Termite resistant cabinets

[grin]

We are planning on a new kitchen in the next year or so and I have done some research on termite resistant materials for cabinets. When working in India I've seen what they call termite proof cabinets but it's unclear what the material is. I assume it is just some type of chemically treated particle board or compressed wood. Does anyone have any experience with termite resistant cabinets here?

I would probably prefer wood to other materials but otherwise if it were high quality and long lasting I would check it out. I know that the harder a wood is the more likely it is resistant to termites. Would it be reasonable to make cabinets out of teak? What other hardwoods are available here that would make good cabinets? We definitely do not want to use the concrete style base cabinets.

I am a bit wary about using treated wood in a kitchen for the obvious reasons. Anyone know anything about the chemicals used to treat wood as far as being repellant to termites, lasting a long time, and being non toxic to humans?

For what it is worth our house has a termite reticulation system below the concrete slab floors and has holes with screwed on brass caps in all of the pillars so they can be loaded up with pesticides. We have these filled up once a year and also have monthly spraying as part of the contract.

Grin

[eyecatcher]

You will notice most thai style kitchens are based on brick, concrete,ceramic tiles and for food reason.

The door casettes they add in are often plastic or teak.

So this combination is your top choice.

If its a western house you have a chance with the house construction itself to uses a high gloss laminate.

Remember termites will target the soft spots, the routered hinge mortice, the shelf studs and the kickboards.

My opinion is you have to increases your vigilance with he more susceptible materials. If you keep a regular look out and the occasional quick spray you should be able to control it and have long lasting units.

Don't necessarily be put off by people saying their wardrobes and best furniture was eaten in two years.....these comments are from people who allowed it to happen.

[Gaea93]

When I moved to my house last year, I really contacted a termite extermation team to help me get rid of these unwanted pests. I think that's a better solution than seeking for a cabinet in your kitchen that is termite-resistant. Try finding metal-like cabinets or plastic cabinets, termites can only cause damage to wooden stuffs so that should not be what your cabinet is made of.

[Crossy]

Remember these are 'resistant' not 'proof', the beasties will get just about any type of wood eventually. Old growth teak (if you can get it legally) and mai daeng are pretty well 'proof'.

Our kitchen is concrete and tile with teak (not old growth) doors, easily replaced if the bugs get it.

[IMHO]

Remember these are 'resistant' not 'proof', the beasties will get just about any type of wood eventually. Old growth teak (if you can get it legally) and mai daeng are pretty well 'proof'.

Our kitchen is concrete and tile with teak (not old growth) doors, easily replaced if the bugs get it.

Yep teak wood, and mai daeng are the only two woods I know of as being termite proof.

[eyecatcher]

Remember these are 'resistant' not 'proof', the beasties will get just about any type of wood eventually. Old growth teak (if you can get it legally) and mai daeng are pretty well 'proof'.

Our kitchen is concrete and tile with teak (not old growth) doors, easily replaced if the bugs get it.

Yep teak wood, and mai daeng are the only two woods I know of as being termite proof.

Is mai deng what we know as mahogany.....or something else.

[Crossy]

Remember these are 'resistant' not 'proof', the beasties will get just about any type of wood eventually. Old growth teak (if you can get it legally) and mai daeng are pretty well 'proof'.

Our kitchen is concrete and tile with teak (not old growth) doors, easily replaced if the bugs get it.

Yep teak wood, and mai daeng are the only two woods I know of as being termite proof.

Is mai deng what we know as mahogany.....or something else.

Mai daeng is Burmese Ironwood (there are several species), you'll know it if you try to drill holes, it's incredibly dense (some samples don't float in water).

[Forkinhades]

My kitchen built 12 years ago in teak, is still strong, and no sign of any termites!

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[grin]

My kitchen built 12 years ago in teak, is still strong, and no sign of any termites!

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Were the entire cabinets made from teak, the casing, drawers, facing, doors, etc.?

Did a local builder do the work?

[Forkinhades]

Casings no, everything else yes. Casing had a veneer on top which seems to have stopped the termites.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app