What Are the Pros and Cons of NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors

Learn about the pros and cons of NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors to decide if they’re the right choice for your next project.

A stack of NEXGEN cabinet doors. NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors are a new addition to the NEXGEN product line

Slim shaker cabinet doors are all the rage right now, and it’s no surprise. Customers love the modern, minimal design, and you want to meet that demand. But as a cabinet maker or contractor, you face questions like, How can I tell if NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors are high quality? Will these doors hold up over time and protect my reputation? What are the risks of offering a new product to my customers?

At Cutting Edge, we understand the struggle. You’re juggling tight deadlines and need reliable products that meet customer expectations without creating more headaches. Our team has over 20 years of experience testing new offerings, and we’ve used that experience to assess NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors. Yes, they can be a game-changer, but they aren’t perfect for every project.

In this article, you’ll learn:

By the end, you’ll have clear answers to ensure you’re making the best decision for your clients and your reputation.

What Are NEXGEN™ Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors?

NEXGEN™ slim shaker cabinet doors are part of Tafisa’s Karisma® collection, launched over a year ago. While these doors aren’t made with the true NEXGEN™ product Olon Industries developed, the appearance is similar.

These doors replicate the popular slim shaker style, offering a sleek, clean look. However, using materials similar to NEXGEN products reduces the cost. While Tafisa® currently leads the market, other manufacturers may offer similar styles.

You may also know of the NEXGEN slim shaker doors as Gamma or Kappa doors. Gamma was the original name Tafisa used for the slim shaker profile, but they are updating this profile and changing the name to Kappa.

An infographic showing a cross-section of the Gamma profile and a picture of an assembled door. Gamma is the name of the moulding used for NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors.

Pros of NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors

While NEXGEN slim shaker doors aren’t perfect for every project, they offer several key advantages. These factors make them a strong contender for contractors and cabinet makers looking to deliver style and value.

1. Achieve the Popular Look

NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors deliver the modern, minimalist look customers love. The slim moulding gives a modern aesthetic that works well in contemporary kitchens and bathrooms.

For cabinet makers and contractors, offering this trendy design helps you stay competitive and meet client demand.

2. Lower Cost Than Wood and Painted Slim Shaker Doors

One of the biggest advantages of NEXGEN slim shaker doors is their affordability. Compared to traditional wood or painted slim shaker doors, NEXGEN products:

  • Need no finishing, reducing costs and lead times.
  • Allow you to provide a high-end look for clients with smaller budgets.

This makes them an excellent option for cost-conscious homeowners who still want that stylish slim shaker look.

3. Greater Consistency Than Wood Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors

Natural wood has colour and grain variations, which can frustrate clients looking for consistency. NEXGEN doors, made from engineered materials, offer:

  • Uniform colour and grain across every panel.
  • Reliable quality from door to door, even on larger projects.

For contractors, this means fewer customer complaints about inconsistencies.

Cons of NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors

Despite their many advantages, NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors have a few drawbacks. You should consider these before committing to this product.

1. Still in the Research and Development Phase

NEXGEN slim shaker doors are a relatively new product, and Tafisa is still refining its design. This means:

  • Your team may have to adapt to changes in materials or manufacturing processes.
  • Inconsistent results could arise while production stabilizes.

For busy contractors, adjusting to product changes can cause delays and frustration.

2. The Supplier May Discontinue Options Without Notice

While Tafisa offers consistent quality, their distributors have a history of discontinuing options – such as specific colours – without notice. This can cause significant issues:

  • Unfinished projects or mismatched replacements.
  • Dissatisfied clients when promised options are no longer available.

If you rely on a specific look or finish for repeat orders, this uncertainty could create long-term challenges.

3. The Slim Shaker Moulding Can Vary, Leading to Inconsistent Results

The ½” moulding that defines NEXGEN slim shaker doors is small and difficult to machine. This can lead to:

  • Slight variations in moulding size or placement.
  • Minor inconsistencies during assembly impacting the final product’s quality.

For detail-oriented customers, these imperfections can be a dealbreaker.

Now that you understand both sides of this product, how do you use this information to make the correct choice?

How to Tell If NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors Are the Best Choice

NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors are not a one-size-fits-all solution. To determine if they’re right for your project, consider the following:

NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors Might Be Right for You If:

  • Your customer loves the slim shaker look but has a limited budget.
  • You’re prioritizing colour and grain consistency over natural wood aesthetics.
  • Your client understands that minor imperfections may occur.

NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors Might Not Be Right for You If:

  • Your customer is detail-oriented and expects perfection.
  • You manage large-scale, long-term projects that require consistent materials.

Questions to Ask Before Deciding:

  1. What is your client’s priority?
    • If affordability and style top the list, NEXGEN doors could be ideal.
  2. How important is long-term consistency?
    • For repeat projects, unexpected supplier changes could create challenges.
  3. Can you manage minor imperfections?
    • If slight moulding variances will upset your client, NEXGEN might not be the right choice.

By asking these questions, you can make an informed decision that balances your client’s needs, budget, and expectations.

Discover How Much NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors Cost

At the end of the day, NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors offer a stylish, affordable alternative to wood and painted options. They’re perfect for projects where cost and consistency matter more than perfection. If you’re frustrated by unreliable products and suppliers, NEXGEN doors provide a solution – but only when you understand their limitations.

Ready to see if these doors are the right fit for your next project? Learn how to price out your cabinet doors online today and take the next step toward delivering beautiful, affordable cabinetry.

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