Old-style kitchens were built with cement worktops and tiled surfaces not because it was the best approach, but because the alternatives didn’t yet exist. The renovation industry has moved on considerably since then — high-performance waterproof board materials have been available for years, available in hundreds of colours and finishes, and producing results that look better and last longer than their cement predecessors. If you’re still wondering whether to do cement or not, this article settles the question.

Why Cement Countertops Were Once Standard

The prevalence of cement kitchen worktops in older Malaysian homes isn’t hard to understand in context. Before modern waterproof composite boards became widely available, cement was the most practical on-site waterproofing solution. It was strong, familiar to tradesmen, and it held up reasonably well.

The downsides, however, are substantial. Cement work is messy and slow — the site is dirty throughout the process, and the surface then needs tiling, which adds another layer of complexity. Over time, tile grout lines turn dark and trap grime; no amount of cleaning fully restores them. More seriously, the cement beneath can develop hollow spots with age, and when tiles crack or pop, the repair work is extensive and expensive.

What Modern Waterproof Board Materials Offer

The materials available today are comprehensively better in every dimension that matters:

True waterproofing: Professional-grade waterproof boards used for kitchen cabinetry are engineered to withstand the persistent humidity of a working kitchen without swelling, warping, or developing mould.
Vast colour and style range: From creamy neutrals and Scandinavian minimalism to industrial and contemporary looks — with over a thousand colour options, your kitchen can look exactly the way you want it to.
Seamless surfaces: Paired with a solid stone or engineered stone worktop in a single piece, there are no grout lines to turn black, no seams to harbour bacteria — just a clean, wipeable surface.
Factory fabrication, fast installation: The majority of production work happens in the workshop. On-site installation is quick and clean, without the mess and drying time that cement requires.

The result is cabinetry that looks indistinguishable from standard wooden joinery but with dramatically superior moisture resistance — precisely what a kitchen demands.

Cabinet Craftsmanship: What You Can’t See Matters Most

Price comparison is a starting point, but craftsmanship determines how long a cabinet actually lasts and how good it continues to look. We’ve seen completed installations where the carcass isn’t level — viewed from the side, the unit bows slightly, like a wave. We’ve seen door panels where the gaps are inconsistent — wider at the top, narrower at the bottom, or vice versa. These are signs of poor workmanship that aren’t always obvious at first glance but become more apparent over time.

The markers of genuinely good cabinet work:

Level and plumb throughout: Every wall cabinet and base unit should sit flat, with surfaces that are true and consistent — no bowing, no twist.
Uniform door gaps: The reveal between adjacent door panels should be consistent — typically 2–3 mm — and the same from top to bottom of each panel.
Clean finish where cabinet meets wall: The junction between cabinet and wall, ceiling, or floor should be neatly sealed without visible gaps or rough edges.

If possible, visit a contractor’s active worksite or a completed project before committing. Seeing the actual work firsthand tells you far more than comparing quotation sheets.

The Cabinet Plinth: Should You Always Do It?

A frequently asked question in kitchen cabinet planning is whether the base units should be built on a cement plinth (kickboard foundation). The short answer is: yes, if at all possible. There are two good reasons:

Water protection: Kitchen floors get wet regularly — from cooking, cleaning, and the occasional spill. A cement plinth keeps the bottom edge of the cabinet clear of floor water, significantly extending the cabinet’s lifespan.
Levelling a sloped floor: Kitchen floors are typically laid with a slight gradient towards the floor drain. Installing cabinets directly on a sloped surface results in unstable, potentially crooked units. A cement plinth allows the floor to be levelled properly before installation, giving you a solid, stable base.

The recommended dimensions for the plinth:

Height: 50 mm (approximately 2 inches)
Depth: 530 mm (flush with the cabinet body)

Too shallow and the plinth becomes difficult to clean properly — grime accumulates in the gap. Too deep and you’ll see the exposed edge of tiles sticking out beneath the cabinet, which looks unfinished. These aren’t arbitrary numbers — they come from decades of on-site experience.

How Long Does Custom Cabinet Production Take?

Many homeowners underestimate the time required for custom cabinetry. Once the design drawings are confirmed and materials are ready, fabrication from cutting to finishing typically takes 2–3 days in the workshop; more complex designs or larger kitchens may take longer. On-site installation then takes a further 1–2 days, depending on site conditions. Total lead time from design confirmation to complete installation is typically around one week.

This is longer than ordering a ready-made kitchen, but the difference is fundamental: every dimension is calibrated to your kitchen, every panel is checked, and every detail meets your specified standard. The pace is deliberate. Precision in handcraft is worth the wait.

Conclusion: Modern Kitchens Deserve Modern Materials

Cement countertops had their moment — it was a practical response to the materials available at the time. Today, waterproof board materials are superior in performance, appearance, and ease of maintenance, and there is no longer a compelling reason to default to cement. When planning your kitchen renovation, focus on material quality, cabinet craftsmanship, proper floor protection, and realistic lead times. Get those right, and your kitchen will serve you well for many years.