Millwork Materials Matter
When designing a kitchen, bathroom or any other space containing millwork, materials matter. Your choice of millwork (aka cabinetry and shelving) will not only impact the look of your space, but the way you live in it.
After browsing through your favorite design magazine, you may have fallen in love with the look of white perimeter cabinets and a light oak island. Even with this relatively simple design concept, one big question remains – what materials should you choose? Let’s review some popular millwork materials so you can feel more confident weighing your options.
PAINTED MDF ($$)
MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a material created by applying pressure to a mixture of wood fibers, resins and glue. While often used as a substrate for other surface materials to be applied to (ie. laminate, vinyl or wood veneer), MDF can also be painted. One key benefit of painted MDF is the wide variety of colors available. Although some suppliers will have a limited selection, many will match to any colour you can find at your local paint store.
Another benefit of MDF is that it’s relatively durable and resistant to day-to-day wear. Issues can arise, however, if the lacquer (paint) is damaged to the point where the MDF core becomes exposed. Once exposed to moisture, MDF is known to warp and swell, and can be very difficult to repair.
WOOD ($$ – $$$)
Wood is a beautiful, classic material that has been used to build millwork for centuries. For those who love the character and unique qualities of a natural product, stained wood is a great choice. Keep in mind, however, that no two pieces of wood are alike. This means that variations in grain pattern and colour tone are to be expected. For a more elevated look, ask your supplier about custom grain matching (a specific way of cutting the wood so that the grain pattern runs from drawer to drawer or cabinet to cabinet).
Wood is a durable and versatile material that can handle the demands of a busy household. One benefit of wood is that if its surface is scratched or damaged, you can refinish or paint it to extend its lifespan. Keep in mind that usually only the stiles and rails (the frame) of a shaker door will be solid wood. The center panel is most often veneered (if stained) or MDF (if painted).
Solid wood millwork can be prone to warping, especially if doors or panels are too large. Consider pinning two stacked doors together so they operate as one unit, while still keeping each door a reasonable size. Seasonal humidity fluctuations can also cause hairline “cracks” to appear on the surface of painted wood. Although the wood is not actually damaged, “cracks” appear because the lacquer finish cannot expand and contract the way wood does.
LAMINATE ($ – $$)
Laminate is a sheet material created by pressing together resin and paper with the desired pattern/colour. Similar to veneered wood millwork, the laminate sheet is then affixed to a substrate material like MDF or plywood. Laminate millwork is easy to clean, resistant to scratches and more resistant to moisture and warping than wood-based products.
Laminate is available in a wide variety of colour and pattern options, including solid colors, wood grains, and other specialty styles like concrete. If you’re looking for a higher quality laminate that is less prone to peeling from the substrate, look for a HPL, or high-pressure laminate (vs a LPL, or low-pressure laminate). Once damaged, laminate millwork can be quite difficult to repair.
THERMOFOIL ($)
Thermofoil millwork is created by heating and vacuum-pressing a vinyl or PVC material onto an MDF core. Thermofoil is durable and easy to clean, and it holds up to moisture and humidity changes well compared to wood-based materials. Similarly to laminate, the surface layer of thermofoil millwork can peel back from its core over time, making the core susceptible to swelling from moisture. Since high heat can cause this peeling to occur, it’s recommended to avoid frequently opening a steamy dishwasher or boiling a kettle under upper cabinets.
Like laminate, thermofoil is available in a variety of colour and pattern options. Due to the manufacturing process, the back side of a thermofoil door is often a different colour than the front (usually white). If selecting a wood-grain finish with a shaker door profile, you may wish to consider the fact that the “grain” will run in the same direction on the panel, stiles and rails. This can be a clear indication that the material is not in fact wood, since a wood door would have the grain run in a different direction on the rails.
SUMMARY
When designing your home, it’s important to consider both the aesthetics and functionality of the materials you choose. Ellenwood’s knowledgeable design team is committed to helping you in this decision making process and ensuring that your dream home stands the test of time.