There was a time when metal kitchen cabinets seemed to be everyone’s preference. That brief moment in the mid-20th century ushered in a return in the popularity of wood. Now a lot of people are looking back at those modernist metal cabinets and thinking of going back to that style. Is it really a good idea? What are the pros and cons of metal kitchen cabinets?

Metal cabinets have a few things going for them. Initially, they have a unique look. They’re reminiscent of the post-war “electric age” and have a retro, kitschy feel that some people find absolutely irresistible. If you are trying to recreate that look in your kitchen, you will definitely consider purchasing metal kitchen cabinets.

Second, the cabinets are sturdy. They are made of metal, after all! While high-quality wood cabinets boast as much (if not more) longevity, metal cabinets have an advantage over hardboard composites that dominate the lower price levels of wood cabinets.

However, there are some drawbacks to metal cabinets. First, they have a tendency to dent. One could argue that wood tends to scratch, making them comparable in that regard. However, that is not really accurate. Small scratches in the wood are almost imperceptible and repairing a deeper scratch in the wood is fairly easy. Even small dents in metal kitchen cabinets can be obvious and are often quite resistant to repairs.

Second, wood offers more flexibility in terms of design. If you like the look of the available metal cabinets, that’s not necessarily important. However, if you want to make a choice from the widest range of options, wood is clearly the building material of choice. Wood is also easier to cut and customize.

Third, metal can be quite loud. Even when the doors are properly padded, opening and closing metal kitchen cabinets can be a noisy proposition. If you’re not a big fan of the occasional squeak and metal-on-metal crash, you might want to go for wood cabinets. They are not silent, but they do not create the same kind of disconcerting rattle.

Finally, rust can be a problem with metal cabinets after several years. If you are not prepared to properly care for your metal cabinets, you can end up with unwanted rust and oxidation quite early in its useful life.

In general, most people will probably be happier choosing wood over metal kitchen cabinets. However, those metal cabinets can be a very strong alternative for those with very specific design ideas. If you’ve been thinking about metal cabinets, be sure to consider its negatives and positives. This will give you the best opportunity to make a smart decision regarding your new and improved kitchen.