Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets

Thermofoil kitchen cabinets are a particular cabinet option that delivers the look of painted cabinetry without leaving brush strokes, drips, or other evidence of a paint job. Thermofoil is made by using high heat to bond a thin layer of vinyl to a substrate material. This material is very popular for remodels because it can be used for refacing existing cabinetry, which can save homeowners a lot of money versus full tear out and replacement. It is an excellent option to look into to update the look of your kitchen if you are working with a limited financial budget but want to create a lasting look that's beautiful and low maintenance.

Bonding Thermofoil with Cabinet Materials

This particular material can be fused to virtually any cabinet material; low end products and solid hardwoods alike will bond to thermofoils, although solid wood generally holds it best. Many new cabinets are also available with this finish. Most of them are of the mid range variety in price and in durability. Engineered woods, MDF (medium density fiberboard) and particle board are all common substrates that cabinetmakers use for backing on thermofoil kitchen cabinets. When the products are manufactured right, you'll never see the substrates.

But buyers must beware of the potential performance issues. Engineered wood tends to outperform MDF and particle board in terms of how well it holds cabinet screws. Because of their soft composition, these materials can allow screw holes to widen and the cabinet to sag over time as its own weight and the weight of its contents puts pressure on the screws. For this reason, engineered wood or plywood is greatly preferred to MDF or particle board.

Advantages of Thermofoil Cabinets

Thermofoil kitchen cabinets hold many advantages for buyers. First of all, they are very inexpensively made, so they are very affordable to purchase. This can help keep down the price of a kitchen remodel and even allow for upgrades elsewhere within the confines of the overall budget. They are incredibly easy to clean. Soap and water usually wipe anything off very easily. Transparent washes are available that can give them an antique look, a really nice feature that can add a certain flair to your kitchen. And thermofoil kitchen cabinets also provide the same great look of a nice, clean paint job without the mess or the upkeep. They are a great option for many different reasons.

Disadvantages of Thermofoil Cabinets

But there are also some potential disadvantages to using thermofoil kitchen cabinets as well. As previously mentioned, there is sometimes an issue with sagging cabinetry over time, especially with MDF and particle board based products that are also prone to swelling and warping. With a single chip or scratch, the material can become susceptible to these issues; although in perfect condition thermofoil kitchen cabinets are extremely moisture resistant. Many owners report surface blistering or bubbling. It is important to research a product and make sure it is properly warranted. At any rate, extra care must be taken to avoid these problems, especially in models manufactured from MDF or particle board substrates.

Many different manufacturers of kitchen cabinets carry thermofoil cabinetry. It is possible to get a great product of this variety for a good price. Buyers just need to be aware of the potential pitfalls of this type of kitchen cabinets so that they know what to look out for when they are shopping different manufacturers to find the right product line. The quality of thermofoil kitchen cabinets can and does vary; so be very careful when selecting a product made from this material.