When you go to a modular kitchen showroom you will probably have plenty of material options to choose from. But when you go to small time modular kitchen dealers, you have fewer materials to choose from.

Generally, you can choose from rubber wood, marine ply, teak wood and MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) with laminate for shutters. Marine ply would be the best option as it is waterproof for the most part and easy to maintain.

For kitchen counters, granite is the best option keeping in mind our Indian style of cooking, which involves food colouring and gas stove preparations. However, if you are getting kitchen counters too from modular kitchen dealers you might land up spending more than if you bought the granite from the suppliers directly. But then again, you will have an all inclusive cost for installation.

Click here to find out why Granite Counters are the best option.

The Inside Stuff...

Did you know that steel pullouts, trays and racks are sold by weight? Yes, they cost approximately Rs.200 per kilo if you buy them from the suppliers in wholesale markets directly. So stay clear of the showrooms because you might land up paying a bomb.

On an average a steel pullout weighs anywhere from 3 to 4 kgs. If you require about 10 pullouts the total weight would be 40 kgs. So you can expect to pay about Rs.8000 to Rs.10000 for your modular accessories.

Here's how you can Plan Kitchen Storage the Modular Way!

But just because you are getting them cheap don't use only steel pullouts in your cabinets. You could have a few glass shuttered cabinets with glass shelves to display fancy crockery. Glass shelves are cheaper and modular too.

You could also go with thin ply shelves that are fitted with sliding channels so you can access stuff at the back of the cabinet.

(With inputs from M.S. Babu, Kitchen Corner)