How long will thermofoil cabinets last?

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.

Can you thermofoil existing cabinet doors?

Yes, you can also apply thermofoil to your current kitchen cabinets. Homeowners do this all the time. Just talk to your general contractor about the process; however, if you’re cabinets are too old, you may be better off ordering new cabinets altogether.

What is the difference between thermofoil and laminate cabinets?

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.

Is MDF better than 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.

What is thermofoil cabinet refacing?

What is thermofoil? Thermofoil is a plastic material which is “thermoformed” to match the profile of an underlying engineered wood core, quite often a medium-density fiberboard. Thermofoil generally has a high-quality sheen and may incorporate metallic elements in its finish, which provides this extra shine.

Are thermofoil cabinets cheap?

Easy to clean and inexpensive to purchase, thermofoil cabinets have long been a staple of budget kitchen remodels, apartments, condos, and even workshops and hobby rooms.

How do you tell if cabinets are thermofoil?

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.

How do you fix peeling thermofoil cabinets?

Instructions

  1. Pull Back the Thermofoil Layer. Have a helper hold the peeling thermofoil away from the MDF.
  2. Scrape the Cement. Scrape away dried cement from the MDF core.
  3. Apply the Contact Cement.
  4. Wait to Press.
  5. Press Together and Secure.
  6. Clean Up.

Can thermofoil be replaced?

You can replace your thermofoil doors with wood doors that are painted or stained. Although painted and stained wood doors can still experience wear-and-tear, they can easily be refinished to remove cracks, dents, and scratches, without needing to be replaced.

What are thermolaminated kitchen doors?

Vinyl Wrapped doors (also known as thermolaminated doors) are made from a moisture resistant MDF board coated in a decorative surface (vinyl) that goes through a vacuum process to mould the vinyl onto the door.

How are thermofoil doors made?

Thermofoil is made by heat fusing a very thin layer of PVC (which is polyvinyl chloride) to the core material which may be plywood, particle board or medium density fiberboard (MDF). In other words, a thin layer of vinyl is applied by heat, pressure and adhesive to the cabinet doors, frames, shelves and/or drawers.

What are melamine kitchen doors?

Melamine is a durable, coated paper-based product applied to a composite core and can also be referred to as Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL). Melamine Doors and Drawer Fronts have a band around the edge to conceal and protect the composite core. Typically the core is made of MDF or Particleboard. The Composite Panels Association (CPA) describes TFL as made by fusing a resin-impregnated sheet of decor paper directly to a substrate.

What is a foil door?

Foils are photographic reproductions of timber, used in place of real wood veneers on MDF panels and available in a variety kitchen or bedroom cabinet doors, plinths, pilasters and cornices. Foil doors are normally constructed as “five piece” doors to imitate traditional timber doors.