NEXGEN Cabinet Doors vs Thermofoil Cabinet Doors
NEXGEN cabinet doors and thermofoil doors differ in durability, price, and design – find out which is best for your next project.
When your customers need durable, high-quality cabinet doors that fit their budget, you have limited options. You’re likely weighing durability, aesthetics, and price. Should you choose NEXGEN or thermofoil cabinet doors? How do you ensure your choice will satisfy both you and your clients?
For over 20 years, Cutting Edge has helped contractors and cabinet makers like you deliver on their promises. We offer both NEXGEN and thermofoil cabinet doors, giving us a clear understanding of their benefits, drawbacks, and real-world applications.
This guide will help you understand which option is better for your projects so you can make a confident decision. You’ll learn:
NEXGEN™ Cabinet Doors Are a Prewrapped 5-Piece Door
NEXGEN™ cabinet doors, developed and trademarked by Olon Industries, mimic wood doors with their 5-piece construction. Each piece has an MDF core wrapped in laminate or thermally fused laminate (TFL). This design makes them more resistant to scratches, heat, and fading compared to other options.
These doors offer:
- Durability: Scratch, heat, and fade resistance ensure they look great for years.
- Affordable Elegance: Their realistic wood-grain patterns provide a premium look without the high cost of solid wood.
Thermofoil Cabinet Doors Are Vinyl-Wrapped MDF Doors
Thermofoil cabinet doors have a single piece of routed MDF wrapped in a thin vinyl layer. The vinyl is heat-sealed to the MDF, creating a smooth surface that is easy to clean.
Key characteristics include:
- Simplicity: The single-piece construction minimizes seams and gives a sleek, modern appearance.
- Easy Maintenance: The smooth surface is simple to clean, making it a favourite for kitchens and bathrooms.
Comparison of NEXGEN Cabinet Doors vs Thermofoil Cabinet Doors
When deciding between NEXGEN and thermofoil cabinet doors, understanding their differences is the key. You want to deliver a project that satisfies your clients and enhances your reputation. Both of these cabinet door styles offer unique benefits and challenges. To make an educated decision, you need to understand how they compare across crucial factors:
These categories directly impact your project’s success, from staying within budget to ensuring long-term satisfaction for your customers.
| Category | NEXGEN Cabinet Doors | Thermofoil Cabinet Doors | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Competitive pricing when sourced directly | Usually budget-friendly, but varies by supplier | Depends on your supplier |
| Durability | Highly resistant to heat, scratches, and fading | Moderate resistance; prone to issues in high heat or humidity | NEXGEN cabinet doors |
| Aesthetics | Mimics wood with a 5-piece design | Smooth, modern finish; limited wood-like appearance | NEXGEN cabinet doors |
| Cleaning | Low maintenance but may collect grime in crevices | Smooth, seamless surface; extremely easy to clean | Thermofoil cabinet doors |
| Quality | 5-piece construction may vary | Machine-made for high consistency and uniformity | Thermofoil cabinet doors |
| Lead Time | Depends on your supplier’s stock and production capabilities | Depends on your supplier’s stock and production capabilities | Depends on your supplier |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available | Depends on your supplier |
Price: Comparing Costs
NEXGEN and thermofoil cabinet doors are typically priced similarly when purchased from a supplier that produces both in-house. However, outsourced products can drive up costs.
For example, Cutting Edge produces NEXGEN doors in-house, making them significantly more affordable than the thermofoil doors we outsource from Epic Doors.
Winner: Depends on your supplier and which products they produce in-house or outsource.
Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
NEXGEN doors resist heat, scratches, and fading, making them a solid choice for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.
Thermofoil doors, while durable in moderate conditions, can peel in heat (such as next to a stove) or humidity (underneath a sink). In addition, if any problems occur, it is rarely possible to find a close match to the original thermofoil doors as the vinyl wrap fades over time.
Winner: NEXGEN cabinet doors, due to their superior resistance.
Aesthetics: Ability to Mimic Wood Cabinet Doors
NEXGEN cabinet doors closely replicate the look of wood through their 5-piece construction and precise wood-grain patterns.
Thermofoil doors lack this detail, offering a uniform grain that feels less authentic.
Winner: NEXGEN cabinet doors, for a natural wood-like aesthetic.
Cleaning: Which Is Easier to Clean?
Thermofoil cabinet doors have a smooth, seamless surface that resists dirt and grease, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
While NEXGEN doors are also low maintenance, their 5-piece construction can trap dust and grime in crevices over time.
Winner: Thermofoil cabinet doors; their smooth surface has fewer areas for dust to collect.
Quality: Consistency vs Craftsmanship
Thermofoil doors are machine-made, offering high consistency.
NEXGEN doors require manual assembly, which may introduce slight variations.
Winner: Thermofoil cabinet doors, for uniformity.
Lead Time: How Soon Will Your Order Arrive?
Lead time for cabinet doors depends on your supplier’s inventory and production capabilities. NEXGEN cabinet doors may experience delays if your supplier needs to source materials from Eastern Canada or other locations.
Similarly, thermofoil cabinet doors can also face delays if the required materials aren’t readily available. The lead time for both products often comes down to whether your supplier produces them in-house or outsources them.
Winner: Typically, the product manufactured directly by your supplier will have a shorter lead time.
Availability: Can You Order Either Product Immediately?
Both NEXGEN and thermofoil cabinet doors are widely available from multiple suppliers across the market. However, availability may vary depending on your supplier’s product focus. Suppliers specializing in one type of door might have more consistent stock for that product, while the other option may need to be outsourced or ordered on demand. Before committing, it’s worth checking the stock levels and production capabilities of your chosen supplier to ensure they can meet your project timelines.
Winner: Depends on your supplier’s product line.
When Are NEXGEN Cabinet Doors the Correct Choice?
NEXGEN cabinet doors may be your best choice if:
- Your project demands durability: They’re ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic spaces.
- You want a wood-like finish: Their 5-piece design mimics real wood perfectly.
- You work in harsh environments: Heat, humidity, and UV exposure won’t affect these doors as much.
- You want a premium look without the price tag: They balance quality and affordability.
When Are Thermofoil Cabinet Doors the Correct Choice?
On the other hand, thermofoil cabinet doors may be a better fit if:
- You prioritize a sleek, modern design: Their smooth surface suits minimalist spaces.
- You need easy-to-clean doors: Perfect for areas where low maintenance is a priority.
- Your budget is tight: Thermofoil doors are often the more affordable option.
- Consistency is key: Their machine-made construction ensures uniform results.
Explore Thermofoil and NEXGEN Cabinet Doors
In the past, choosing cabinet doors may have felt overwhelming, especially when balancing cost, durability, and aesthetics. Now, with this guide, you’ve gained clarity on how NEXGEN and thermofoil doors compare across multiple categories.
Your next step is to decide whether the product you have in mind is right for your project. To do that, you need more information. Good news – Cutting Edge already has the information you need. Discover more about NEXGEN cabinet doors or thermofoil cabinet doors to clarify which option is best for you.
