Kitchen cabinets are the single most visible element of any kitchen remodel — and in Florida, you have to think beyond just looks. Humidity, heat, and the coastal environment can wreak havoc on cabinets that weren't built for the climate. Here's what we recommend for Orlando homeowners in 2026.
Cabinet Materials That Hold Up in Florida
Plywood Construction (Best)
Always choose plywood box construction over particleboard. Florida's humidity causes particleboard to swell and fail over time — especially under sinks and near dishwashers. Plywood handles moisture significantly better and holds screws more reliably. Any quality cabinet line should offer plywood as an option.
Thermofoil (Avoid in Florida)
Thermofoil cabinets — a vinyl wrap over MDF — tend to delaminate in Florida's heat and humidity, particularly near the oven or dishwasher. We've seen 5-year-old thermofoil cabinets peeling in Orlando kitchens. Spend a little more upfront on painted wood or a quality laminate.
Solid Wood (Premium)
Solid wood doors with plywood boxes are the gold standard. Maple, alder, and cherry are popular choices. They handle humidity well when properly finished and last decades.
What's Trending in Orlando Kitchens in 2026
White and Off-White Still Dominate
Despite predictions that white kitchens would fade, they remain the most requested style in Central Florida. They make spaces feel larger — important in many of Orlando's ranch-style homes — and they photograph well for resale.
Two-Tone Cabinets
Upper cabinets in white or light gray, lower cabinets in navy, forest green, or charcoal. This look has staying power and adds visual interest without going overboard.
Shaker Style
Clean, simple, and timeless. Shaker doors work in traditional and contemporary kitchens alike. They're the most requested door style we install across Orlando.
Flat-Front (Slab) Doors
Gaining ground in newer construction and renovation. Clean lines, easier to wipe down, and pairs well with quartz countertops and integrated appliances. Popular in Windermere and the newer Winter Garden developments.
Hardware Trends
- Matte black — still popular, pairs well with white and two-tone cabinets
- Brushed brass/gold — growing fast, especially in warmer color palettes
- Brushed nickel — the safe, timeless choice that never goes out of style
What Buyers Look for When You Sell
If resale value is on your mind, stick to neutral colors (white, gray, cream), quality hardware, and shaker or flat-front doors. Avoid trendy colors like dark green or bold blue unless you're in a design-forward market. The goal is for buyers to imagine themselves in the kitchen — not redoing it.
Our Recommendation
For most Orlando homeowners, we recommend: painted maple shaker doors, plywood box construction, soft-close hinges and drawer glides, and quartz countertops. This combination looks great, holds up in Florida's climate, and appeals to buyers when it's time to sell.
Ready to Remodel Your Orlando Kitchen?
Call (407) 821-4702 or visit our Kitchen Remodeling page for a free phone consultation.