In the sanitary ceramics industry, the so-called "old four" traditional products typically refer to toilets, squatting pans, urinals, and wash basins. However, in recent years, a new category has emerged—bathroom cabinets. These cabinets usually include a sink (such as a thin side basin, an above-counter basin, or an under-counter basin with a composite countertop), a cabinet, a mirror, a faucet, and a drainage pipe. While the old four products have high comparability and limited price differentiation, bathroom cabinets offer more room for innovation due to their complex design, varied materials, and unique aesthetics. As a result, they have become one of the main profit drivers for most sanitary ware manufacturers.
This article explores innovations in bathroom cabinet materials. Previously, I thought that ceramic was a highly complex material, while wood products lacked technical value. But after speaking with Shang Gao, Executive Vice President of Sanitary Ware, and visiting the company’s “Foshan City Waterproof and Environmentally-friendly Bathroom Cabinet Engineering Technology Research and Development Center,†I realized that wood-based bathroom cabinets also have significant potential for innovation.
In the market, common materials used for bathroom cabinets include MDF, particleboard, PVC board, stainless steel, solid wood finger-jointed boards, and solid wood multi-layer boards. Among these, solid wood finger-jointed and multi-layer boards are particularly popular in China. Due to differences in climate and usage conditions between China and Western countries, there is a clear distinction in material preferences. Chinese consumers tend to favor solid wood options for their durability and water resistance.
MDF and particleboard cabinets are cost-effective and allow for colorful paper veneer finishes, but they are prone to swelling and cracking when exposed to moisture. PVC board cabinets are more waterproof, heat-resistant, and easy to clean, but they lack the natural feel of solid wood and can crack at joints. Stainless steel cabinets are durable and resistant to moisture and rust, but they are often thin, less functional, and may show soap stains or discoloration over time. Solid wood finger-jointed cabinets are elegant and eco-friendly, but they are expensive and sensitive to humidity, which can cause cracks in dry climates. Solid wood multi-layer boards offer a good balance—they are stylish, water-resistant, and suitable for mass production, though they still face some environmental constraints.
The standard multi-layer solid wood panels on the market are made using non-waterproof starch glue or low-resistance urea-formaldehyde resin, which doesn’t meet bathroom cabinet waterproofing standards. In contrast, high-quality waterproof multi-layer boards are made with advanced waterproof adhesives, precise thickness control (within ±0.3mm), and multiple layers of high-grade solid wood. They undergo cold pressing, sanding, and rigorous testing according to GB/17657-1999 standards.
These premium multi-layer boards are crafted from high-quality eucalyptus or mixed wood veneers, pressed with imported technology for excellent structural stability and minimal deformation. The cross-grain bonding, combined with high temperature and pressure, helps eliminate internal stress and prevent warping. Eco-friendly adhesives ensure formaldehyde emissions stay within national limits, making them safe and environmentally friendly.
However, even the best multi-layer boards require innovative assembly techniques to produce high-quality bathroom cabinets. Innovations in this area include using triamine press technology on multi-layer boards to create high-standard laminates, as well as developing blister processes that mimic plastic finishes. These methods demand extremely flat surfaces and compact structures, typically found in high-density MDF. Through continuous improvement in wood and veneer technology, the plastic-absorbing process for multi-layer boards has been successfully achieved.
Additionally, UV lacquering technology from the flooring industry can be applied to bathroom cabinets, replacing traditional solvent-based paints. This not only improves efficiency and reduces costs but also eliminates unpleasant odors, offering a safer and more eco-friendly option for both manufacturers and users.
Technological progress is constant, and the more we experiment, the faster we advance. China’s high-speed rail system leads the world in mileage, and companies like the North Locomotive Group have achieved international recognition. Similarly, China has the most tunnels with complex terrain, and our tunneling technology is now among the best globally. With the world's largest ceramic production capacity, can we eventually lead in technological innovation? We hope that entrepreneurs will aim higher, not just for profit, but for long-term industry development and technological excellence.
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