Complete Kitchen Guide 2026: Aluminum Types, Marble, How to Spot Fraud, and Calculate the Meter Yourself

Introduction: The Kitchen Is the Heart of the Home... and Choosing It Right Requires Knowledge

The kitchen is not just a place for cooking — it is the heart of the home and its vital center. In Saudi Arabia especially, the kitchen holds a special place in family life and in the construction and finishing budget. Unfortunately, the kitchen sector is one of the most prone to fraud and specification manipulation, and many people pay large sums of money and receive quality far below what they deserve.

We wrote this guide so you can be armed with knowledge before entering any kitchen showroom. You will know what to ask, what they try to hide, and how to calculate the true price of your kitchen before signing any contract. Here, knowledge is worth thousands of riyals.

First: What Is an Aluminum Kitchen (Alumetal)?

An aluminum kitchen, known as Alumetal, is a kitchen whose frames and structures are made of aluminum metal instead of wood. Aluminum is a lightweight yet strong metal, naturally resistant to rust, moisture, and heat, making it ideal for the harsh kitchen environment.

However, the fundamental truth most people don't know: the outer frame of the kitchen is aluminum in all types. What differs is the type of inner filling of the doors, facades, and shelves — and this is the real difference between types and what determines quality and price.

Advantages of Aluminum Kitchens

Water and moisture resistance: Unlike wood that swells and deteriorates with humidity, aluminum is unaffected by steam and high moisture inside kitchens. Fire resistance: Aluminum does not ignite unlike wooden kitchens, making it safer for families. Easy cleaning: Its smooth surface does not trap dirt and grease, and can be wiped with a damp cloth. Long lifespan: A well-specified aluminum kitchen lasts 20 years or more without problems. Portability: It can be disassembled and reinstalled if you move to a new home, unlike wood.

Disadvantages of Aluminum Kitchens

Metallic sound: Some aluminum doors make noise when closing, but this is solved with soft-close hinges. Not suitable for classic designs: Aluminum suits modern and contemporary styles. If you want a traditional classic kitchen, wood is better. Scratch sensitivity: Some types scratch easily, especially glossy acrylic.

Second: Aluminum Kitchen Types in Detail

There are 4 main types of aluminum kitchens, each differing in the type of inner filling for facades and doors:

1. Cladding — The Strongest and Most Durable

Cladding consists of composite panels made of 3 bonded layers: an outer layer of high-quality solid aluminum, a middle layer of polyethylene or PVC insulating fill, and an inner aluminum layer completing the structure. This triple composition gives cladding exceptional properties: excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, superior fire resistance surpassing other aluminum types, and high rigidity and strength with lightweight. Cladding is used in luxury restaurants, hotels, and professional kitchens. It is priced higher but worth it in the long run.

2. Khashmonium — The Most Popular and In-Demand

The name suggests a wood-aluminum hybrid, but the truth is it's entirely aluminum. What distinguishes it is that its facades are printed with patterns and colors that closely resemble wood, giving you the warm elegant wood appearance with aluminum durability and resistance. It features greater thickness compared to other types, which gives you that feeling of weight and quality when touched. Khashmonium is the best-selling in the Saudi market because it provides the optimal balance between beauty, durability, and price.

3. Fiber Glass — The Traditional Economical Type

Fiber glass is the most traditional filling in aluminum kitchens. It's a flexible, lightweight material that withstands heat and cold. Its glossy surface is easy to clean and gives a clean appearance. Its price is lower than khashmonium and cladding, making it the economical choice. Available in multiple attractive colors. Fiber glass comes in multiple quality grades: Egyptian, Saudi, Jordanian, Chinese, and Indian. Egyptian fiber glass is considered the best in terms of flexibility, durability, and technical quality standards.

4. Acrylic — The Most Expensive, Most Beautiful, but Most Sensitive

Acrylic is the most expensive type of aluminum kitchen. It features an intense mirror-like shine that gives the kitchen a luxurious dazzling appearance. Resistant to moisture, heat, and flames. It reflects light beautifully, visually expanding the space. However, it has one major flaw: it scratches very easily, and scratches show clearly on its glossy surface. For this reason, it's best used in areas less exposed to friction. Also, acrylic cabinet bodies are made of wood because the material is transparent and glass-like, so if the wood used is low quality, you'll suffer from moisture and insects later.

Third: Aluminum Thickness and Hidden Specifications

One of the biggest fraud areas in the kitchen market: aluminum thickness. This simple number makes an enormous difference in quality and kitchen lifespan.

Thicknesses Available in the Market

0.8mm: Very thin, poor quality aluminum. Deforms easily and cannot withstand daily use. Never accept it. 1mm: Acceptable for light use but not recommended for main kitchens. 1.2mm: The minimum acceptable for kitchens. 1.5mm: Good for regular kitchens. 2mm (Double): This is the correct standard for a home kitchen. When a seller says "double" they mean 2mm. 2.5mm and above: Excellent, designated for commercial kitchens and restaurants.

The Golden Rule in Aluminum

Before signing any contract, require that aluminum thickness be written explicitly in the contract. An honest seller writes it without hesitation. A seller who stalls or says "it doesn't matter" means they plan to cheat on this point. Good quality is written clearly in the contract.

Fourth: Kitchen Marble — Natural or Artificial?

The counter (work surface above lower kitchen cabinets) is one of the most commonly defrauded kitchen elements. Most kitchens use artificial marble, not natural — and this isn't necessarily a flaw, but the problem lies in the type of artificial marble used.

Types of Artificial Marble in Kitchens

American Full-Cast Artificial Marble: The best in the artificial marble category. Made by full casting at 1.5cm thickness from high-quality materials. Very durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and its surface is consistent from top to bottom. If it gets damaged or repaired, the inner powder is the same color so no difference shows. Chinese Veneer Artificial Marble: This is the most deceptive in the market. It consists of a thin outer layer of beautiful material covering a core of different-colored poor material. When this veneer gets scratched, white powder appears underneath and the color changes horribly. The customer doesn't find out until months of use. Natural Marble in Kitchens: Rarely used in regular kitchens because natural marble is sensitive to acids and juices spilled daily. If you want it, choose less porous types like Emperador and treat them with strong sealers.

How to Detect Marble Type

Ask the seller directly: Is the marble full-cast or veneer? If they hesitate or dodge, it's veneer. Request to see the cut surface on the side or back: full-cast has a uniform color on all sides. Veneer will show two layers in two different colors. Compare weights: full-cast is heavier. Require writing "full-cast American" in the kitchen contract explicitly and clearly.

Fifth: Hinges and Slides — The Hidden Secret in Kitchen Quality

Hinges and slides are the soul of a kitchen. A kitchen with excellent aluminum but poor hinges will annoy you daily and break down within a few years. This is one of the most hidden fraud areas because most people don't pay attention to them.

Approved Hinge Brands

BLUM German: Considered the global gold standard for hinges. Features soft-close technology that makes doors close quietly and automatically without noise. Warranty reaches 10 years or more. If you see the BLUM stamp on a hinge, you're looking at real quality. Hafele German: Strong competitor to BLUM, excellent quality approved in major projects. Grass Austrian: High quality used in European luxury kitchens. Unknown Chinese Hinges: The cheapest and most common in low-price kitchens. They fail in 2-3 years and start popping doors off and making annoying sounds.

Drawer Slides

The same principle applies to drawer slides. A good slide handles high weight and opens and closes smoothly for years. Require slides from recognized brands like BLUM or Hafele for heavy drawers, especially pot and pan drawers.

Handles (Maskat)

Handles seem like a small detail but they affect the kitchen's appearance and function. Original aluminum or stainless steel handles last long. Cheap Chinese handles change color, rust, and break within a few years. You can specify your handles separately and buy them elsewhere if you don't trust the seller.

Sixth: Kitchen Fraud — The Complete Guide

The kitchen sector is one of the most fraudulent in the Saudi market, because a kitchen consists of dozens of components where each one can be faked. Here are all types of fraud you need to know:

Aluminum Fraud

Reducing aluminum thickness without telling you — agreeing on 2mm but installing 1mm or less. Cheap aluminum repainted to look new. Using aluminum not from certified manufacturers. Solution: Require writing exact thickness in the contract, and request supplier certification.

Marble Fraud

Installing veneer marble instead of full-cast as agreed. Falsifying country of origin (Chinese marble sold as American). Reducing marble thickness below what was agreed. Solution: Request to see the marble before installation and verify its internal consistency. Require specifying type, source, and thickness in the contract.

Hinge Fraud

Inserting unknown Chinese hinges instead of agreed BLUM or Hafele. Installing fewer hinges than required. Solution: Request to see the brand stamp on every hinge before packaging.

Internal Shelf Fraud

Using shelves too thin to bear weight that bend and warp. Shelves from unknown materials that can't handle the load. Solution: Require fiber glass shelves at minimum 4mm thickness.

Measurement Manipulation Fraud

Executing the kitchen in smaller dimensions than agreed. Adding fictitious spaces to inflate the total price. Solution: Measure everything yourself after installation and compare with contract dimensions.

Formica Back Panel Fraud

Formica is the back panel of the cabinet. The correct specification is Syrian Formica 3mm thickness. Some install Chinese or very thin Formica. Solution: Mention it explicitly in the contract.

Seventh: How to Calculate Your Kitchen Meter Yourself

This is the most important question. Many people overpay because they don't know how to calculate kitchen meters. There are 3 different methods for calculating kitchen area and sellers choose the one most convenient for them — not for you.

Method One: Linear Meter

The simplest and most commonly used method in aluminum kitchens. Only horizontal lengths of cabinets are measured, regardless of height. Example: kitchen with 4m lower + 4m upper = 8 linear meters. If the price per meter is 800 SAR, total = 6,400 SAR. Disadvantage: Doesn't account for height, so if your kitchen has high ceilings you pay the same as a low-ceiling kitchen. But it's the fastest and simplest to calculate.

Method Two: Square Meter

Calculates length multiplied by height for each piece. Standard lower cabinet height: 90cm (0.9m). Standard upper cabinet height: 70cm (0.7m). Practical example: lower cabinet 4m length × 0.9m height = 3.6 sq meters. Upper cabinet 4m length × 0.7m height = 2.8 sq meters. Total = 6.4 sq meters. At 1,200 SAR per sq meter = 7,680 SAR. This method is fairer because it calculates the actual material area used.

Method Three: By Units

Each cabinet or drawer has a pre-determined price based on its type and dimensions. Lower cabinet = X SAR. Upper cabinet = Y SAR. Drawer unit = Z SAR. And so on for each unit. This is the most transparent method for the customer because they know exactly what they're paying for each item.

Corners and Special Areas

Note: Corners are always calculated at a 1.5x or 2x multiplier of the regular meter price, because corners require more complex manufacturing. Drawer units are sometimes calculated at 1.5x. Ask clearly: how do they calculate corners and drawers before signing the contract.

Comprehensive Practical Example

Three-sided kitchen with these dimensions: Side one: 4.5m. Side two: 4.5m. Side three: 3.5m. Two corners. By linear meter: (4.5 + 4.5 + 3.5) × 2 sides (upper and lower) = 25 linear meters. Corners: 2 corners × 0.5m additional = +1m. Total = 26 linear meters. At 900 SAR per meter = 23,400 SAR before marble and installation.

Eighth: Aluminum Kitchen Prices in Saudi Arabia 2026

Prices in the Saudi market vary enormously based on type, quality, and company. Here are realistic price ranges:

By Aluminum Type (Price Per Linear Meter)

Regular Fiber Glass: 550 to 700 SAR per linear meter. Khashmonium: 700 to 950 SAR per linear meter. Cladding: 900 to 1,200 SAR per linear meter. Acrylic: 1,000 to 1,500 SAR per linear meter. These prices are per linear meter including both upper and lower sections and may not include marble and installation.

Additional Costs to Calculate

Good American artificial marble: 200 to 400 SAR additional per linear meter. Installation: 10 to 15% of total price. Accessories (round basket, dish rack, extractor fan): Calculated separately. Internal cabinet lighting: Additional upon request.

Realistic Kitchen Budget Example

Khashmonium kitchen 20 linear meters: 20 × 850 = 17,000 SAR. American marble 6 linear meters: 6 × 300 = 1,800 SAR. Installation 15%: 2,820 SAR. Basic accessories: 3,000 SAR. Approximate total: around 24,620 SAR. A kitchen at this amount with good specifications is a reasonable investment that lasts 15+ years.

Ninth: Saudi Aluminum vs. Imported

A question many ask: Is Saudi aluminum good or should it be imported?

Saudi Aluminum

The Kingdom produces high-quality aluminum through Ma'aden company and other partners. Saudi aluminum is perfectly suitable for kitchen use and has proven its efficiency. Many local kitchen factories use it with good specifications. An added benefit: supporting local products under Vision 2030.

Italian Aluminum

Considered among the finest aluminum types used in kitchens globally. Cavezzo Italian company is among the most famous suppliers for high-quality kitchen factories. Its price is higher but its warranty and manufacturing standards are exceptional. If you find a kitchen using Italian aluminum with the company name written in the contract, you're looking at genuine quality.

Chinese Aluminum

Available in widely varying qualities from excellent to very poor. The problem is distinguishing good from bad requires experience. Common in the economical market. If budget is limited, choose a trusted manufacturer who uses known-specification quality Chinese aluminum.

Tenth: Professional Kitchen Specification Checklist — Carry It With You

Before going to any kitchen showroom, memorize or write these specifications in your phone and demand them:

Aluminum Specifications

Thickness: Minimum 2mm double. Paint type: Thermal or powder to prevent peeling. Frame: Reinforced frames inside and out.

Internal Shelf Specifications

Fiber glass at minimum 4mm thickness. Capable of bearing the weight of dishes and pots without bending.

Hinge Specifications

BLUM, Hafele, or equivalent certified brands. Soft-close technology mandatory. Number of hinges: Door up to 50cm needs 2 hinges, over 50cm needs 3 hinges.

Slide Specifications

Slides from certified brands capable of handling minimum 40kg. Soft-close for heavy drawers.

Marble Specifications

Full-cast American at minimum 1.5cm thickness. Absolutely no veneer.

Back Formica Specifications

Syrian Formica at 3mm thickness. No thin Chinese Formica.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchens

Is aluminum kitchen better than wood?

Depends on use and taste. Aluminum is better in moisture and fire resistance, ease of maintenance, and lifespan. Wood is more beautiful for classic designs and visually warmer. For Saudi climate and intensive daily use, aluminum is the smarter choice.

Why does the price per meter differ so much between sellers?

Because each seller may cheat on one or more specification items. A 400 SAR/meter kitchen differs from a 1,000 SAR/meter kitchen in aluminum thickness, hinge type, and marble type. Very cheap prices always have a cost you pay later.

Can the kitchen be moved when relocating?

Yes, aluminum kitchens can be disassembled and reinstalled. This is a major advantage for renters. But ensure the manufacturer grants you this right in the contract.

What is the lifespan of a good kitchen?

An aluminum kitchen with correct specifications lasts 15 to 25 years. Hinges may need adjustment after 7-10 years. Good marble lasts 20+ years if properly treated.

How do I choose the right company?

Request previously executed projects and visit one. Verify the written warranty and its duration. Insist on a detailed contract specifying all specifications by numbers. Avoid those offering prices significantly below market without clear justification.

Should I sign a contract?

Yes, absolutely. A detailed contract is your legal protection. It must mention: aluminum type and thickness, marble type, source, and thickness, hinge and slide brands, shelf specifications, execution duration, and warranty period. Never sign a vague contract that only says "aluminum kitchen."

Conclusion

The kitchen is a long-term investment in your family's comfort and health. The money you save today by compromising on specifications may cost you multiples later in repairs or early replacement. The difference between a good and poor kitchen isn't always in the price paid, but in your knowledge of what you're asking for.

Take this guide with you, ask the right questions, require the right specifications in your contract, and you'll get a kitchen worth every riyal you paid. Share this article with everyone planning to install a new kitchen — knowledge is every consumer's right.