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Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets

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.

Where Can I Use Thermofoil?

Thermofoil finishes can be fused onto just about any cabinet material, from lower-end cabinetry to solid hardwoods. Solid wood holds the 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.

Advantages of Thermofoil Cabinets

Very affordable product
Super easy to clean; just a little soap and water will do the trick
Allows for antiquing with transparent washes
Provides the bright and clean appeal of painted cabinets

Wood surface thermofoil kitchen cabinets Disadvantages of Thermofoil Cabinets

In perfect condition, thermofoil cabinets can resist moisture damage incredibly well. However, one dent, one scratch or penetrating scrape and that area becomes exposed to further damage.
Many homeowners complain about blistering, bubbling and peeling.
Particularly with particle board and MDF, moisture seeping below the surface can cause swelling of the substrate, essentially destroying the cabinet.
Avoiding these sorts of damages is certainly possible, but more attention will have to be paid to thermofoil cabinets than most other kinds.

Thermofoil Manufacturers

Choosing the right manufacturer is tantamount to success with thermofoil cabinets. Any homeowner's greatest ally in this respect is the kitchen remodeling contractor. That is, in addition to your own careful attention to manufacturer warranties and specifics (i.e. unusually low temperature tolerance for a kitchen-rated product). Unfortunately, the level of quality in thermofoil cabinetry is variable.

Below are some thermofoil manufacturers. Many serve local or regional areas, so be sure to check locally to save fuel and some cash on shipping.

Maple Craft USA - Offers five-year limited warranties on all thermofoil products.
Thomasville Cabinetry – Well-known manufacturer with exclusive agreement with Home Depot.
American Woodmark - Another big brand manufacturing a variety of cabinets, including thermofoil.
MasterBrand Cabinets is the parent company to several cabinet brands, including Aristokraft and Diamond Cabinets, many of which include thermofoil products.