Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets

Costs
Durability
Maintenance
Manufacturers

Pictures
Popular Kitchen Remodeling Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers

References
Related Articles

Thermofoil cabinets provide the look of painted cabinetry without the brush strokes, drips, and imperfections that come along with paint. Made by heat-fusing a thin layer of vinyl onto a substrate material, thermofoil is an extremely popular choice for cabinet makeovers and reface projects. Here’s how to get started.

Costs

When it comes to refacing kitchen cabinets with thermofoil, you can expect to pay from $1,000-$3,000, depending on the size of the job and the materials used. Your costs certainly vary—get a couple price quotes from local cabinet contractors for more specific costs.

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Pros

Thermofoil cabinets are very affordable.

Incredibly easy to clean.

Thermofoil provides the bright and clean appeal of painted cabinets.

Cons

Many homeowners complain about blistering, bubbling, and peeling with their thermofoil cabinets.

Moisture seeping below the surface can cause swelling of the substrate, essentially destroying the cabinet.

Thermofoil requires extra care and attention to avoid damage.

Durability

In perfect condition, thermofoil cabinets can resist moisture and other types of damage very well. However, one dent, scratch, or penetrating scrape, and that area becomes exposed to further damage. Therefore, it’s essential to keep a careful eye on all thermofoil products.

Maintenance

While keeping thermofoil cabinets damage-free can be a bit of a problem, they are generally very easy to clean. Simply wipe the cabinets down with a soft damp cloth and cleaning solution of non-abrasive soap and water. Dry immediately to avoid moisture damage.

Common Questions and Answers

Where can I use thermofoil?

Thermofoil finishes can be fused onto just about any cabinet material, from lower-end cabinetry to solid hardwoods. Solid woods hold thermofoil especially well.

The most common cabinet materials for thermofoil are mid-range in both price and durability. These include particle board cabinets, medium density fiberboard (MDF) and other engineered woods.

Look out for the relative weakness of these materials when it comes to holding screws. MDF and particle board are prone to sagging if not supported properly, a consideration that must be taken seriously when refacing cabinets with thermofoil products.

Do thermofoil kitchen cabinets come with a warranty?

While warranties generally vary between manufacturers, many do offer them for thermofoil cabinets. Maple Craft USA, for example, offers a five-year limited warranty for all thermofoil products. Therefore it’s always best to do your research before settling on a manufacturer.