When it comes to choosing kitchen cabinets, two of the most popular options are metal and wood. Many homeowners wonder if metal kitchen cabinets are lighter than wooden ones. The answer depends on several factors.

Weight Difference Between Metal and Wood Kitchen Cabinets

In general, metal kitchen cabinets tend to be lighter than wooden cabinets. Here’s a quick overview of how their weight compares:

• Steel cabinets – Steel is one of the most common metals used for kitchen cabinets. On average, steel cabinets weigh between 50-70 lbs per linear foot.
• Aluminum cabinets – Aluminum is lightweight, with kitchen cabinets averaging 30-50 lbs per linear foot.
• Wood cabinets – The weight of wood cabinets varies more depending on the type of wood. Oak or maple cabinets tend to be heavier, weighing 80-100 lbs per linear foot. Cherry or birch are lighter woods for cabinets.

So a typical 30-inch base metal kitchen cabinet will weigh between 150-210 pounds if steel, and 90-150 pounds if made of aluminum. A similar sized wooden base cabinet can weigh 240-300 pounds if made with a heavier wood like oak.

Why Metal Kitchen Cabinets Are Lighter

There are a few key reasons why metal kitchen cabinets tend to weigh less than wood:

• Density – Wood has a higher density than metals like steel or aluminum, so more weight in a given space.
• Thinner material – Metal kitchen cabinets are constructed from thinner sheet metal, often ranging from 0.6mm to 1.2mm thick. Wood is usually 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
• Less framing – Metal cabinets rely on fewer internal frames, braces, and face frames. Wood cabinets require substantial internal framing to provide sturdiness.

So in summary, metal is simply a less dense material, and metal cabinet construction utilizes thinner sheets and less internal support structures. This significantly reduces the overall weight.

Benefits of Lighter Metal Cabinets

The lighter weight of metal kitchen cabinets provides a few advantages:

• Easier handling and installation – Since metal cabinets are lighter, they are easier to move and hang during kitchen remodels. This can cut down on installer time and effort.
• Work better with floating designs – Floating cabinets are easier to support when made of lightweight metal versus heavy wood.
• More flexible for remodeling – You can more easily add metal cabinets to an existing kitchen since they put less strain on the flooring and walls.
• Accessibility – Elderly or handicapped homeowners may prefer lightweight metal cabinets since they are easier to access and open.

Considerations with Metal versus Wood Cabinets

While metal cabinets provide a lighter-weight option, wood cabinets have their own appeal:

• Warmer aesthetic – Wood offers a classic, warm look that metal cannot duplicate. Hardwood finishes like oak are very popular.
• More customizable – Wood cabinets come in far more finish and stain options to match any kitchen decor.
• Higher cost – Due to material and construction costs, most wood cabinets are more expensive than metal.
• Lifespan – With proper care, high-end wood cabinets can potentially last longer than average metal ones.

Conclusion

In most cases, metal kitchen cabinets will provide a lighter-weight option compared to wooden cabinets. The thinner and less dense metal materials, along with reduced need for framing, contributes to metal cabinets weighing 50-100 lbs less per linear foot on average. This lighter weight comes with the advantages of easier handling, more flexible remodeling options, and accessibility. However, for some homeowners, the classic styles, customization, and longevity of wood may be worth the heavier weight. Considering all these factors will help you select the best cabinet material for your individual kitchen design, needs, and budget.

FAQ About Metal vs Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Are all metal kitchen cabinets lighter than wood?

No, not necessarily. While on average metal cabinets are lighter, some high-end solid wood cabinets made from light wood species can potentially be as light or lighter than metal options. Much depends on the specific materials and construction methods used.

How much weight do standard kitchen cabinets add to a home?

A typical kitchen can have 15-25 cabinets. If wood cabinets averaging 90 lbs per cabinet are used that’s 1,350 – 2,250 added pounds. With lighter metal cabinets weighing around 50 lbs each, the kitchen would add 750-1,250 lbs.

Can heavy wood cabinets cause problems in homes?

Extremely heavy wood cabinets can potentially cause sagging floors or excessive strain on walls, particularly in older homes. Lightweight metal cabinets around 50 lbs per cabinet put much less stress on the home infrastructure.

Are metal cabinets better for upper kitchen cabinets?

Yes, metal is a good choice for upper cabinets. The lighter weight makes them easier to hang securely and less likely to detach from the wall over time. This is especially true for cabinets mounted higher up.

Does cabinet material affect kitchen resale value?

Both metal and wood cabinets are desirable materials that can support resale value. However, due to their classic styling, high-end custom wood cabinets tend to provide a slightly higher resale value in luxury real estate markets.

Are metal cabinets noisy when closing?

Metal cabinets can potentially make more noise than wood when closing doors and drawers. To reduce noise, look for cabinets with soft-close hinges, rubber bumpers, and drawer slides with integrated damping mechanisms.

Do metal or wood cabinets show wear and tear more easily?

It depends on the specific material. High-quality woods like oak are quite resistant to superficial scratches and dents. Cheap laminates, whether wood or metal, will show wear most easily. Overall, metal finishes tend to be more durable for withstanding bumps and scrapes.

What type of wood is lightest for kitchen cabinets?

Some of the lightest wood species include ash, maple, birch, cherry, and poplar. Lighter softwoods like pine can also be an option but are lower quality. These lighter woods allow creating wood cabinets that weigh nearly as little as metal.

Are there any cons to lightweight metal cabinets?

A few potential downsides are more noise when closing, susceptibility to dents, limited customization, and less eco-friendly materials sourcing compared to sustainably harvested wood.

Conclusion

When comparing cabinet options for your kitchen, the weight of metal versus wood is an important factor to consider. While metal is generally much lighter, you’ll want to balance that against other factors like aesthetics, longevity, and eco-friendliness. Take time to analyze your priorities and needs. An experienced kitchen designer can help weigh the pros and cons of each cabinet material to create your ideal kitchen that works with your lifestyle, taste, and budget. With attention to detail, either metal or wood can provide a fabulous foundation for storing, prepping, and cooking.