Category: Cabinets

What Are Thermofoil Cabinet Doors?

Thermofoil cabinet doors have become popular choices for modern kitchens, due to their sleek appearance, durability, and affordable pricing. However, do homeowners understand what Thermofoil truly is, its benefits, downsides, and maintenance requirements? Then let’s find out.

Thermofoil cabinet doors fall under the category of vinyl wrapped doors. They are composed of a durable vinyl film that is applied to medium-density fiberboard using heat and pressure. The result is a cabinet door with a smooth and sleek appearance that is also resistant to moisture, making them particularly suitable for high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Here are some of the Advantages of Thermofoil Cabinet Doors

  • Durability. These doors are highly resistant to chipping, peeling and cracking, ensuring they maintain their pristine look for long periods. They do not chip or break easily, making them ideal for homes with children or pets.
  • Low Maintenance. Perhaps one of the biggest pulls of Thermofoil cabinet doors is their ease of maintenance. It requires regular cleaning and occasional refinishing, and a simple wipe with a damp cloth can keep them looking new.
  • Cost-effective. Compared to solid wood, thermofoil doors is a cheaper alternative, making it an attractive option for homeowners looking to save on their kitchen remodeling project.
  • Variety. Thermofoil is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including realistic wood finishes, allowing homeowners to customize their kitchen’s aesthetic.
  • Aesthetically Pleasing. Thermofoil doors offer a seamless, modern look and can come in a variety of colors and finishes, including faux wood grain textures for a more traditional appeal. It is applicable for people who loves modern and traditional touch of kitchen styles.

Caring Points you need to Consider for your thermofoil cabinets:

  • Largely, maintaining Thermofoil cabinet doors involves routine cleaning with a mild detergent and avoiding excessive heat exposure. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they could potentially damage the finish.
  • It’s also a good practice to install a heat shield if these cabinets are situated near ovens or stovetops, to protect them from heat damage. It can be installed with heat but can also be damaged by it, so make sure that it is protected from heat generating materials.

Thermofoil cabinet doors offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for those seeking a cost-effective and low-maintenance choice for their kitchen cabinetry. Despite certain disadvantages, with proper care and thoughtful planning, these doors can be a valuable addition to a stylish, hassle-free kitchen.

The Most Popular Styles of Kitchen Cabinets You Need to Know

Styled with different cabinets, sides, tables and chairs, the kitchen area became one of the most essential parts of home. Since then, different styles set trends have been popular and may have developed. Here are some of the most popular kitchen cabinet styles available:

  1. Shaker Style. The versatile and timeless design of Shaker style cabinets made them incredibly popular. Shaker cabinets are styled with clean lines and flat-panel designs which are good for both traditional and modern style kitchens.
  2. Flat Front or Slab Style. Also known as Euro-style cabinets, this design features ornaments with a single board door without frame cabinets. Suitable for contemporary and modern kitchen style.
  3. Rustic Style. If you are into farm-house design, then this style is suitable for you as it features distressed finishes with the use of natural materials. This style often uses reclaimed wood. It may or may not have opened shelves or glass doors.
  4. Traditional/Classic Style. One of the most popular and has been used style of cabinets, traditional features ornate-details with decorative elements. This style uses both dark and light painted colors. 
  5. Open Shelving. Opposite with the Traditional style, open shelving features open style, creating more space and airy feel in the kitchen. It doesn’t incorporate doors on the cabinets but can alternate glass panels as doors.
  6. Inset Cabinets. This kitchen cabinet style has doors and drawers that are already intact with the cabinet frame. This style requires precise craftmanship. Good for both traditional and classic look.
  7. Antiqued Cabinets. Styles of cabinets that are commonly used for worn-out fictional themed houses. Its style features worn or aged appearance that adds character to the kitchen. Good for houses that have a vintage style.
  8. Modern Style. Another popular style for cabinets nowadays. Modern Style often uses black, gray, and white colors for a clean and sharp look. This type of style is suitable for houses that have a modern design. The often materials used for this type of styles are ceramic, polyethylene and textured melamine.

Here are some of the most popular kitchen cabinets style that you may choose from. If you are wondering what type of style to choose, make sure to check the accessibility and relevance of each style on your home ambiance. It is also worth noting that kitchen cabinet styles may differ from place to place and may be based on personal tastes. It is also advisable to check current trends or consult a design professional.

Can’t Afford New Kitchen Cabinets? Reface Them Instead

Many homeowners experience a massive amount of material worn out on their households, particularly on kitchen their area. Getting a new fitted cabinet is something many households want, but the expense of materials can make it difficult for some to replace. However, there is an alternate way to afford a new kitchen cabinet.

Kitchen refacing is the alternate solution for households that cannot afford to buy new kitchen cabinets. In cabinet refacing, you replace the surfaces of your kitchen cabinets, including doors, panels, drawers, and other parts that require attention.

Here are some of the benefits you may get when you choose cabinet kitchen refacing instead of replacing:

  • Your Chosen Layout Will Stay the Same. Refacing your kitchen cabinets will retain its existing layout. This is extremely useful and can save more time. It will retain the same look of your kitchen but will update the material to make it look new.
  • There are Number of Style Options. Refacing your kitchen cabinets will also give you an option to change its style, from its color, style and finish. You may use different types of finishes available from your chosen consultant, which makes it really for your kitchen to look unique and new again.
  • It Cost Less Than Half the Price. Choosing to preface your cabinet kitchen instead of replacing them will save you a lot of time and money. Thus, it gives the same quality when replacing it. You may use the excess amount for other necessities, like equipment and accessories.
  • It is much faster and cleaner. Choosing new colors and finish for refacing is quicker and cleaner than replacing cabinets. No need for detaching and installing new ones, which may also cost you a lot of time and money in the process.
  • Environment Friendly. Refacing your kitchen instead of rebuilding and replacing it with new ones is environment friendly. The old kitchen materials do not need to be replaced, that will save efficiency in the environment. No need to throw away wood, plastic, aluminum from your old kitchen cabinets.

If you are a homeowner that wishes to replace and change your worn-out kitchen cabinets but do not have a budget to do so, refacing is a good option to choose. Aside from the materials you will save, it will also save you time to rethink what other type of material to use and layout to install. Kitchen cabinet refacing is an excellent choice to give your kitchen home an affordable update.

Give Your Kitchen a New Look Simply by Replacing the Cabinet Doors

Cabinet doors can decay fast, which also affects not only the look but also the materials attached to them. Due to this change, they affect the look of your kitchen as well. Do you wish to give your kitchen a new look by replacing your cabinet doors but do not know how to do it?

Here are some of the effective ways to give your kitchen a new look by simply replacing the cabinet doors:

Apply New Paint. If you want to give your kitchen a new look, replace its cabinet door’s color. Most of the time we spend more by replacing kitchen doors, but the alternative way and to save money is by re-painting it. Choose from various types of colors that suit your kitchen style, then apply your chosen finish.

Replace your Cabinet Door with Different Styles. There are different styles of kitchen cabinet doors available to choose from that will make your kitchen cabinets look new. Replace your cabinet doors and apply a new style. Here are some styles popular for kitchen cabinet doors:

  • Raised Panel Forms. This has been by far one of the most popular styles of cabinet doors. It offers the most detail in profile that offers a versatile look that compliment both traditional and transitional style.
  • Recessed Panned Doors. This style is a sleeker and cleaner profile that both works well with traditional and contemporary style. This style will give a vast change to the look of your kitchen.
  • Slab Doors. If you want to save money, slab type doors are the one to choose. Slab type doors do not have a face frame and are directly attached to the cabinet side, making them suitable for contemporary and modern styles.
  • Mullion Frame Doors. This style has a vertical or horizontal bars that divide the open-door frame into sections and each panel is routed to use glass panel or wood depending on your choice. This type of style is a decorative accent for a kitchen, which is suitable for a traditional style.
  • Open Frame Doors. This type of door is similar to mullion but only has one open panel that is routed to use tempered or safe glass. Open frame doors can be used as a decorative accent for cabinet doors which is suitable for modern style.

Replacing your kitchen cabinet doors will enable you to enhance the look of your kitchen. You can choose from painting or replacing it with a new style for a greater look. The design may vary depending on your personal taste and what suitable for your kitchen style.

What Kitchen Cabinet Materials Last the Longest?

Choosing the right material for your kitchen cabinets is critical because it affects their lifespan as well as their aesthetics. It is critical to consider materials that can withstand wear and tear, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, especially in busy households with heavy kitchen use.

Here are some of the popular and used cabinet materials that last the longest:

  • Hardwood. A popular choice for most homeowners because of its durability and natural look. Cabinets made from hardwoods like oak, cherry, maple, and hickory are known to last for many years while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
  • Plywood. Cabinets made of plywood are generally strong due to their layered construction. Plywood is frequently chosen for its durability and moisture resistance, making it ideal for areas prone to spills and humidity, such as the kitchen.
  • Medium-Density Fiberboard. This product is a residual of plywood and hardwood. It’s an affordable choice that offers durability. However, it’s worth noting that when compared to hardwood and plywood, medium-density fiberboard may not last as long.
  • Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is thought to be one of the most resilient and long-lasting materials for kitchen cabinets because it can withstand heat and moisture. Despite being more expensive than wood cabinets, their modern appearance and durability make them a worthwhile investment.
  • Thermofoil. This material is an alternative to traditional painting or staining applied to cabinets by heat and pressure. Thermofoil is available in a variety of finishes, including textures that mimic wood grain, as well as solid colors. It is quite durable but requires regular cleaning and occasional refinishing.
  • Melamine. It is used in various industries, including the production of plastics, building materials, and even in food additives and medicine. Melamine is durable and resistant to stains thus serves various applications, from building materials to dishware, but safety considerations are essential, particularly in relation to heating and storing food in melamine-based products.

Remember that the quality of construction, installation, and maintenance all play important roles in determining the longevity of any cabinet. High-quality kitchen cabinets can last up to 50 years, or even longer, if properly maintained.

Therefore, the material you select for your kitchen cabinets is an important decision that affects aesthetics, function, and lifespan. As a result, you should strike a careful balance between quality, durability, maintenance needs, and budget. There are other types of woods available to choose from that fits the style of your kitchen design, but considering the longevity of the wood used is the basic fundamental of every kitchen design and cabinet materials used.