Cabinet redooring is a quick and affordable way to give your kitchen an immediate update. It involves swapping out your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, leaving the existing cabinet boxes untouched.
Cabinet refacing in Fine Finish Cabinetry is ideal if you have solid, structurally sound cabinets and simply want to change their look. It’s also a great option for those who prefer moderate customization.
Wood Veneer
Wood veneer is a popular choice for furniture and other wooden pieces because it provides a natural look with the same durability of solid wood. It is also flexible and can be cut to a variety of shapes and sizes without the need for a complicated machining process. It can be stained, sanded and lacquered in the same way as solid wood to create a custom finish that suits your design preferences. However, it is less likely to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes as solid wood does, which makes it more suitable for cabinets or other workpieces that will not be moved often. Solid wood is more durable and is easier to repair than veneer, which can be damaged by water damage or by ink marks or other markings that cannot always be removed.
Solid wood is usually more expensive than wood veneer, as it takes much more material to produce the same surface area. For skilled furniture makers, veneer can allow the creation of structures in shapes and sizes that would not be possible or cost effective using solid wood. For example, extreme curves and curved panelling can be achieved with veneering, as well as labour intensive decorative arts like marquetry inlays and parquetry. Veneering can also allow the use of exotic or rare species that may not be available in solid wood form, or that would be extremely costly if produced in solid wood.
When working with wood veneer, a little planning and preparation will help you to achieve great results. The first step is to clean the piece of wood you plan to use. Using a damp cloth, remove any dirt and grime from the surface. Next, sand the veneer with 120 or 220 grit sandpaper to remove any roughness and to make the surface smooth for finishing. Always sand with the grain, so as not to tear or wear the veneer.
Once the piece of wood is ready to be used, a thin coat of contact cement or PSA veneer adhesive can be applied to the face side. Once dry, apply the veneer to the cabinet face frame, starting with the stiles and then the rails. Trim the edges of the veneer to remove any overlapping areas, then sand again, this time with 320 grit sandpaper to give the wood a smooth finish. Finally, stain the veneer following the product instructions to get the best colour.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Cabinets and furniture built from MDF are a popular choice for their cost-effectiveness. However, over time, the wood panels can become chipped or worn. In such cases, redooring can be used to restore the appearance of the cabinets. Redooring MDF requires a few steps that include lightly sanding the surface, cleaning it with a mild solvent, and priming before painting. Using this procedure, you can achieve a professional-quality finish without hiring a contractor.
MDF is an engineered wood product made from pulverized wood fibers mixed with resin binders and additives. It is an affordable alternative to real wood and easier to work with than plywood or particle board. MDF is durable and has a smooth surface that can be painted or stained. It also comes in a variety of colors, making it suitable for modern and traditional interior designs. In addition to being easy to paint, MDF is also resistant to stains and moisture.
The MDF market has seen significant growth in recent years due to its ability to replace plywood in furniture production and as a subsurface for wooden floorings. Moreover, the product is a preferred choice in the construction of storage units and shoe cabinets. Companies in the MDF market are also focusing on introducing products with moisture resistance properties, especially in the kitchen and bathroom areas.
While MDF is not as durable as solid wood, it is still a great alternative for homeowners that want to renovate their home. It can be stained and painted to match existing fixtures or create a unique look. It is important to choose an MDF that has been certified by a reputable third-party agency to ensure that it meets certain standards. This includes manufacturing, quality control, and sustainability.
Among the various types of MDF, Thermofoil is a popular option for cabinet refacing projects because of its durability and versatility. Thermofoil is a PVC vinyl film material that is thermoformed over medium-density fiberboard (MDF) surfaces, using heat and vacuum pressure. It is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, so you can find the perfect match for your home.
Rigid Thermofoil (RTF)
Cabinets made with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) topped with Rigid Thermofoil, or RTF, offer a budget-friendly choice for your kitchen remodeling project. Though these cabinets are less expensive than solid wood, they still offer a high-end appearance. To get the best results from your RTF cabinet remodel, you need to choose a quality material and finish.
Thermofoil, or vinyl laminate, is bonded with heat and vacuum pressure onto an MDF core. This creates a smooth surface that can be colored and designed to look like real wood textures, marble, or granite. This material is highly durable and can withstand high heat, making it ideal for areas that receive a lot of use. Thermofoil also offers a wide selection of styles and colors, offering you the flexibility to achieve any design vision.
Before the thermofoil layer is applied, the MDF components are shaped to form arches and other unique details. They are then thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust or particles that could interfere with the adhesive bonding process. Next, a thin coat of an adhesive is sprayed on the MDF. The adhesive is specifically formulated to connect with the thermofoil, providing a durable and seamless finish.
Once the adhesive has dried, a thin plastic layer is bonded with heat and vacuum pressure to the MDF core. This ensures that the finished product will be moisture-resistant, which is one of the most important considerations when choosing a material for your kitchen cabinet redooring. This makes MDF doors with Rigid Thermofoil the perfect choice for bathrooms and other areas that see a lot of moisture.
As the leading manufacturer of premium thermofoil, LCL FILM produces products that are backed by years of experience and industry-leading manufacturing standards. Their products are trusted by luxury brands and high-end manufacturers across the globe, and their top-tier materials and finishes are sure to satisfy your cabinet redooring needs. With a range of designs and patterns to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your home. From realistic wood grains to elegant stone patterns, you can customize your LCL FILM cabinetry to reflect your personal style and complement the rest of your décor.
Laminate
Laminate cabinet doors are a popular choice for those looking to update their kitchens without a full makeover. This process involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts, but not the face frames or side panels, for a quick and affordable refresh. It is also a great option for concealing blemishes or imperfections on existing wood cabinets, while giving them a more modern look. The beauty of laminate is that it comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can choose the exact finish and design that suits your style.
Painting is another way to spruce up your cabinets without the cost of new materials. If you decide to go this route, we highly recommend hiring a professional to ensure a smooth and even coat of paint that looks flawless. Laminate surfaces can be tricky to work with because they tend to shed and repel paint. To make it easier for the paint to adhere, a light sanding is usually required first. Then, a deglosser can be used to help the laminate surface shine and dry faster.
Another option to consider is using a gel stain to give your cabinetry a warm and natural look. Gel stains are easy to apply and provide an excellent alternative to paint. They are also water-resistant, which is perfect for high-humidity areas like laundry rooms and home offices. The added benefit of using a gel stain is that it’s less likely to chip or flake, which can be an issue with paint over time.
Cabinet refacing is the most extensive option to consider when revamping your cabinetry. Unlike redooring, it involves applying a veneer to the face frames and sides of your cabinets. This will provide a more cohesive look, and add to the overall durability of your cabinets.
Refacing is the best option for those who want to give their cabinets a whole new look, but aren’t ready to commit to fully replacing them. While this project is more expensive than redooring, it’s still much less costly than purchasing and installing brand-new cabinets.