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What are the best options for wardrobe exterior finishing?

Finally, you have decided on the exact location of your wardrobe; you have also decided about everything that’s going inside it. The functional aspect of the wardrobe is taken care of. However, do you know about various wardrobe finishes and their pros and cons? Well, wardrobes are available in different finishes, styles, and materials. Everyone needs to understand the aesthetics and functionality of the materials used on the wardrobe’s inner and outer sides. Knowing about these materials and their finishes will give you a better idea of how the wardrobe will hold up with occasional wear and tear and how pleasing it will be as a finished product. To understand the differences and help you make a sound decision, we have prepared a list of the best outer finishes for a wardrobe, along with their pros and cons. Read on to know more!

Veneer Wardrobe

Veneers are a great option for those who like the natural warmth and feel of solid wood. Over the past few decades, with an escalation in solid wood prices and government sanctions on deforestation, veneer sheets have taken center stage as an alternative to solid wood. The solid wood’s elegance, grace, and beauty are retained while keeping a check on the environment and costing. Veneers are manufactured in a very interesting manner; ultra-thin slices of natural wood with beautiful grains and colors are press pasted on the top of an engineered wood base. Since veneer sheets are made of natural wood, you will notice that no two veneer sheets will look alike. Veneers can easily be prepared and polished, just like any other solid wood. Veneer wardrobe structure is made of plywood, MDF, HDF, HDHMR, Blockboards, etc., and are finished on the outer side using veneer sheets of different types and colors. These veneers are given the final touch by using various types of polishing options. Although opting for veneer and polish is an expensive affair, the luxurious look and feel of the wardrobe with an elegant veneer and a smooth polish creates a fabulous value for the money spent.

Thickness – Veneers are generally 4mm thick.
Colors–  Veneers have an endless range of colors and patterns; they are generally classified and named using the origin of their tree species Ex. Oak, Teak, Walnut.

Advantages

Disadvantages

PVC Wardrobe

PVC is the short form of polyvinyl chloride; it’s a type of plastic that is strong and light. PVC wardrobes can be made with all plastic components but are not the most favorable choice for home interior furniture like wardrobes because of the artificial feel. Hence, we prefer a PVC wardrobe wherein the wardrobe structure is made of plywood, MDF, HDF, HDHMR, blockboards or particle boards, etc., and is finished on the outer side using PVC sheets. PVC looks and feels very artificial and can scratch easily. Also, PVC material can fade its color over the years. Thickness EPVC sheets thickness can vary from 0.8 to 2 mm
Colors
Endless range of colors and patterns

Pros

Cons

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Duco or PU (Polyurethane Paint) Wardrobe

Duco and PU paints were traditionally used as automotive paints and have recently gained popularity in home interiors; these paints can be used on metal, MDF, HDF, HDF, HDHMR, WPC, etc. Duco or PU paint wardrobe structure is made of plywood, MDF, HDF, HDHMR, Blockboards, particle boards, etc., and are finished on the outer side using Duco paint on the entire wardrobe. Duco finish works best on MDF, HDF, HDF, HDHMR, or WPC; hence for blockboards and plywoods, a layer of thin MDF sheet is fixed on their surface before the paint is applied. The fit and finish of these paints on wardrobes make them look stunning. 

Colors Endless color range with an option to customize designs.

Pros

Cons

Lacquered Glass Wardrobe

If you love the immaculate reflectiveness and depth of glass finishes but wouldn’t like anyone to see how you have organized the wardrobe inside, the best option, therefore, is to get a lacquered glass shutter wardrobe. Lacquered glass wardrobe structure is made of plywood, MDF, HDF, HDHMR, blockboards or particle boards, etc., and are finished on the outer side using laminate, veneer, Duco paint, or acrylic, and only the wardrobe shutters are clad with lacquered glass. With the airiness of glass and privacy of opaque glass, this option will let you enjoy the best of both worlds and allow you to enjoy stunning looks of the wardrobe. 

Thickness-Generally, lacquered glass on the wardrobe can be between 4mm and 6mm in thickness
ColorsEndless color range with an option to customize designs.
Edge finishing– Bevel, Ogee, Miter, Double bevel, Dual bevel, Bevel ogee, Flat, Pencil.

Pros

Cons

Acrylic Wardrobe

For those who like to keep things subtle, sober, and luxurious, this option may entice them the most. Acrylic wardrobe structure is made of plywood, MDF, HDF, HDHMR, blockboards, particle boards, etc., and are finished on the outer side using laminates, Duco, veneer, or acrylic and the wardrobe shutters are clad with acrylic sheets of different types and thicknesses. Acrylic wardrobes give a uniform reflectiveness and depth to the wardrobe, adding an extra sense of volume to the room. Generally, a good quality 1.3mm+ acrylic sheet can have undisturbed reflection just like the lacquered glass, and hence these can be used as a lighter and cheaper alternative to lacquered glass. Various colors are available and tend to be available in thickness ranging from 0.8mm to 2mm.  

Thickness– Acrylic sheets thickness can vary from 0.8 to 2 mm
ColorsEndless range of colors, patterns, and textures

Pros

Cons

Laminate Wardrobes

Another popular choice amongst homeowners is the laminated wardrobe. Laminated wardrobe structure is made of plywood, MDF, HDF, HDHMR, blockboards, particle boards, etc., and is finished on the outer side using laminates of different types and thicknesses. Laminates are essentially man-made materials and are available in an array of patterns, colors, and finishes that will suit most home décor themes. Although laminates lack the natural charm and appeal, one is bound to be impressed by their uniformity, costing, variety, and colors. Laminated wardrobes can be versatile in appearance since laminates available in the market can impersonate the look of metal, wood, Duco paint, and other patterns. There are plenty of laminate options to choose from, ranging from textured, matte, indoor, outdoor, and sheen finishes. Laminated wardrobes are economical, easy to maintain, and durable.  

Thickness–  Laminate thickness can vary from 0.7 to 1.5mm
ColorsEndless range of colors, patterns, and textures

Pros

Cons

Mirrored Wardrobe

Apart from its functional aspect, another reason why people choose mirrored shutters is to create a sense of added volume and space to the room. The sense of depth a mirror provides can make a room appear larger than it is. We say mirrored shutters are the best choice for homes with smaller bedrooms; if you can’t squeeze in a spate dresser, a mirrored shutter is an ideal option to go with. Mirrored wardrobe structure is made of plywood, MDF, HDF, HDHMR, blockboards, particle boards, etc., and are finished on the outer side using laminates, Duco, veneer, or acrylic. The wardrobe shutters are clad with mirrors of different types and thicknesses. These fit great in contemporary and modern themes and look stunning in exquisite shades and designs. 

Thickness– Generally, mirrors on the wardrobe can be between 4mm and 6mm in thickness.
Colors– Plain, bronze, and grey.
Edge finishing– Bevel, Ogee, Miter, Double bevel, Dual bevel, Bevel ogee, Flat, Pencil.

Pros

Cons

Solid Wood Wardrobe

Solid wood wardrobes are made of 100% natural solid wood. People who love the look and feel of real wood understand the beauty and functionality of solid wood wardrobes. With the increase in deforestation, solid woods are no longer considered a wise option for an environmentally driven society. As the name suggests, the entire structure of these wardrobes is made of solid wood, including the frame, shelves, and shutters. Although the beauty and grace of these wardrobes are unmatched, a good quality wooden wardrobe is sure to cause a dent in your wallet. On a happier note, these beauties last so long that they generally turn heirlooms. Thickness– Can be machined to any desired size and shape.
Colors– Endless range of colors, patterns, and textures.

Pros

Cons

Plywood’s versatility and affordability make it a popular choice for kitchens and furniture. But navigating the world of plywood grades can be confusing, especially when terms like BWR and BWP get tossed around interchangeably. Let’s clear things up and help you pick the perfect plywood for your kitchen needs.

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