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What is Manufactured Wood?
Is manufactured wood less expensive than Solid Wood Cabinetry?
The answer is yes.
Let’s explore a few alternatives, keeping in mind that on framed cabinets, the face frame will still be a solid wood. Therefore we are mainly talking about doors, other than for frame-less cabinets in which a Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL), product is mostly used for this style of cabinetry.
Thermally Fused Laminate
- Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)- Ok, we know everyone frowns on the mention of MDF, however this product has come a long way and MDF used in premium cabinetry is different from the MDF (actually particleboard) used in big box stores. It is denser, requires better adhesives, machines better and is more dent and impact resistant. Most of all it paints beautifully! In today's world most wood sheet goods come with a MDF core because MDF stays straighter longer than plywood. It is a great consideration, especially in painted projects.
- Hard rock Maple- When saving a few dollars is a requirement. The thing that comes to mind is using a Particleboard with a Hard rock Maple interior. The purpose of this is the particleboard is less costly than solid plywood and is just as sturdy. To make things prettier, the interior of the cabinet box sides and back is covered with ¼” hard rock maple. These boxes are very heavy and sturdy, and they will also last for many years! If this savings is requested please let us know at the time of order, otherwise we automatically use plywood - the most requested product.
- TFL- A thermofused product that is heavily requested these days. At Cabinets Plus LLC, we use Panolam products or Taffisa (an Italian product). We have found these two items to be the best on the market and have the best colors as well. To describe this, imagine the picture of a perfect wood grain look in the perfect color. This product is used on Euro Frame-less Cabinets with edge banding. The doors are slab (flat).
- Veneer- This is an extra step for door making and face frame covering. It is a decent product for custom millwork pieces for a flawless, seamless product. It is not commonly used, but on special items, we may suggest to use it for the seamless reason. On basic kitchen cabinets more than likely it's not ever going to be suggested. In addition, veneers are not going to match the same wood species as sheet goods or lumber. The reason being is that veneer suppliers are allowed to have the first choice when selecting logs. Next in line are the lumber companies who require lumber for flooring and cabinet doors. Due to the selection sequence, the color tone and graining wont match the veneers due to differences in the logs themselves. Walnut is most prone to this type of major difference.
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)