Thermofoil cabinets are a unique type of cabinetry made using a vinyl that is heated and pressurized onto an MDF core. Usually only used for cabinet doors and drawer fronts, Thermofoil cabinets come in many colors, styles, and finishes — even made in textures that resemble solid wood.
Durability-wise, thermofoil stands up to daily use and general wear and tear better than a painted cabinet. The finish holds up strongly against regular household damage such as water spills or light hand scratches due to its plastic coating.
Absolutely. While it may be unfortunate that your thermofoil cabinet doors are peeling, in most scenarios the cabinet boxes are untouched and last much longer. Our Re-Door service provides customers the opportunity to replace their thermofoil cabinet doors with wood doors.
Laminate refers to any type of material used in the laminating process, whereas thermofoil constitutes a very specific type of PVC vinyl coating. Thermofoil comprises just one of the numerous laminates used in and around the home.
Lifespan: Thermofoil kitchen cabinets remain in pristine condition for around ten years if it is properly maintained. For the average cabinet, this lifespan is relatively short, but if you're looking for something trendy that you're willing to replace or upgrade in a few years, then Thermofoil is the perfect option.
“You can paint over thermofoil, provided it isn't peeling. First, ask your local paint store for the correct primer, then apply the finish paint you wish to use. Most of the time, semi-gloss sheen is used on [thermofoil] cabinets.”
Thermofoil vs.
Melamine and Laminate cabinets are often confused with Thermofoil, but they are not the same material. Melamine and Laminate are made of melamine plastic, Thermafoil is vinyl. You can tell them apart by the following: Thermafoil is thicker, softer feeling, peels off more easily, and is more flexible.
Care and Cleaning for Thermofoil (Matte and Wood Grain)
To clean stains, always use a damp cloth or nonabrasive sponge and wipe with a 50/50 mix of water and Simple Green®, scrubbing lightly for 10 to 20 strokes. This should remove most stains.
With just a few simple tools and materials, you can repair thermofoil cabinets. As long as the MDF core is in good condition, you have an adequate surface to stick the thermofoil.
Thermofoil fronts are a lot more stable to MDF being used as the core; however, because of the nature of how they are made, they can be susceptible to heat. Extended exposure to a heat source will result in the plastic material peeling away from the core and discoloring.
Thermofoil cabinets are made by heat-shrinking a vinyl coating onto the surface of compressed, medium-density fiberboard. Because the manufacturers are not footing the bill to mill real, solid wood, they can offer customers an inexpensive option for new or replacement cabinetry.
Thermofoil cabinets are less expensive than others made from real solid wood. Homeowners report paying roughly $300 to $350 per linear foot, but prices vary depending on the manufacturer and quality.
Thermofoil does have some drawbacks. Firstly, thermofoil doors and drawers are not entirely waterproof. If the laminate coating is damaged, and water seeps into the core, the cabinet can be irrevocably damaged.
Why You Should Choose Melamine or Thermofoil
Selecting Semihandmade textured melamine or thermofoil cabinet fronts is not only a sensible choice, it's a better one. The materials are easy to clean and low maintenance, so they're a great option for families with children.
MDF Kitchen Cabinet Doors
MDF, or Medium Density Fiberboard, like plywood, is a manufactured wood product that combines wood fibers with resin. While plywood uses thin layers of wood sandwiched together with pressure and glue, MDF uses compressed wood fibers and glue.
Keeping your white cabinets white
Keep white cabinets out of direct sunlight to prevent them from turning yellow. To make a kitchen feel warm and inviting and useful you need plenty of sunlight and a functional space to cook.
All-white cabinets and countertops have a tendency to turn yellow over time when exposed to high amounts of direct sunlight. If not properly protected, the jaundice-like effect can cause major regret after only a few years.
Heat shields, which are essentially metal strips, between the cabinets and the heat source, can be installed to help protect the cabinets against the heat. Appliances – when using appliances that give off heat, like toaster ovens, crock pots and deep fryers, do not place then under your thermofoil kitchen cabinets.
Arguably the most durable material for kitchen cabinets, hardwood is solid wood. Some hardwood types, such as hickory or maple, will resist scratching and denting more than softwood species like walnut and mahogany. However, the former will cost more due to durability and overall quality.
Of the three materials, Plywood is the best option for cheap kitchen cabinets. While you can still get nice MDF or particleboard cabinets, we would say to look for plywood. Our least expensive cabinets are plywood boxes with solid wood doors. They are quality construction for a cheap price.
If you pull out the drawer and look at the sides, you can often tell if there is a difference between the front and sides. Look closely at the differences and see if they are the same material or are different.
Give your kitchen a facelift with paint. Thermofoil cabinets are made from a laminate substance that is fused over the top of particle board. Thermofoil is made to be easy to clean, resistant to stains and difficult to damage.
Yes, you can paint a thermofoil cabinet. These cabinets are made from MDF wood (medium density fiberboard) or cheap particle board wood that is laminated with a thin layer of vinyl known as “thermofoil”. The overall aesthetic is similar to laminate cabinets.
Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Your cabinets may be scratched or cracked, or you may simply desire a change — much like replacing a perfectly good smartphone with the latest model.