Key points
- Marine plywood is the safest choice for base cabinets near the sink. Gorjon plywood works well for upper cabinets.
- Plain particle board and MDF swell when wet. Keep them away from sinks and dishwashers.
- In 2026, gorjon ply cabinets cost about ৳1,800 to ৳2,500 per sq ft depending on finish, and marine ply with acrylic about ৳2,800.
- Hinges and drawer channels fail before the board does. Pay for known brands.
Wooden kitchen cabinet or board: what is inside a cabinet
Every cabinet has two parts. The carcass is the box that sits on the wall or floor. The shutter is the door you see. Each has a core material, such as plywood or board, and a finish on top, such as laminate, acrylic or paint.
When people in Bangladesh ask for a wooden kitchen cabinet, they usually mean plywood with a wood look finish. Solid wood is still available but is heavy, costly and moves with humidity.
Cabinet materials compared
| Material | Water resistance | Holds screws | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Particle board | Poor | Weak | Dry wardrobes, not kitchens |
| MDF | Poor to fair | Fair | Painted upper shutters away from water |
| Gorjon plywood | Good | Good | Upper cabinets and tall units |
| Marine plywood | Very good | Very good | Base cabinets and sink units |
| PVC board | Excellent | Fair | Under sink, wet corners |
| Solid wood (segun, mahogany) | Fair, moves with humidity | Very good | Shutters for a classic look |
| Aluminium | Excellent | Uses fixings | Wet areas, glass shutters |
Based on common practice among Dhaka kitchen makers. Board grades vary; ask for the brand and thickness in writing.
Kitchen cabinet prices in 2026
| Core and finish | Price per sq ft |
|---|---|
| 18 mm gorjon ply, colour finish | ৳1,800 to 2,000 |
| Gorjon ply, HPL or duco | ৳2,200 to 2,400 |
| Gorjon ply, acrylic | ৳2,400 to 2,500 |
| Marine ply, acrylic | ৳2,800 |
| Aluminium with glass shelves | ৳3,500 |
Source: Studio Archifiction, Kitchen Cabinet Design in Bangladesh, August 2026. Covers carcass and shutters only; countertop, sink, hob, hood and accessories are extra. See our kitchen cabinet price guide.
Finishes and how they look
Hardware matters more than the board
- Soft close hinges from a known brand, with the brand name in your quote
- Full extension drawer channels rated for heavy pots
- Stainless steel baskets and a bottle pull out near the stove
- A tall unit or corner carousel to use blind corners
- Aluminium skirting with a gap for cleaning under base cabinets
- A proper chimney or hood ducted outside, so oil does not coat the shutters
Countertops and layout
- Granite is the local favourite: hard, heat resistant and widely available.
- Quartz (engineered stone) gives an even colour and does not stain, at a higher price.
- Marble looks beautiful but stains with turmeric and lemon.
- Solid surface allows sinks with no visible joint but scratches more easily.
Use marine ply for base cabinets, gorjon ply with acrylic or laminate for upper units, and PVC or aluminium right under the sink. It gives most of the durability of an all marine ply kitchen for less money.
For layouts and full designs, see kitchen cabinet design and modular kitchen ideas. For written quotes from makers, use our custom kitchen cabinet service.
Cabinet materials: common questions
Which material is best for kitchen cabinets in Bangladesh?
Marine plywood for base cabinets near water, and gorjon plywood for upper cabinets. PVC or aluminium work well right under the sink.
How much do kitchen cabinets cost per sq ft in 2026?
About ৳1,800 to ৳2,500 per sq ft for gorjon ply depending on finish, ৳2,800 for marine ply with acrylic and around ৳3,500 for aluminium with glass, for carcass and shutters only.
Is a wooden kitchen cabinet better than board?
Solid wood is strong but moves with humidity and costs more. Good plywood with a wood look finish gives a similar look with better stability.
Is MDF good for kitchen cabinets?
Only for upper shutters away from water. MDF and particle board swell if water gets into cut edges.
Which countertop is best for a Bangladeshi kitchen?
Granite is the most popular for its hardness and heat resistance. Quartz costs more but does not stain.
Written by the BD House Design editorial team with input from the registered architects, engineers and interior firms we work with. How we research and check our pages.
