Thermofoil Or Laminate Cabinets

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Thermofoil or laminate cabinets.

Both standard laminate and thermofoil cabinets can effectively mimic the look of wood cabinets but generally cost considerably less. Thermofoil cabinets are similar to laminate with a vinyl coating placed over a manufactured or pressed wood base. Thermofoil only appears on cabinets doors and other surfaces made of mdf. Laminate on the other hand appears in a wide variety of products ranging from erasable whiteboards to photographs floors and metal sinks.

Expected costs new thermofoil cabinets may cost as little as 350 per linear foot. Refacing can run as low as 1 000 for a complete kitchen. Thermofoil cabinets are best suited to sleek modern interiors that highlight their glossy finish. This makes them more difficult to install.

Excess is removed with a router. Melamine and laminate are thin brittle sheets that are glued to the surface. Their resistance to water makes them popular in bath and laundry rooms. The thermofoil manufactured today is much more durable than the type that was.

Melamine and laminate cabinets are often confused with thermofoil yet they are vastly different materials. Because thermofoil cabinets contain laminate over an mdf or engineered wood core they tend to be heavier than traditional wood cabinets. Similar to common laminate cabinets thermofoil cabinets are constructed with a plastic vinyl layer laminated to an mdf medium density fiberboard core.