Wood veneers are thin layers of wood sliced from trees that are adhered to plywood or particleboard and treated with a variety of stains, varnishes and other finishes. Factors to consider when choosing a veneer include grain, pattern, thickness and color. Popular choices include cherry, maple, oak, hickory, birch and pine. | |
Thermofoil is a flexible vinyl applied to engineered wood to cover cabinet boxes, doors and drawers. It has a smooth to slightly textured easy-care surface that resists chipping better than paint. High heat may cause some discoloration over time. | |
Laminates are thin, layered plastic coatings fused to the cabinet material with heat and pressure. They offer a wide range of options for colors, patterns and textures. | |
Melamine is similar to laminate and made of a durable plastic applied to cabinet frames, shelves and drawers with heat, pressure and adhesive. Melamine is durable, easy to clean and resists stains, chipping and fading. |
Standard overlays, also known as traditional overlays, leave the face of the cabinet box visible around doors and drawers, creating a type of “frame”. Called the reveal, this frame can range from ½”-1” around doors and drawers. Standard overlays are the most common type in cabinets and used in traditional design installations. | |
Full overlays have the cabinet doors mounted so they completely cover the cabinet box with virtually no cabinet frame showing around doors and drawer fronts. Doors may be separated by as little as 1/8”. This style of overlay offers a sleek, sophisticated and seamless look often used in more contemporary design installations. Full overlays can affect the cost of your cabinets because more material is used in their construction. |
Slab | |
Offers a flat, clean canvas for hardware with a streamlined and minimalistic style ideal for contemporary designs. |
Recessed Panel Similar to slab with a minimal style that adds depth and interest. Versatile enough to go with country or modern designs. |
Raised Panel | |
A classic style that blends well with formal classic, traditional looks. |
Shaker Known for its simplicity and favored for its warm and casual feel, the Shaker style is ideal for understated looks. |
Cape Cod | |
Reminiscent of bead-board and ideal for a cottage look with a casual, timeless style that blends well with informal kitchens. |
Arch Adds sweeping elegance to most kitchens. Styles include a raised panel topped with an "eyebrow" arch or a "cathedral" arch. |