What Are Thermally Fused Laminate Cabinet Doors?

You have probably heard of oak, pine, and cherry and can recognize these options as you browse through cabinet doors. However, you are probably less familiar with thermally fused laminate. Although this type of cabinet door is slightly different from most, it does offer several benefits. As you look to refresh your kitchen with new kitchen cabinet doors, don’t overlook the potential of these unique, durable doors.

What Are TFL Doors?

Thermally fused laminate (TFL) doors are cabinet doors created by adhering a paper sheet full of resin onto both sides of a piece of strong, dense particleboard. These sheets are placed onto the particle board core using a combination of pressure and high temperatures.

This process activates the resin leaving the sheet with a strong bond to the core, which leaves it nearly impossible to separate from the board. These doors may also be made from medium-density fiberboard as an alternative to particle board.

TFL doors are different from cabinet doors made from pure, natural wood as they do not use one consistent piece or species of wood. Instead, particle board is made from sheets or panels of compressed pieces of wood. These pieces are compressed using high pressure to give them a firm and rigid structure.

What Are the Benefits of Thermally Fused Laminate Cabinet Doors?

Although these doors are quite different from regular wood cabinet doors, the unique and methodical construction of TFL doors offers several benefits. These cabinet doors are less expensive than similarly constructed, high-pressure laminate doors, which makes them a durable, yet still affordable option.

TFL doors are also surprisingly durable, even compared to natural wood. The dense particle board is less vulnerable to warping due to temperature or humidity changes. Even the surface of this door style is more resilient, as TFL panels are highly resistant to scratches and wear.

Perhaps the best benefit of TFL doors is their versatility. The laminate sheet on the door can be created to meet almost any design you want, from the appearance of the wood grain to color. You can even have your TFL door designed to match your ideal texture. TFL doors can be crafted using steel press plates that can create the texture to meet your liking. These same plates can also change the gloss.

If you want a thinner grain on the wood design or have a precise shade of wood that you have in mind, then you can have your TFL door designed to meet your vision. These changes are much harder to carry out on natural woods as these woods are designed by nature, so to a large degree, you can get what you get.

Is Thermally Fused Laminate the Same as Thermofoil?

Although thermally fused laminate and thermofoil are similar, they are not the same. Both are a type of laminate that is placed on a board like particleboard or medium-density fiberboard. The key difference is in their formation. Laminate is made from a mixture of paper and plastic resin. When the material hardens, it creates a strong, durable bond.

Meanwhile, thermofoil is a type of vinyl that contains PVC. The PVC gives it an extra glossy appearance and increases its durability. Thermofoil is appreciated by many for its well-bonded stain-resistant coating.

Despite its benefits, thermofoil can chip easily, which makes it a less desirable option overall. In high-traffic areas like the kitchen, the last thing you want is a material that is susceptible to chipping. At CabinetDoors.com, we offer only TFL doors that we know will last.

Can You Paint Thermally Fused Laminate?

The short answer to whether you can paint TFL doors is yes, but it is not ideal. The laminate finish on these doors does not always respond particularly well to paint, as it may not completely cover the laminate or stick properly, leaving the potential for a rough finish.

Since these doors have a laminate finish that allows them to take on a variety of designs, it is not entirely necessary to paint your doors to achieve the look you want. However, it is not entirely out of the question. If you do want to paint your TFL doors, be sure to use latex paint. This paint best adheres to laminate and will give you a smoother finish.

If you have a clear color or vision in mind for how you want your cabinet doors to look, then you should consider opting for a paint-grade cabinet door. These doors are specifically designed to be painted. Simply choose the species of wood that you would like and your preferred style before ordering. With paint-grade doors, you will end up with a much smoother and more appealing finish than you will if you decide to paint laminate.

Order Your Thermally Fused Laminate Cabinet Doors Today!

If you want a door that is durable and can meet the exact look of your dream cabinets, then TFL doors are an excellent choice. With these cabinets, you can avoid the stress that comes with wondering whether your kitchen cabinet doors are going to warp or hold up over the long term.

At CabinetDoors.com, we have an excellent selection of Thermally Fused Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts for you to explore. Whatever door you choose, we manufacture it to the best quality and ensure that it meets your custom specifications. You can trust with our 40 years of experience that it will be done right. Contact us today if you have any questions.