The choices available when choosing kitchen cabinets can sometimes be overwhelming and it is difficult to know where to start.
On top of this, there are a number of terms and descriptions used to classify cabinets styles and manufacturing techniques.
Listed below are some of the more common terms used when buying cabinets, and it is hoped that this list will be added to in the near future.
Overlay:
The term overlay refers to how the door covers the frame of the cabinet. There are basically two different types of overlays.
Standard-overlay means you see the frame around the door and full-overlay means that the door covers the frame. In essence the door is larger on a full overlay cabinet.
Thermal-Foil:
Thermal-foil is a vinyl that is applied over a MDF (medium density fiberboard) door using a heat process. It is used for white or off-white doors. It is very easy to clean and is durable.
MDF Door:
MDF doors are made of medium density fiberboard, which can be routed into a raised panel design. They can be thermal-foiled, stained or painted in a solid color.
The advantage of choosing a MDF door as opposed to a constructed wood door when selecting a solid color, is that there are no joints, as opposed to a wood door in a solid color where you will notice visible separation lines that show when the wood expands and contracts.
