1. Steel Panels:
Saw some polished steel (etched & mirror finishes) introduced & showcased for interior design needs. Interestingly the vendor (www.Mapple.co.in), who supplies stuff from Haryana is willing to cater to the Home Decor Market (versus the commercial market done by such vendors usually). These sheets have the potential to give pretty exquisite finishes
2. Prices of UV coated MDF boards down:
These are boards that have a hi gloss/ anti scratch finish (http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/343750171/high_gloss_uv_coating_mdf_board.jpg). Some vendors have been passing these off as Acrylyc boards and charging extreme prices. While these were available earlier through grey market imports, now there are reputed Indian companies offering these at a fraction of the cost
3. Ebco – As a strong contender in hardware:
Ebco (www.ebco.in) showcased a pretty impressive range in hardware and seems to be heading to become a strong contender to Hettich in the hi end hardware space…time will tell. I am yet to check out their prices but hopefully these will be competitive.
4. Pre Veneered MDF Boards from Green Ply:
Green Ply has introduced pre veneered MDF boards. From a cost perspective these offer a fair amount of savings than using Ply + Veneer combination. Since these boards only come in MDF (Pre Veneered ply is not available) there is some amount of attention that will be required while designing the furniture, however there is no doubt that these boards will bring down the total cost of construction + save on the overall time to deliver.
5. Hardwood kitchen Shutters prices have come down:
Hardwood shutters have always ranged above some INR 500 psft. Some local Bangalore vendors have now brought these prices down. Creating traditional designs & Kitchens in Hardwood should not be as expensive as it used to be.
6. MDF 3 D boards and panels available commonly:
Designer MDF boards and 3D boards (usually used for pannelling etc.) that were earlier available only at specific designer outlets are now freely distributed and are therefore being made available through the local plywood store
7. Flush Doors – Prices down:
The prices of Flush doors have also come down substantially and the range starts from approx INR 100 psft. Hence if you are planning to redo your doors by laminating/ veeneering them it might be cheaper to replace them & use them for your other woodwork
Thats it from me….I hope you found the above useful…..as always will welcome your comments, bouquets & brickbats
Signing off
Nandita
I must say, very informative Blog. I was planning to get the wardrobe done for my son's room. Had a design but was struggling to understand what options I should consider (in terms of MDF or Ply or Particle board, etc). Your blogs gave a good understanding about the same.
Wanted to check if you can guide me on the Current per Sq Ft cost for a wardrobe, if one goes for MDF (Pre laminated) shutters & carcass?
Harish,
Different vendors have different pricing & ways to cost and I would not want to play the judge with the final word here :).
For costing thumbrules you can check out http://www.homedesignbangalore.com/2010/08/costing-your-woodwork-do-it-yourself
NM
Hi, This is was very informative blog. I am looking ot designer (floral) UV coated MDF boards. Please let me know which Indian companies are offering these boards. Thanks you.
Evershine has these
http://evershineworld.com/abm_wood/eco_fresh_designer_profile.html
Rgds
NM
Hi Nandita,
Great Blog!
Can you tell how much does "UV coated MDF boards down" cost ? and is this better than membraned ply?
rgds,
Meera
Hi Meera – Finished UV coated shutters used to cost over 750 PSFT earlier, now these are available starting 500/ 550. Both Membrane & UV have their own pros & cons.
Regards
NM
Hi Nandita,
Your inputs are very informative. Thanks you.
My wardrobes and kicthen carcasses are made of waterproof block boards. I wanted a hi gloss look for them ( white & , but prefer to do them on 19mm blockboards which i have already purchased.
Which is better in terms of cost, durability and finish
1. Laquered glass
2. Deco Painted glass
3. Acrylic sheets : What would be the ideal size 3mm or 5mm? How can it be stuck to the 19mm board? Would you know how much it would cost? My carpenter is unaware of how these sheets are done on to the wood, so would you know who can do this for me? Also if you know of any trusted suppliers of UV resistant coloured acrylic sheets?
What are the pros and cons of using these materials?
Do you know any trusted suppliers for the glass?
How do you achieve the white hi gloss look in your kitchens? do you polish the sides white or is it a membrane suck on it?
Would be great if you could reply to me…
Thanks again
Your question 'perfectly' outlines areas where 'carpenters' fail & one needs help of an interior designer – I sometimes struggle to explain this difference to some difficult customers, I might quote your question in future discussions with such folks…so thank you.
Coming to the point
1. For a hi gloss finish the easiest & cheapest thing to use is hi gloss laminate. Also bear in mind that u cannot, rather should not increase the shutter thickness beyond 20mm else you will run into other issues like need for special hardware etc. Additionally, now that you have already bought the block board for the shutters this is possibly the only option you have.
3. Hi Gloss Laminate is rather better than Duco in the long term
4. The hi gloss shutters that you see in ONE of my kitchens are in Hi Gloss Laminate, edges have factory pasted edge banding (you shud be able to google it). The other white kitchens are in Membrane – these aren't hi gloss.
Rgds
NM
Hi Nandita,
Another useful post. Thanks for it. Wondering if you have an idea about/opinion on Merino Laminates. I am very much interesting in getting the model Taupe Tropical Wave for my woodwork, but my contractor is saying that it is not selling in the market these days. Any information from you will be much appreciated. Thanks again.
Suneeta
I have found Merino to be good, use it for my projects as well. Cannot comment on availability of different shades…will be best for you to go out & check with the nearest dealer – any laminate shop will be able to point you to a Merino dealer.
NM
Hi Nandita, Thanks for the blog, it's really of great help. Need some info related to Hinges. My carpenter is going to put HiTech company hinges. Any comment on HiTech company hinges and other fittings in furniture.
Thanks in advance.
Have never used Hi Tech Brand hence cannot comment
NM
Hi Nandita,
I have got the quote from my interior designer for the master Bedroom as follows :-
55sft at 950 rs. Do you think in banglore this is a reasonable rate.
Specifications:-
"Pr-Laminate Carcase and MDF Sliding Shutters: Fabrication and Fixing of boxing of 18mm Pre-Laminate board for storage with MDF Sliding shutters. The rear backing sheet is of 9mm Prelaminate board. All internal surfaces finished with white. Shutters to be fixed with necessary hardware like Sliding channel, handles , Ebco / Hittech hinges, pegs. Adjustable Internal shelves as per design. All exposed edges finished with matching colour 2mm PVC Tape as per detail."
As a policy I do not comment on quotes from other vendors. Being in the same line of business it will be unethical for me to play judge.
The following posts will be helpful for you to go through if you are making a sliding wardrobe
http://www.homedesignbangalore.com/2010/07/sliding-wardrobes-do-it-right-first
and
http://www.homedesignbangalore.com/2010/09/so-what-is-right-material-to-choose-for
NM