Key Takeaways:
Los Angeles offers sunny days most of the year, mild winters, and varying humidity depending on your neighborhood. Coastal areas like Santa Monica may see salty air, while inland neighborhoods like Pasadena get warmer and drier conditions.
That means kitchen cabinets in Los Angeles need to handle:
Choosing the wrong material can lead to warping, discoloration, or quicker wear—turning what should be a long-term investment into a short-lived fix.
Wood cabinets remain one of the most requested options among LA homeowners. They bring warmth, character, and a sense of luxury to any kitchen style—from Spanish revival homes to sleek modern builds.
Common wood species include:
At Bradco, we build custom kitchen cabinets using solid wood and formaldehyde-free materials, ensuring both beauty and indoor air quality. We also apply protective finishes that help resist UV damage and moisture, keeping your wood cabinets looking their best in LA weather.
Engineered wood products like plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and HDF (high-density fiberboard) are popular for durable cabinetry in Los Angeles homes.
These materials are less prone to warping than solid wood and offer a smooth surface for painted or laminated finishes. Plywood is particularly strong, while MDF and HDF are ideal for achieving seamless, modern looks.
Our in-house cabinetry team selects high-grade engineered wood to ensure durability and structural integrity, whether the style leans modern, transitional, or traditional.
Thermofoil cabinets are made by applying a vinyl layer over MDF, creating a smooth, uniform finish. High-pressure laminate (HPL) cabinets feature a resin-impregnated paper surface bonded to a core, making them very resistant to wear.
Both options are excellent for homeowners who want low-maintenance cabinets that can withstand the moisture from cooking and cleaning.
For busy households or secondary kitchens like ADUs, these materials are practical, stylish, and cost-efficient.
While less common, stainless steel cabinets are a great choice for some LA kitchens, especially in contemporary lofts or industrial-style spaces. They are virtually indestructible and resist moisture, making them ideal for coastal homes.
We sometimes incorporate metal cabinet accents or doors into hybrid designs, blending industrial resilience with the warmth of wood or engineered finishes.
One of the biggest advantages of going custom is mixing materials to get exactly what you want. Many of our Los Angeles clients opt for combinations like:
This approach allows you to enjoy the beauty of natural wood where it’s most visible while using more stable or moisture-resistant materials in areas prone to wear.
For LA’s climate, the best materials often combine the stability of engineered wood or plywood with the beauty of natural wood finishes. Plywood cabinet boxes with solid wood or high-quality veneerA thin slice of wood applied over a substrate for a high-end appearance with stability. doors are a top choice for balancing durability and design.
In coastal neighborhoods, moisture-resistant options like marine-grade plywood or laminate-faced cabinets help reduce warping and swelling. For homes with strong sun exposure, UV-protective finishes preserve color and prevent fading.
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on:
This is why working with a local expert matters—someone who knows how LA weather affects materials over time.
If your current cabinets are solid but outdated, you may not need a full replacement. Cabinet refacingThe process of updating cabinet exteriors with new doors and veneers while retaining the structure. lets you upgrade the look without replacing the entire structure.
We can replace doors and drawer fronts with new materials—switching from laminate to wood, for example—and apply a new finish to match. It’s a great option if you want a faster, less disruptive project while still improving both style and durability.
Sometimes, upgrading your cabinets is just one part of a bigger project. In a kitchen remodeling project, we help homeowners choose materials that not only stand up to LA’s climate but also complement new countertops, flooringThe finished surface material installed on floors to provide durability and visual appeal., and lighting.
From choosing the right wood species to deciding between matte or glossy finishes, our team ensures every material works together for a cohesive look that will last.
With over 30 years of experience, Bradco Kitchens + Baths has built and installed cabinetry across Los Angeles—meaning we’ve seen how different materials perform in real homes over time.
We know which woods handle coastal humidity best, which finishes resist fading, and how to engineer cabinets for both strength and beauty. We also source eco-friendly materials to support healthier indoor air quality.
Our custom fabricationThe process of crafting one-of-a-kind millwork or cabinets per design specifications. facility in LA allows us to control quality from start to finish, ensuring your cabinets aren’t just beautiful—they’re built to last.
Whether you want the natural warmth of wood cabinets, the stability of engineered products, or the sleek look of laminate, we can help you design cabinetry that matches both your style and Los Angeles’ climate.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We’ll walk you through material samples, explain the pros and cons, and help you create durable cabinetry that will serve your home for decades.
Jessica KienzlBOOK AN APPOINTMENT
