Posted on 22nd Feb 2019
So, you’ve been looking into updating the look of your cabinets. During your research, you have come across something called “thermofoil” cabinet doors and you are interested to know more about them.
You’ve come to the right place
Some questions you may be asking yourself are:
We have put together a quick list that should help answer those questions and more. So, here are the facts.
Despite it’s rather deceptive looking name, thermofoil is not made of foil or any other metal for that matter. It is actually a layer of vinyl that is applied to cabinet doors that are made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
The thermofoil laminate tends to resist stains, so cleaning them is very easy and is quite often possible with nothing more than a damp towel.
Because of the process used to make thermofoil cabinet doors, you can find them with many different colors and wood grain patterns. It is easy to find one that will match any décor.
Thermofoil cabinet doors are more moisture resistant than plain mdf and wood, but they are not entirely moisture proof. If the laminate is damaged, moisture can get in and damage the material underneath badly.
This type of cabinet door looks beautiful when installed in your kitchen, however if you place them too close to a heat source (such as your oven), the heat can cause the laminate to peel. This problem can be mitigated using heat shields, but be aware that heat shields may not always be an effective solution either.
Because you will not have to paint or stain these doors, you will save time and money, making thermofoil doors a great option for those who are budget focused.
Like anything, thermofoil cabinet doors are not perfect. However, if you are budget focused and are looking for something with a lot of options and low maintenance, thermofoil cabinet doors may just be perfect for you.