HDHMR Kitchen Case Study – Bangalore Makeover

Case Study: A Bangalore homeowner’s kitchen transformation using HDHMR boards. See how an outdated plywood kitchen was revamped with HDHMR (High Density High Moisture Resistant) board cabinetry – solving moisture issues and modernizing the space. This case study highlights the process, challenges, and stunning results of a kitchen makeover using HDHMR in Bangalore.

HDHMR
August 07, 2025
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7 min read
HDHMR Kitchen Case Study – Bangalore Makeover

Project: Kitchen Renovation in Bangalore, India
Homeowner: Mr. and Mrs. Rao, Whitefield, Bangalore
Objective: To remodel a 15-year-old kitchen, addressing problems of moisture damage and outdated design, by using HDHMR boards for new cabinets and paneling.

Background & Challenges

The Raos’ kitchen had old cabinets made of traditional plywood with laminate. Being on the ground floor in Bangalore’s climate (high humidity during monsoons), the kitchen had suffered: some plywood cabinet under the sink had swollen due to leaks, a few drawers had become termite-infested and saggy over the years, and overall the kitchen looked dated. They wanted a modern, durable kitchen that would last another 15+ years without these issues.

Challenges identified: - Moisture and Leakage Damage: The area under the sink and near the washing machine had water exposure, which the existing plywood couldn’t handle (despite being “BWR” ply, it had delaminated at edges). - Termite Attack: Two lower cabinets showed signs of termite tracks. Bangalore isn’t as notorious as some coastal areas for termites, but in certain communities it’s still a risk. The Raos wanted a termite-proof solution. - Modernization: Aesthetically, they wanted a sleek look – handle-less cabinets, glossy finish – essentially a modular kitchen vibe, not the old carpenter-made look. - Timeline: They were living in the house during renovation, so a solution that could be installed relatively quickly (modular fabrication off-site and quick install) was preferred.

Decision to Use HDHMR

Their interior designer recommended HDHMR boards for the cabinetry carcass and shutters. The reasons: - HDHMR’s moisture resistance would be perfect for the under-sink cabinet and general Bangalore humidity. - HDHMR is termite & borer resistant, eliminating worry of future termite damage. - Factory-made modular cabinets using HDHMR could be done – many modular kitchen vendors in Bangalore now offer HDHMR instead of MDF for carcasses. This would ensure precision and faster installation. - The smooth surface of HDHMR is great for getting a high-gloss lacquer paint finish, which the Raos desired for the upper cabinets.

They compared costs between marine plywood vs HDHMR. The difference was marginal for the whole kitchen, and given the advantages, they green-lit the HDHMR approach.

Renovation Process

Design & Fabrication: The kitchen was designed with a combination of HDHMR carcasses (the internal boxes of cabinets) and HDHMR shutters (doors) for the lower cabinets, all to be finished in laminate for the interior and painted externally. For the upper cabinets, they chose glass shutters on HDHMR frames. The fabrication happened off-site at a factory: - 18mm HDHMR boards were cut to size for all cabinet panels (sides, bases, shelves). - Edges were edge-banded with PVC tape for a clean look and to further seal them. - The shutters were 18mm HDHMR too, which then went for a PU paint finish in glossy white. Before painting, the HDHMR shutters were routered to have a subtle grooved pattern (a modern design choice) – the fabricators noted how crisply the HDHMR routed without splintering, which was a plus for detailing.

Installation: Once fabricated, the modules were brought in: - The installation team fixed the HDHMR cabinets on walls and floor. They immediately noticed the rigidity – unlike some MDF-based modules that can feel flimsy until fixed, these were sturdy. - One notable point: The weight. The installers had to be careful lifting and aligning the HDHMR cabinets because they’re heavier than equivalent plywood boxes. For wall cabinets, they used extra anchoring screws (into wall plugs) given the weight. But once up, the solidity was evident. - The countertop (which was granite) was installed on top of HDHMR support panels. Typically, one might worry about water from countertop seeping, but since HDHMR is moisture resistant, the designer felt comfortable even putting the stone directly with silicone sealant.

Finishing Touches: After installation, any small gaps were sealed. The painted shutters were hung, and hardware (hinges, lift-ups) adjusted. The pure white glossy finish on the HDHMR shutters had a mirror-like smoothness – you couldn’t tell what material was underneath, but you could feel it was solid. The interior of cabinets were left in laminate finish (a light grey laminate on HDHMR panels) which the Raos appreciated as it’s easy to clean and quite bright inside.

Outcome & Benefits Observed

The transformation was dramatic: - Visually, the kitchen became bright and modern, with sleek HDHMR cabinets reflecting light. It looked on par with any high-end showroom kitchen. - Functionally, all cabinets were sturdy and wobble-free. The hinges were super tight (thanks to HDHMR’s screw holding, they’ll likely stay that way). Drawers (on channels) slid smoothly and the hardware was well-secured in the dense HDHMR sides. - The Raos immediately noticed small quality of life improvements: no more musty smell (which was earlier from slight mold in old plywood corners). They commented that even the sound of closing a cabinet felt “solid” now. - They got peace of mind for moisture: Within weeks of completion, a telling incident occurred – the RO filter under the sink had a pipe come loose one night, leaking water inside the new HDHMR sink cabinet. In the morning, they wiped it up and inspected – the HDHMR cabinet was perfectly fine; no swelling, no damage at all (the laminate interior and sealed edges helped too). They remarked that if this was their old plywood cabinet, it would have been the final nail in its coffin. This real-world “stress test” proved HDHMR’s worth. - In terms of termite protection, it’s more of a long-term benefit. But given that HDHMR is chemically treated to be termite-proof, the Raos are confident they won’t see a repeat of the old termite trails on their new cabinet bases. Bangalore does have termite issues in some areas, and using HDHMR eliminated that concern entirely for their kitchen.

Quotes from the Homeowners:
"We are amazed at how our new kitchen not only looks great but feels robust. The HDHMR boards were definitely the right choice – our under-sink cabinet had a water leak and unlike last time, there’s zero damage. It's almost like this kitchen is accident-proof!" – Mrs. Rao.
She also noted how the painter who did some touch-ups told her these boards were much nicer to paint on than what he usually encounters, corroborating that HDHMR takes finishes well without much fuss.

Cost & Timeline Comparison

The project took about 3 weeks from dismantling old cabinets to final installation. Using pre-made HDHMR modules saved time – installers finished on-site work in just 3 days. A carpenter hand-building with plywood would have taken much longer and caused more mess in the house.

Cost-wise, the HDHMR kitchen came out maybe 10% higher than a equivalent plywood one. However, given the extended lifespan and prevention of issues, the Raos view it as highly cost-effective. They essentially invested a bit more upfront to avoid a repeat renovation or repairs later.

Key Takeaways from this Case Study

·       HDHMR board excelled in a real kitchen environment, confirming its suitability for cabinetry in moisture-prone areas like Bangalore.

·       Renovators and homeowners should consider HDHMR for kitchen makeovers, especially if they’ve faced problems with plywood in the past. As seen, it directly addresses those pain points (water, pests, durability).

·       Working with HDHMR might require dealing with heavier modules and ensuring good quality hardware (because the board will hold it forever – you want hinges and channels that last too!). The professionals in this case adjusted to that easily.

·       The finished look of an HDHMR kitchen can be whatever you want – in this case, a high-gloss painted finish was achieved just as beautifully as it would be on MDF, but with the sub-surface strength of HDHMR. This case dispels any notion that using HDHMR limits design – you can laminate it, paint it, rout designs in it, all with great results.

The Raos’ kitchen makeover in Bangalore is a testament to how choosing the right material can solve longstanding problems and elevate the space’s functionality. HDHMR board turned out to be the hero of this renovation, delivering a kitchen that’s not just aesthetically pleasing but built to withstand the challenges of everyday use in a humid climate.

Disclaimer: This article is generated using AI-assisted research and is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, readers are advised to verify all technical, pricing, and brand-specific details with official sources. hdhmr.in is not liable for any decisions made based on this content.

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