Understanding Kitchen Cabinet Doors

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June 3, 2017

Your cabinet doors are among the key components to your kitchen’s design.

They are one of the most visible design elements, everything from the most elaborate designs to many that are simple. The good news is that there’s a cabinet door style for any home design.

And of course, Builder Supply Outlet and the Edge Showroom carry the top kitchen cabinet brands including Waypoint, Shiloh, Aspect, Eclipse, Prior Creek, MidContinent, and Bertch. Stop in anytime to learn more about kitchen cabinets or make an appointment and meet with an Edge Kitchen and Bath Designer absolutely FREE by clicking here.

Now, let’s take a moment and discuss some of the better known kitchen cabinet door styles, and see which work best for you and your kitchen.

SHAKER

Shaker-style cabinet doors are the most common door style.

They get there name from the distinctive Shaker furniture style. This style features simple, clean lines and emphasizes utility and functionality. They’re popular because their simple style goes with just about any decor including contemporary and traditional, with multiple variations in wood species, stains, paint colors, and hardware.

Shaker-style also works within most budgets. Of course this depends on the wood used. Some manufacturers can even replace the center door panel with a more cost-effective material. You can also save money by using a natural finish instead of a painted one.

LOUVERED

Horizontal wood slats add a distinct architectural style to kitchen cabinets.

One thing to note is they’re not the most cost economical.

Many louvered doors have spaces between each slat, making them great for cabinets that require ventilation. Examples are cabinets located near a radiator, a clothes dryer, or a cabinet holding operating electronic equipment like stereos, routers, computers, and cable boxes.

FLAT

Simple but stylish, the flat-panel cabinet door is void of any expensive details. Its hard lines and minimalist form make it a great fit for contemporary and modern interiors.

Many flat doors come in decorative laminate or wood. Laminate tends to be more budget friendly and offers a greater variety of colors and sheens.

INSET

Inset style doors are absolutely stunning looking, with a price tag to match.

it’s a classic look that’ll last for generations. The cabinet door is set inside the cabinet frame, while other styles typically rest on the outside of the frame. Inset doors are designed and constructed with extremely precise measurements so they nest inside the frame and open and close properly, even when the wood expands and contracts.

Each inset door require two exposed hinges. Make sure that your budget takes this into account as the two hinges required per door will add up, but will be worth it.

DISTRESSED

If you want an antique-style kitchen, then you’re going to love distressed-looking cabinets.

Choose any door style and opt to have the corners rubbed off or have other distressing techniques done to give the door an aged feeling and look.

The process of giving your doors an aged treatment can be costly.

BEADBOARD

Beadboard is also called “cottage chic.”

The center panel of the cabinet doors are made to look like traditional beadboard paneling. You may not remember, or know, that beadboard was used as a decorative wall treatment before plaster, drywall, and paint became common.

While all-white beadboard cabinetry can give your kitchen a bright and clean feel, all the little cracks and crevasses on this door style can be a pain to keep clean. So you may spend extra time maintaining these doors. Again, worth the time

THERMOFOIL

Thermofoil doors are molded from MDF (medium-density fiberboard). They are wrapped in a plastic-type coating and then baked under intense heat to create an impervious seal. They are durable and cost effective. One thing to make sure to note is that they only come in solid colors or imitation wood grain.

Due to the fact they’re mass-produced, thermofoil cabinet doors are available at excellent prices compared to many styles.

Thermofoil doors are very durable. Another thing to note is that these doors are extremely difficult to repair. Some of the lighter colors can also yellow from sunlight and heat.

CUSTOM

If you cannot find cabinet doors that compliment your style, then customize your own.

And of course, Builder Supply Outlet and the Edge Showroom carry the top kitchen cabinet brands including Waypoint, Shiloh, Aspect, Eclipse, Prior Creek, MidContinent, and Bertch. Stop in anytime to learn more about kitchen cabinets or make an appointment and meet with an Edge Kitchen and Bath Designer absolutely FREE by clicking here.

Hopefully you’ve learned what you need to know to start shopping for the perfect kitchen cabinet doors!

Feel free to stop into Builder Supply Outlet or the Edge Showroom with any home improvement questions you may have regarding cabinet hardware, bathroom vanity sinks, tops, remodeling, tile, backsplash, cleaning, sealing, grout, windows, kitchen cabinets, construction, contractors, designing/installing a new kitchen or bathroom — or anything else.  We can help you through the entire design and installation process from A-Z.  Or call us anytime in Broadview, IL at 1-708-343-3900. You can also make an appointment to meet with one of our Edge Kitchen and Bathroom designers at no charge by clicking here.