane is included in our building package whereas Ploytec melamine is a downgrade and our builder will credit back the money for it. Both of like Jamaican walnut matt from Polytec as it gives a look of wooden cabinets. But we are confused which one is better Ployurethane which comes in different colours but does not look like wood plus it is costly. Or Melamine?I am also attaching the photo of our colour selection for kitchen, any feedback or suggestions are most welcomed. Benchtop: Caesarstone:Frosty Carrina Cabinets : Polytec Jamaican walnut matt.

Comments (2)

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    When looking at kitchen cabinetwork doors you should be looking at more than just a sample, but how the edge is detailed. The edging for polyurethane doors is seamless as it applied like paint and the "paint" just wraps around the top and side edges. You can't wrap a melamine finish to the front and four edges of a door, so somewhere there will be a tiny seam between the front and an edge.

    Some melamine doors have rounded side edges (which are wrapped) but a square detail to the top and bottom edges where there will be a tiny seam between the front face and top edge. With your choice of Jamaican Walnut this seam should be almost invisible, but is easier to spot on lighter finishes such as Laminex Parchment.

    The Jamaican Walnut in matt should be harder wearing than the polyurethane. Some polyurethane colours yellow slightly with age and exposure to sunlight and are almost impossible to match if you ever need to replace a door. But you could also have the same issue if the manufacturer of Jamaican Walnut stops making it. For resale the polyurethane is considered more prestigious if it is still in good condition.

    Why don't you ask your builder to see a sample of a polyurethane door and a melamine door so you can see the edge details?

  • 9 years ago
    Thanks @Dr Retro House