Is Thermofoil Good For Kitchen Cabinets?

Thermofoil kitchen cabinets are made from a flexible vinyl material that is created by heating vinyl and molding it over medium density fiberboard (MDF) or engineered wood, and resist peeling better than painted surfaces. Whether thermofoil kitchen cabinets are right for your home depends on your needs, as they have several attractive features, but also some disadvantages.

Homeowners may be attracted to thermofoil kitchen cabinets because they are easy to care for and maintain. The thermofoil pressed surface is stain resistant and easy to wipe clean. Stubborn residues, such as grease, can be removed with a mild all-purpose cleaner. Thermofoil kitchen cabinets do not require a protective coating like solid wood kitchen cabinets, which reduces their maintenance costs. As long as the coating layer is not damaged, it will not crack due to too much humidity.

A major advantage of choosing thermofoil kitchen cabinets is that they come in a wide selection of colors and patterns. The vinyl surface of these cabinets can be molded into a variety of patterns and shapes, which allows you to choose between a basic flat cabinet or a shaped design with your choice of matte or gloss finish. Thermofoil kitchen cabinets are also often available in a variety of colors, ranging from basic white to shades of black.

 

Although many homes have thermofoil kitchen cabinets in their kitchens, they are poorly resistant to heat.

This means that if they are installed too close to a heat source, such as your oven, the thermofoil on the surface may bubble.

However, this problem can be solved by installing a heat shield, which is essentially a metal strip that fits between the cabinet and the heat source.

Thermofoil kitchen cabinets are known as kitchen and bathroom cabinets because of their excellent moisture resistance. However, they are not completely waterproof, although they do resist moisture better than other materials such as common MDF and wood. If the thermofoil coating is damaged and water seeps into the core, the cabinet can be irreparably damaged.

Because thermofoil kitchen cabinets are tend to be heavier than traditional solid wood cabinets. This makes them more difficult to install, and it is best to have thermofoil kitchen cabinets installed by a professional, which can add to the overall cost. Solid wood cabinets are easy to rework to remove cracks, dents, and scratches, but once the molded plastic layer is damaged, it can be difficult to repair.