Cabinets account for a large percentage of remodeling budgets. Flippers, landlords, and homeowners, often focus on price during kitchen renovations. Although cabinets made of different materials might look the same on the outside, what the cabinet is made from and how it is constructed, can have long-lasting implications, impacting not only aesthetics, but durability, environmental footprint and ultimate cost.

The least expensive cabinets are generally made of medium density fibreboard, MDF, an engineered product is made by breaking down hardwood and softwood residuals into fine particles, combining them with resin and wax, then applying heat and pressure.

There are several disadvantages to MDF. Water absorption is one. MDF soaks up water like a sponge. If exposed to damp or humid environments, it can swell, losing structural integrity resulting in sagging,

MDF’s fine particles also make it difficult for screws to hold, cracking or splitting when screwed into the edge of the board. Although MDF’s smooth surface is good for painting and finishing, veneered or laminated MDF products are prone to chipping around the edges and often cannot be repaired.

Health risks are associated with MDF because it contains volatile compounds (VOC), such as urea-formaldehyde, that irritate eyes and lungs. It is important to wear a dusk mask when cutting or sanding to avoid inhaling the material. Be sure that there is good ventilation.

More expensive, cabinets made with plywood boxes, wood doors, and wood drawers can be worth the additional costs, not only in the price of cabinets themselves, but also in the labor to repair or replace damaged cabinets.

The strength and durability of furniture-grade plywood benefits structural applications, handling heavy loads such as when used for the box of a kitchen cabinet. The layered structure of plywood provides a secure grip on screws. When treated properly, plywood holds up well to water exposure.

Wood doors bring warm, natural beauty to cabinets. Although able to be painted any color, the unique grain patterns and rich colors of wood perfectly conform to the current trend of stained kitchen cabinets, widening the range of finishes available.

Wood doors are highly durable and long-lasting. They can also be sanded and refinished multiple time to update their appearance and expand their lifespan. Solid wood dovetail construction on all sides of the drawer box has superior strength and durability. Higher end cabinets also come with metal drawer glides and soft-close mechanisms.

Unlike other materials that may warp or degrade over time, wood cabinets will continue to function properly for many years.

Mary Ann Skweres

Rock Counter Kitchen and Bath - President

773-293-7978; chicago@rockcounter.com

Chicago Area Real Estate Investors Association - Publicity

Upcoming Events

CAREIA Board of Directors

Cash Flow Game Night (Members Only Event ) Wednesday, February 5,, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.  McDonald's off Highland Avenue 1 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard https://www.careia.org/event-5948692  CAREIA Monthly General Meeting Monday, February 10, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. Networking starts at 6:45 p.m. Hyatt of Lisle • 1400 Corporetum Drive, Lisle Topic: Property Management Key Note Speaker:  Mark Ainley https://www.careia.org/event-5948706 Short Term Rental Sub Group Meeting Monday, February 17, 2025 @ 7 p.m.  Portillo's Hot Dogs, 531 N. Randall Rd., Batavia, IL 60510 https://www.careia.org/event-5971602 Anyone who has an interest in investing in short or mid-term rentals are invited to attend our monthly STR sub group meeting. Each month we will have an open forum to discuss all things short term rentals. Real Estate Networking Night Monday, February 24 2025 @ 6:30 p.m.  Portillo's Hot Dogs, 235 E. North Avenue, Glendale Heights, IL 60139 A FREE Member & Non-member Event https://www.careia.org/event-5948700 Cash Flow Game Night (Members Only Event ) Wednesday, March 5,, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.  McDonald's off Highland Avenue 1 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard https://www.careia.org/event-5948696 CAREIA Monthly General Meeting Monday, March 10, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. Networking starts at 6:45 p.m. Hyatt of Lisle • 1400 Corporetum Drive, Lisle Topic: How to Find Off Market Deals Key Note Speaker:  Abdullah Ghaffer https://www.careia.org/event-5948707 Short Term Rental Sub Group Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 @ 7 p.m.  Portillo's Hot Dogs, 531 N. Randall Rd., Batavia, IL 60510 https://www.careia.org/event-5971603 Anyone who has an interest in investing in short or mid-term rentals are invited to attend our monthly STR sub group meeting. Each month we will have an open forum to discuss all things short term rentals. Real Estate Networking Night Monday, March 24, 2025 @ 6:30 p.m.  Portillo's Hot Dogs, 235 E. North Avenue, Glendale Heights, IL 60139 A FREE Member & Non-member Event https://www.careia.org/event-5948703

President: Pete Gordon Vice President: Steven Bell Secretary: Rob Hayes Treasurer: Vanessa Krynen Librarian: Dwayne Denzinger Programing: PK Kleinert Vendor: Iva Norris Newsletter: Belinda Moore Publicity: Mary Ann Skweres Membership: Danny Galvez Tech Support: Keith Jablonowski __________________ Our mission To support and promote local real estate investors though networking, education, support, leadership on legislative issues, and promoting professionalism and standards of excellence in the real estate investing industry. __________________ WORDS OF WISDOM “ “Real estate investing even on a very small scale, remains a tried and true means of building an individual’s cash flow and wealth.” – Robert Kiyosaki

 

Library Book of the Month

Retire Young, Retire Rich

Robert Kiyosaki

Why do you go to work every day?  For the paycheck to pay the bills?  

Are you going to do that for the next 40 years?  How long do you really WANT to do that? 

If you don't plan on working hard all your life... this book is for you. If you're ready to retire (or want to retire early enough to enjoy your retirement years) you can learn from Robert's story of how he and his wife Kim started with nothing and 'retired' financially free in less than 10 years. This book makes the case for how a context shift in the way we think about money and investing allows us to see opportunities others miss and create the life you deserve.

Did you Know?

We have: Books, CD's, and even Movies!

Have you ever wanted to read a book or listen to a course but didn't want
to spend the money knowing if it was what you really wanted?

Well, that's what our Library is here for. It's for you to read, listen or even watch some great things on real estate without having to dish out the bucks!

Sometimes you will find you may want to purchase the book or program after you borrow it. Great, but aren't you glad you didn't pay for all the ones that just weren't right for you?

To check out materials:

• Only members can borrow materials
• Review inventory here: https://www.careia.org/LibaryList
• Fill out CAREIA Library request form
• Receive materials at the next General Meeting
• Materials are due back in one month
• Note. If materials are not returned, member is responsible for paying cost of materials for replacement.