4 Common Problems With NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors
Discover 4 common problems with NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors, their causes, their impact, and how to tackle these issues effectively.
If you’re a cabinet maker or contractor, staying on top of design trends is key to keeping your business competitive. One popular option today is NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors. These trendy products offer a sleek, modern look at a lower cost. But are they the right choice for your projects? What challenges might they bring?
At Cutting Edge, we carefully test all products to uncover potential problems before recommending them. This helps you make informed decisions and avoid issues that could hurt your reputation. On average, our team introduces at least one new product yearly.
In this article, you’ll discover the four biggest problems with these cabinet doors, explore why they occur, and provide actionable advice for addressing them. But first, let’s explore these doors and why they’re so popular.
NEXGEN™ Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors: A Pre-Wrapped Product
NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors use pre-wrapped materials instead of wood. The original NEXGEN™ material is a product trademarked by Olon Industries Inc. However, manufacturers like Tafisa® produce similar options under names like the Karisma® collection.
Tafisa’s Karisma® line includes designs like the Gamma and Kappa profiles. These profiles give the traditional shaker cabinet style a modern twist with narrow frames and shallow profiles. They’re affordable and visually appealing, making them popular in contemporary designs. However, these doors also have drawbacks that can complicate your projects.
Four Common Problems with NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors
The appeal of NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors lies in their affordability and sleek, modern design. However, as with any product, they are not without their challenges.
While these doors offer a cost-effective alternative to wood, they also present specific issues. As a cabinet maker or contractor, you must address these problems up-front to avoid unhappy customers. In this section, you’ll learn about four common issues with NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors. Let’s begin with one of the most pressing concerns: inconsistent moulding.
1. Inconsistent Moulding Leads to Inconsistent Results
One major issue with NEXGEN slim shaker doors is inconsistent moulding. The moulding on Tafisa’s Gamma and Kappa profiles is very narrow. Since the MDF core is unstable, the moulding is flexible and prone to shifting during production. This flexibility can result in small machining inconsistencies. In turn, these inconsistencies create gaps between the panels and mouldings, especially on the back of the doors.
What Causes This Problem?
The narrowness of the moulding and the pliability of MDF make precise machining difficult. Even slight deviations during production can cause noticeable alignment issues.
Impact on Cabinet Makers and Contractors
Inconsistent moulding often requires extra rework to fix gaps, which can delay projects. Clients may notice the imperfections, leading to dissatisfaction and a hit to your reputation.
Summary
Problem: Narrow, flexible moulding causes inconsistencies.
Cause: Difficulty in machining MDF moulding.
Impact: Increased rework, delays, and customer dissatisfaction.
2. Limited Stock Availability
Cutting Edge does not stock the moulding material required for these cabinet doors. This lack of stock means our team may not have enough material to complete your order.
What Causes This Problem?
Cutting Edge relies on external suppliers to ship the material for NEXGEN slim shaker orders. If the supplier has the moulding in stock, it takes one to two weeks to arrive. Otherwise, delays can extend to four to six weeks as the moulding ships from Tafisa in eastern Canada.
Impact on Cabinet Makers and Contractors
Extended lead times can disrupt project schedules, especially for tight timelines. This can frustrate you and your clients, not to mention harming your reliability as a contractor.
Summary
Problem: Cutting Edge does not keep the moulding materials in stock.
Cause: Reliance on suppliers for materials.
Impact: Delays in project timelines and reduced client satisfaction.
3. Less Durable Material
True NEXGEN materials, as produced by Olon Industries, are highly scratch-resistant. However, the materials used in Tafisa’s Kappa and Gamma profiles are less durable. This lack of durability makes them more prone to damage during shipping and installation.
What Causes This Problem?
Tafisa’s manufacturing process focuses on cost efficiency rather than durability. This trade-off reduces the durability of the product.
Impact on Cabinet Makers and Contractors
Less durable materials increase the chance of receiving damaged goods upon delivery or causing damage during installation. Damage to your products increases costs and causes delays.
Summary
Problem: Materials are prone to damage.
Cause: Less durable production processes.
Impact: Increased costs and project delays.
4. Challenges in Preparing for Hinges
The centre panels of these doors are only ⅝” thick, leaving very little room for hinge preparation. Standard hinges require a 13.5mm depth, leaving 2 mm of material between the hinge hole and the face. However, you can purchase special hinges to accommodate the thinner panel – for example, the CLIP top BLUMOTION hinge by Blum.
What Causes This Problem?
The design of the Gamma and Kappa doors limits the material available for hinge holes. This makes it easy to drill too deep, causing irreparable damage.
Impact on Cabinet Makers and Contractors
Prepping NEXGEN slim shaker doors for hinges requires extreme precision. Frequent errors can lead to wasted materials and additional labour costs.
Summary
Problem: Thin panels complicate hinge preparation.
Cause: Limited material thickness for drilling.
Impact: Higher error rates and increased material waste.
NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors: A Cost-Effective Trend
Despite these challenges, NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors remain a cost-effective choice. As one of the only slim shaker options for NEXGEN cabinet doors, these are the go-to for modern cabinet designs. By understanding the potential issues, you can avoid these common pitfalls. These doors are a good alternative to wood for clients who want affordable, trendy cabinets.
Discover How Much NEXGEN Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors Cost
If you’ve experienced delays, inconsistencies, or fragile materials, it’s easy to feel frustrated. But with the right knowledge, you can overcome these challenges and confidently work with NEXGEN slim shaker doors.
Ready to explore the cost benefits that NEXGEN slim shaker doors offer? Learn how to price out NEXGEN slim shaker cabinet doors online.
