Basically, there are three types of materials on the market that are used to replace doors in kitchen cabinets, cabinets, and entertainment centers. There are important differences that you should be aware of before making a purchase. The first thing to consider when replacing cabinet doors is the ultimate purpose for doing it.
Reasons to replace your doors are a consideration
If the doors are in a house that you plan to live in for another five or ten years, you may want to opt for materials that are more durable. If the doors are in a rental unit, you can opt for a cheaper material. If you’re trying to sell your home, a fresher, more up-to-date look is desirable.
plastic laminated doors [Formica]
Laminate cabinets are made up of layers of fiberboard glued together with a plastic surface glued on top.
Pros: Laminate doors are easy to keep clean and require minimal maintenance. Prices for flat styles may be cheaper than other types.
Disadvantages: Laminates shells, chips, and cloves easily; it is difficult to repair; and, white turns yellow over time, while wood grain is hard to match after a year. Cabinet frames near heat sources can warp or split for up to five years.
RTF Gates
“RTF” MEANS “Rigid Thermafoil”. Essentially, these doors are vinyl-wrapped chipboard that seals under extreme pressure.
Pros: Daily splashes are easy to clean up; simulated wood grain is available; wide range of prices according to quality and style; and will not crack or dry out.
Cons: RTF doors are not heat resistant and should not be used near stoves or refrigerators. After several years, colors change and replacing a door is hard to beat.
real wood doors
Real wood doors are cost effective if you want to avoid replacing doors in the next five years.
Pros: Once finished and sealed, wood doors are easy to clean and clean with household cleaners. Unfinished doors that are painted or stained are competitively priced and customized to your liking. It can be combined or reused in other areas. Many different woods are available.
Cons: Wood doors need to be painted or resealed every few years to keep them from drying out and cleaned and oiled monthly.
What to look for when replacing doors
If your cabinets are fiberboard/plastic laminate or RTF, you should check the area where the doors are attached for any gaps or damage. Damaged, split, or chipped frames may need repair before replacing the door. This is also a consideration if you have solid wood cabinets. Separated layers may not support new hinges or the weight of a new door. Warp correction or cabinet replacement is required for the new door to hang and fit properly. Wood that has dried out can warp and require moistening or replacement before it is also suitable for a new door.
Wood cabinet door can be very economical and always profitable for kitchen, bathroom and furniture.