Cabinetry 101

Painted surfaces
Pros Wide choice of colours - Highand semigloss finishes washable - Since substrate (underlying layer) won't show, can be less expensive wood or other material like MDF - Offer inexpensive facelift for ugly or old cabinets.
Cons Vulnerable to scratches - Spray lacquer provides smoothest finish, while brush or roller finishes aren't as smooth - Laminate and melamine don't accept paint as well as wood, unless melamine paint used.
Cost $ – DIY - $$ – pro job.

Solid wood
Pros Durable and long-lasting - Can be better grade than veneers.
Cons Natural variations in grain and colour - Vulnerable to warping, especially in humidity of kitchen - Serious damage may necessitate replacement.
Cost $$–$$$

Veneer
Pros Can have look of expensive woods at lower price - Greater warp resistance compared with solid wood - Often cut from one piece of wood, achieving uniform look - Damage is repairable.
Cons Veneer can lift or crack - Cheap veneers can look fake - Quality of substrate is key
Cost $–$$

Melamine
Pros Variety of looks at lower price, ranging from matte and highgloss finishes to imitation wood (sometimes quite realistic) - Easy to clean, virtually maintenance-free - Very stable in kitchen environment - Affordable.
Cons Less durable than other materials like wood - Difficult to repair if damaged - Can be cheap in looks and quality.
Cost $–$$

Stainless steel
Pros Resistant to corrosion - Low maintenance - Easy to clean - Highly durable - Comes plain or painted for high-tech kitchens - Great for those with chemical sensitivities - Inner core reduces sound vibrations.
Cons Polished finishes vulnerable to scratches and fingermarks (less obvious with textured or matte finishes) - Not yet widely available.
Cost $$$–$$$$

Laminate / Thermofoil
Pros Design variety at lower cost - More durable than melamine - Simulations of woods and other materials can be extremely realistic.
Cons Not as durable as real wood - Difficult to repair, as colour is only one layer deep - Quality of substrate is variable.
Cost $–$$