Cabinet Refacing Thermofoil Laminate Vs. Veneer

Kitchen cabinets can be redone with laminate or veneers.

Refacing your kitchen cabinets is simpler and less expensive than replacing them. There are several types of cabinet surfaces to choose from, including thermofoil laminates and wooden veneers. Both give your kitchen a whole new look.

Thermofoil Laminate

Thermofoil laminates are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. They are sturdy and resistant to the dents and dingsg. The plastic outer shell is adhered to fiberboard, usually medium density fiberboard (MDF). MDF is made from wooden shavings and bits pressed together with a great deal of force. The laminates are available in any number of colors and wood patterns.

Wooden Veneer

Wooden veneers are thin strips of wood shaved from a larger piece of wood. The strips are long and allow the burl pattern to stay intact, giving the cabinet a natural wooden finish. Veneers are often attached to MDF, but can be applied directly to the face of the cabinet. Because they are wood, they can be stained any color.

Considerations

Thermofoil laminates are strong, but made of plastic. They may look like wood, but they won't bend to fit a curved cabinet unless they are manufactured to do so. Wooden veneers aren't as sturdy and dent-proof as laminates, but they are able bend to fit any cabinet and are made of natural wood.

References

• Joe Woodworker: What you should know about wood veneer
• Capital Construction and Millworks: Thermofoil products