Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 13, 1999 10:01pm | #1

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   I don't think there is much difference in maintenance between the two. I'm sort of assuming you mean slab doors with p-lam edges and faces vs.foil over a routed MDF slab. The bigger choices are looks and price. the foils are the least expensive option out there, if you can live with the look (I'm not crazy about it). They hold up pretty well.The laminate doors will hold up really well, but they are more expensive to make (from a custom shop perspective, never priced them from a big factory) and the monolithic Euro look isn't all that popular in kitchens right now, everyone seems to want solid wood.

2. 
   SteveM_ | Mar 16, 1999 06:17am | #2

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   I build about a dozen custom kitchens a yr. I prefer thermofoil type doors and gables as it save all the laquering etc. They are an excellent product, at least the one's I get, very durable and really nice to work with. The exception is if you have to apply thermofoil to the gables yourself. It is paper thin and show the smallest pimples. Ultra clean shop and surfaces is a must. Certain contact cements will also bleed on this stuff. Clear contact cement seems to work best. My supplier has 12 -15 different door styles with about 12 different finishes. Matching crown and valances, fluted corners and all kinds of other matching products. Well worth exploring. Try different suppliers til you find stuff you like. E-mail me if you want my supplier but bear in mind I'm up in Canada. Good Luck!
   SteveM

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   Bobb_Maio | Mar 22, 1999 06:01am | #3

   *If you decide to use a foil door keep a 3/4" space or filler at the range . I have had a few problems with the foils shrinking back. The filler seems to cure the problem though.

1. 
   Bobb_Maio | Mar 22, 1999 06:05am | #4

   *If you decide to use a foil door keep a 3/4" space or filler at the range . I have had a few problems with the foils shrinking back. The filler seems to cure the problem though. Also try to use thesame material on all exposed surfaces. Otherwise youmay run into varying rates of color change as the foils age.

1. 
   Bobb_Maio | Mar 22, 1999 06:05am | #5

   *If you decide to use a foil door keep a 3/4" space or filler at the range . I have had a few problems with the foils shrinking back. The filler seems to cure the problem though. Also try to use the same material on all exposed surfaces. Otherwise you may run into varying rates of color change as the foils age.

3. 
   Jonathan_Gerlach | Mar 22, 1999 06:05am | #6

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   I have a client who wants a kitchen remodel, but does not want typical wood cabinets. She is looking for the lowest maintenance cabinets she can find and we are considering laminate or Thermofoil. I have no experience with Thermofoil cabinets. Do they last and look good for a long time? Any other suggestions from people with lots of cabinetry experience?