Why Choose MDF Cabinets with an RTF Finish?
What is a wood cabinet made of?
Is MDF good for cabinet doors?
Is RTF better than wood cabinets?
What does RTF mean for cabinetry?
Thermofoil, often called Rigid Thermal Foil, or RTF, is comprised of a durable vinyl. Thermofoil cabinet doors look and feel very similar to finished cabinet doors. These doors are easy to clean, durable, and will keep their color long after painted wood doors have started to fade.
How long do RTF cabinets last?
15 yearsThermofoil cabinets can last 15 years or more with easy, routine maintenance. This lifespan may not be long enough for some homeowners, but it's ideal for property homeowners who are looking for quick, low-cost remodeling solutions for house flipping or fast home sales.
Are thermofoil cabinets worth buying?
Thermofoil cabinets are a budget friendly choice when it comes to quality kitchen cabinets. A fraction of the cost of traditional wooden units, thermofoil cabinets are a more affordable option for new kitchen constructions. For kitchen refurbishments, replacing wood panels with thermofoil can be a great cost saver.
What is RTF finish on kitchen cabinets?
Rigid thermofoil (RTF) is composed of thin layers of vinyl that are bonded to the MDF surface through high heat and pressure (via a large vacuum press). The result is a beautiful and durable product with the high-end look of real wood.
Which kitchen cabinet finish is best?
Melamine finishes are some of the most durable and versatile cabinet finishes out there! Cabinets with a melamine finish are made by heat-sealing thermally fused melamine resin (TFM) to a hard wood substrate such as pressed wood, medium-density fiberboard, or plywood.
What is the most durable type of kitchen cabinet?
The most durable kitchen cabinets are ones made from solid hardwood. Cherry and maple are popular choices. They're the most expensive but they last a long time and look great doing it. Plywood and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) are less expensive choices.
Does IKEA use thermofoil cabinets?
Class 2: MDF and foil: This class is the main category of IKEA doors, with melamine foil and/or thermofoil applied to a fiberboard base: RINGHULT line (fiberboard and melamine foil); GRIMSLOV and MARSTA lines (fiberboard, foil, and melamine foil); BROKHLT, JARSTA, and EDSERUM lines (particleboard and foil); and ...
Does IKEA use thermofoil?
MDF + foil finish. The majority of IKEA cabinet doors fall into this category- GRIMSLOV, MARSTA, TINGSYRD, HAGGEBY, BROKHLT, JARSTA, and EDSERUM. These typically consist of an MDF base with a thermofoil finish.
Which is better thermofoil or laminate?
A cabinet door with laminate surfacing will last longer than a cabinet door that is surfaced with thermofoil.
How do you clean RTF cabinets?
Cleaning Laminate, RTF and Painted Cabinet Doors Stains on white or very light cabinet doors can sometimes be removed using a Majic Eraser sponge, lightly in a circular motion over the stained area or a solution of baking soda and water or baking soda and lemon juice rubbed lightly over the stained area.
Can you refinish RTF cabinets?
“You can paint over thermofoil, provided it isn't peeling. First, ask your local paint store for the correct primer, then apply the finish paint you wish to use. Most of the time, semi-gloss sheen is used on [thermofoil] cabinets.”
What are Ikea cabinets made of?
Fiberboard and melamine foil are the main components of IKEA cabinet boxes. IKEA cabinet doors and drawer fronts are made of fiberboard, covered in melamine foil, paint, wood, or glass.
Why are RTA cabinets so cheap?
Why are they so cheap? A large reason many RTA cabinets are so inexpensive is because of something called dumping – a common practice in China where the government heavily subsidizes the manufacturing of products so they can be sold at very low cost in foreign markets.
How often should cabinets be replaced?
Most kitchen cabinets last between 15 to 20 or 25 years under certain conditions like wood type and how often you use them. However, frequent use will significantly decrease their lifespan.
How long are kitchen cabinets supposed to last?
In general, high-quality cabinets can last up to 50 years. This sounds like an incredibly long period of time, but cabinets are in fact one of the longest lasting components of your entire kitchen.
What is the life expectancy of kitchen cabinets?
The Expected Lifetime of Kitchen Cabinets As one of the longest-lasting components of your entire kitchen, your cabinets outlast your appliances, sink, faucet and most countertops by a minimum of 30 years. But of course, the lifetime can vary depending on the initial quality and how well they have been taken care of.
What is thermofoil finish?
Finish. Most thermofoil cabinets have a glossy, plastic-like finish that works best in severely modern settings. Water Damage. If scratches, dents or dings mar the vinyl coating, water may invade the particleboard core, causing buckling, bubbling and deterioration. Heat Damage.
What is the least expensive cabinet?
Thermofoil cabinets are among the least expensive cabinet options on the market.
Why does my ThermoFoil peel?
Heat Damage. Thermofoil coatings are sensitive to heat and may blister or peel when used near dishwashers, ovens or stovetops. Metal heat shields used to prevent this problem are not always successful and break up the clean lines of the cabinets. Yellowing.
How much does it cost to reface thermofoil cabinets?
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 mounted over solid wood doors is often just as expensive as cabinets with wooden doors.
What is MDF in cabinets?
Painted cabinets with solid wood frames and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) centers have the water resistance of thermofoil combined with the beauty and strength of real wood.
What is thermofoil in kitchen cabinets?
Rather, thermofoil is a type of vinyl. Using heat, the vinyl is fused to a wooden surface, usually particleboard. The result is a kitchen cabinet with a smooth, seamless finish. Thermofoil is most often seen in white or off-white, although some manufacturers offer a variety of colors and even faux wood finishes.
Is vinyl a good material for thermofoil cabinets?
Pristine vinyl-wrapped thermofoil cabinets are less susceptible to humidity and warping than solid wood.
What is cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing is essentially a replacement of the cabinet "skins"—removing the doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer over the existing surface of the body ("carcass") of the cabinets. The hardware—the hinges, handles, and drawer pulls—are usually also replaced during refacing.
Why do you need to replace cabinets in a kitchen remodel?
Surprisingly often, cabinets that are otherwise in good structural shape are demolished and replaced simply because the homeowner is tired of their look. This is similar to getting rid of a perfectly good car just because you don't like its color. In many situations, however, you can dramatically change the look of your kitchen by a process known as refacing, which gives most of the benefits of cabinet replacement but at a fraction of the cost.
What is the RTF on a cabinet?
The front portions of the cabinet boxes are covered, either with natural wood veneer or RTF ( Rigid Thermofoil ), a melamine-based product. Cabinet sides are skinned with wood veneer or laminate. New door hinges are added, if necessary. Hinges in good condition can also be reused.
How long does it take to reface a cabinet?
A cabinet refacing pro will usually require two to four days to perform this service, depending on the size of your kitchen. A three-day schedule might look something like this: Day 1: Remove hardware, doors, and drawer fronts. Begin veneering. Pick up and clean at end of the day. Day 2: Continue veneering.
What is a sturdy box made of?
Sturdy box construction made of plywood or MDF panels that are smooth and in good condition. New veneers require smooth solid surfaces in order to adhere properly.
How much does it cost to reface a kitchen?
So an average size full kitchen generally costs $12,000 to $20,000 while a refaced kitchen of the same size is usually $7,000 to $10,000 ."
What are some things that can be reused?
New handles, drawer pulls, and other types of fixtures are usually installed. Existing hardware can also be reused if it is in good shape. Optional accessories, such as crown molding, glass panels, lighting, or storage accessories are installed.
How long do thermofoil kitchen cabinets last?
Short lifespan – On average, thermofoil kitchen cabinets stay looking good for around 10 years, provided they’re properly maintained. This relatively short lifespan might not be a problem if you’re looking for something that’s trendy now and you plan to replace or upgrade your cabinets when styles change.
How much does thermofoil cost?
Low cost – Thermofoil cabinets are some of the least expensive you can find. Stock cabinets, which are sold with little to no customization options, can be found for less than $100 per linear foot. Semi-custom thermofoil cabinets will run you a little higher, and custom cabinets can be had for around $350 per linear foot. Compare this to custom hardwood cabinets, which will set you back at least $500 per linear foot.
What is thermofoil cabinet?
Despite the name, it doesn’t contain metal. To make thermofoil cabinets, a layer of thermofoil is applied to a substrate, typically medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The covered substrate is placed in a heated vacuum chamber that causes the thermofoil to fuse to the substrate.
Why is my thermofoil turning yellow?
Unattractive aging – As white and off-white thermofoil ages, it takes on a dull yellow cast largely due to exposure to sunlight and heat. Letting grease buildup linger on the cabinet hastens this discoloration. Yellowing is less noticeable on colored cabinets, but it still happens. Once it appears, there’s no way to remove it.
Why does MDF warp?
This happens because wood grain is naturally oriented in a certain direction. Because the fibers in MDF aren’t oriented in any one direction, the material holds its shape better in humid conditions. Thermofoil also resists humidity-related peeling and bubbling better than painted wood.
Does thermofoil peel?
Susceptibility to heat damage – When exposed to high temperatures, thermofoil is likely to peel or blister. You’ll need to either keep it away from the oven and dishwasher or install a metal heat shield between the appliances and the cabinets. While a heat shield minimizes damage, it might not be able to prevent it entirely.
Is thermofoil waterproof?
Susceptibility to water damage – Thermofoil cabinets are water-resistant, but not waterproof. While they’re unlikely to warp, they can gradually deteriorate when exposed to repeated spills or high humidity. Scratches in the thermofoil layer can cause it to bubble and let moisture reach the fiberboard substrate, causing the substrate to degrade faster.
Why Choose MDF Cabinets with an RTF Finish?
For years, homeowners have been praising the many benefits of RTF cabinetry, ranging from its durability to how good it looks. Granite and TREND Transformations offers a beautiful selection of premium constructed MDF/RTF cabinets that can be customized to any style, color, or finish that you desire. Here are some other featured benefits to help you decide:
What is a wood cabinet made of?
Wood cabinets, simply stated, are made from wood. No surprises there. Cabinets that are MDF, on the other hand, are constructed from crushed-up wood particles and resin that are pressed together, resulting in a strong and more cost-effective cabinet.
Is MDF good for cabinet doors?
Keep in mind, however, that MDF alone is not an adequate material for cabinet doors and drawers, as it will chip, swell, and can’t be easily painted. That’s why RTF is an important component to strengthen, seal, and protect the door front.
Is RTF better than wood cabinets?
When every dollar is budgeted, choosing RTF cabinets is easier on your wallet, and they can last many years. Wood cabinets are always a preferred option for high-end remodeling projects with higher budgets and, and they will generally last longer than RTF. If you’re looking to customize your cabinets with any add-on accessories, you’ll already be ahead of the budget curve to splurge for those upgrades you’ve always wanted.
