Aluminium is fully waterproof; plywood looks warmer and holds screws better. Here's the honest trade-off for a Malaysian kitchen — and why we often mix them.
The quick difference
Aluminium carcasses are fully waterproof and termite-proof, which suits our humidity and the wet zone. Moisture-resistant, sealed plywood is warmer to look at, quieter to close, and holds hinges and screws more solidly over time. Neither is simply the winner — they're good at different things.
Where aluminium wins
- Wet zone under the sink — fully waterproof, won't swell
- Termite-prone areas — nothing for termites to eat
- Very low maintenance — wipe and go
- Outdoor, wet-kitchen and yard cabinets
Where plywood wins
- A warmer, more seamless look with laminate or acrylic doors
- A solid, quiet soft-close feel
- Better long-term screw and hinge holding
- Easier to shape for special designs and trims
Why many JB kitchens mix both
A common, sensible combo: aluminium for the base cabinets in the wet zone where water is the enemy, and plywood with a nice door finish for the tall units and dry kitchen where looks matter. You get waterproofing where it counts and warmth where you see it. We'll recommend the mix based on your kitchen and budget.
Recommended next step
Planning kitchen cabinets in Johor Bahru? View our Kitchen Cabinets service, see a living–kitchen pass-through project we built, or WhatsApp us your photos and floor plan for a free site measurement.