Expert: Jamie Yocono - 5/9/2008

Question
I am looking to put in white shaker style cabinets in my kitchen. I'm considering MDF to avoid the issue of the seams appearing when the wood expands/contracts but I feel like I should use real wood.  I've also been told that Thermofoil is much more durable & easier to clean but I don't like that you can't get the sharp edge you can get with maple or mdf.  What do you recommend?

Answer
Jackie,

Your question is a tough one to answer, it's really more of a personal opinion than an absolute answer.

If you like Shaker kitchens, then what I would suggest is using cabinet boxes make of MDF covered in melamine. You can actually order them in a variety of ways, but what I've generally done is have them made with an 1/8" solid wood edging, and wood veneer on the sides of the cabinets that show, like at the end of a cabinet run. Buying cabinet "boxes" like that is very reasonable.

Then... here's the big difference - I would put the money you save into buying nice quality wooden doors and drawers faces.  I like putting the money where you will see it - so save on the boxes, and splurge a little on the doors/drawers.

To see what I mean, look at www.cabparts.com for the boxes. Then look at www.caldoor.com for doors if you're on the west coast. If you're closer to the east coast,  you might try doing a Google search for a door manufacturer near you. The thing is - shipping is expensive, so buy from a place close to you. Also, since wood moves with atmospheric changes, you don't want to buy a door in, for example, Texas, and then ship it to Pennsylvania. The climates are too different, and the wood can dry out and crack.

And finally, to the last part about Thermofoil doors, honestly, I think they are to kitchen cabinets what pop tarts are to breakfast food. Yes, they'll do in a pinch, but they're not what I want to see every day. I like wood.  And you know, lately, I've been seeing some prices for them that lead me to think that they're not that much of a savings over wood. You just have to know the right places to shop.

Good luck. If you write back, and tell me your location,  I'll try to give you the name of a door company near you. But check out California Door and see the doors they have to offer. If you're handy, you can save a ton of money.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com