The materials used in a Decor Kitchen

H.M.R.  Particle Board

(High Moisture Resistant) Particle Board is what the name suggests.  Particle board manufactured using compressed wood particles and water resistant glue.  This board is used for the manufacture of:

• Substrates for granite bench-tops, typically 18mm HMR
• Substrates for post formed bench-tops, typically 32mm HMR

It should be noted that this material is only resistant to moisture.  Prolonged water penetration will affect the integrity of the board and swelling will occur with time.

16mm H.M.R.  Melamine

16mm H.M.R.  Melamine is 16mm thick HMR particle board coated with a chemically fused and sealed paper coating on both sides.  The coating can also have a texture pressed into it.  The textured finish is referred to as a “stipple” finish.  This particular board is used to manufacture the cabinets (carcasses).

M.D.F. and M.R.

(Medium Density Fibre) Board (Moisture Resistant) is made of very fine compressed wood fibres and comes in several varieties:

1. Raw MDF MR, is used for soffits.  (Soffits are the up-stands between overheads, pantries and wall-ovens and ceilings.)
2. Coloured MDF MR, is raw MDF coated with a thin coloured melamine surface on both sides and is used for cabinet doors, end panels and kick plates.  (Vertical Applications only)
3. Grained MDF MR – is raw MDF coated with a thin melamine surface on both sides and is used for cabinet doors, end panels and kick-plates.  (Vertical Applications only) In this case the top layer of the melamine is actually a photograph of timber grain.
4. 19mm Veneered MDF MR, is 18mm raw MDF coated with a thin layer of natural timber veneer (NTV) on both sides.  Components made with this material are then polished in the same way as if they had been manufactured using solid timber.

Note: Moisture resistant means just that.  Prolonged exposure to water penetration will have a detrimental effect on the structural integrity of the board and resulting in swelling.

Laminate

High pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) is made by saturating sheets of decorative and core paper with resins, then pressing them under high heat, fusing the layers into a single sheet.  Surprisingly, a sheet of laminate is only 18% plastic resin; the rest is paper.  As with melamine, textures can be introduced.
This material is normally less than 1mm thick and can be bonded to substrates.  For example; to create bench-tops.

2 Pack Paint

As the name implies, 2-pack paint consists of two parts; a base and a curing agent.  The two parts when mixed set up chemical reactions to bring about the drying and hardening of the paint. 
2-pack paint comes in just about any colour and a wide variety of gloss levels and is used for the exterior components of cabinets.  (Vertical Applications only)
Note: Some people may refer to this particular paint as “Imperite”.  Imperite is only one manufacturer’s name for 2-Pack Paint.

Corian

Corian is a brand, but many people refer to all solid plastic surface benches as “Corian”.
The advantage of these benches is that the colour goes all the way through and if any damage does occur it can be machined out and the top re-finished.  The disadvantage is that it is about twice the cost of a laminate bench and is only available in a limited range of colours.

Many would say that a Corian or “solid surface” bench gives a kitchen a “high tech” look.

Granite and Marble

Granite and marble are cut from natural stone and are polished to a uniform smooth surface.  A variety of edges can be cut into both marble and granite.
Granite is a stone which has been formed involving volcanic action and has become very hard.  Marble is similar to granite, but is not the result of volcanic action and is much softer and not as hard wearing.
Care to avoid staining – marble is extremely susceptible to staining.  Liquids such as: red wine, lemon juice, tomato juice and various foodstuffs will almost certainly stain marble and most likely granite too.  Both marble and granite need to have sealing treatments.  When the stone is delivered to the clients it already has had a full sealing treatment done.  This can be re-done by clients approximately every 6 months.  The sealant is a clear water-like liquid that can be brushed or rubbed on.  This will assist the surfaces in resisting stains.
Colours – granite comes in a striking range of natural colours, which vary in pattern.  With granite or marble it is recommended that Clients visit the stone mason and select their slab in order to achieve the desired result. 
Many people feel that granite tends to give an old fashioned and a “cold” look to kitchens, however other people love the “classic look” these materials convey.

Engineered stone

The broad range of colours, in particular the lighter colours that composite stone comes in are particularly popular.  In the past, prior to the arrival of composite stone, normally white or very light coloured stone tops were only available as marble, however it is not a surface recommended for durability.

Origin

Composite stone, such as CaesarStone is made from crushed quartz and other stone products, mixed with glues, polymers and other bonding agents.  These agents render the stone impervious (non-porous) and therefore to staining. 
CaesarStone is 95% crushed quartz stone and 5% polymers and colour dye.

Staining

It is scratch and stain resistant and is resistant to most household chemicals, acids and oils. 
For everyday cleaning the suppliers recommend wiping the surface with warm soapy water and a damp cloth or alternatively use a quality “spray and wipe” type cleaner.  For extra stubborn spills they recommend using their own special cream cleanser.  It seems to be similar to Jiff, but less coarse.  Clients can purchase it directly from CaesarStone.
Engineered stone is non-porous and never requires a sealing treatment and is mould and mildew resistant.
While CaesarStone is referred to as heat resistant, hot objects should never be placed directly onto the stone e.g.  Directly out of the oven and onto a cold top.  The stone could go into shock and fracture, as can natural stone as well.
Clients are directed to the CaesarStone web site www.caesarstone.com.au should they require in-depth information about the product. 

Note: CaesarStone carries a ten year warranty.

Colours

Composite stone is available in a broad range of colours and patterns. 

CaesarStone is largely consistent in finish and colour, in contrast to the variations/patterns found in natural stone.

Timber or “Gluelam”

Solid timber benches are made from strips of timber glued together to form a solid piece.  The glue is waterproof and the whole bench must be sealed against moisture, including cut-outs for sinks, hotplates, etc.  Timber benches are normally finished in a clear two pack polyurethane finish, which is very hard and comparatively scratch resistant. 

Timber benches are comparatively soft compared to laminate, Corian, or stone, but many feel that they give a kitchen a feeling of warmth and a natural look.

Stainless Steel

These benches have a “high tech” look and can be hard to clean; they also tend to show scratches.  They are however very durable and in the right kitchen can look stunning.

The hardware used in a Decor Kitchen

Hinges

Hinges manufactured in Germany and Austria are far superior to those made in Asia. 
Decor Kitchens use Blum (Austrian) hinges, which carry a lifetime guarantee.  There are several types of hinge, some open 180 degrees some are for 45-degree cabinets, while others are specially made for glass door cabinets, or aluminium framed cabinets.  Decor Kitchens uses the most appropriate hinges for the particular application.
Our doors are fitted with pneumatic soft closing mechanisms to prevent noise and maximise ease of use.

Drawers

Decor Kitchens specify drawers using metal sides as well as 16mm thick H.M.R particleboard bottoms and backs for strength and reliability under load.
The drawers are soft closing as they are fitted with a pneumatic closing mechanism. They are able to carry a load of 30kg and feature “full extension” runners. This means that the back of the drawer comes right out to the front of the cabinet, making them easy to access the back of the drawer and no space is wasted.

Our drawers are also easy to clean because the sides have a rounded “coving”.

-