The most basic of basic materials used for cabinets, wood, also happens to be one of the sturdiest materials ever used for cabinet-making or any form of construction as a whole.

Carpenters generally use plywood or medium-density fibreboards for wood cabinets; this is due to the consistency of the materials that limits the problems arising from chemical reactions with indoor air. The use of solid wood, metal parts or other formaldehyde-free materials can also keep wood deterioration due to indoor air in check.

You can choose the material of the wood for your cabinets; the variations go from solid wood, to wood veneer, which is a mix of a thin layer of hardwood adhered to a more solid but lower quality wood base; and of course, there’s wood laminate wherein you adhere thin layers of solid hardwood to a central layer of fibreboards or compressed woods.

Generally, the sides of the cabinet should have larger support panels than the fronts. The doors can be curved, flat or raised, and can be opened with pull handles or knobs, depending on your preference. If you’re after minimizing the effects of warping, look for solid wood for your doors, made of strips of lumber of various sizes.