Thermofoil (RTF) Cabinet Components - How Are They Made?
"RTF" or "Rigid Thermofoil" cabinet door and drawer fronts are a durable, high-quality option when remodeling your kitchen, bathroom or any other room in the house. RTF products feature seamless construction, color consistency and resistant staining. They are also very easy to maintain and clean. In most cases, RTF cabinet doors and drawer fronts are a lower-cost remodeling option than buying solid wood components.
If you're a homeowner or contractor preparing for a kitchen upgrade, discover why RTF is a worthwhile option and what goes into its construction.
HOW ARE RTF CABINET DOORS MADE?
RTF cabinet doors and drawer fronts are carefully cut and shaped to achieve a smooth, uniform appearance customized to the client's request. The manufacturing process typically involves these steps:
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Forming the core layer: RTF cabinet doors and drawer fronts start with a laminated 3/4" piece of MDF. MDF is used as the core of the product since it's very durable and easy to route out the pattern or style of the Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts. The reliability in the production of MDF components results in a dependably smooth and blemish-free surface.
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Routing: Once the MDF panels are cut to the size of the cabinet doors or drawer fronts, they go to high-end routing machines — normally made in Germany or Italy — that are preprogrammed and can route multiple components at the same time. Each routing cycle takes only minutes, so it's very efficient and can produce thousands of parts every day.
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Cleaning and adherence: Once the finished components come off the routers, they go through a couple more processes. The components run through another machine that clears all of the dust and particles from each component. Then, they are lightly sprayed with a thin coat of glue that will help adhere the foil to the Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts.
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Applying the foil layer: Once the components dry, they are taken to the presses where the foil is applied. Multiple cabinet doors and drawer fronts are laid out on the platform for maximum coverage and efficiency. The foil is then laid over all of the components and sent into the press. The press clamps down over the components for several minutes and adheres the foil to each one. Below shows how the components look after coming out of the press.
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Finalizing the product: The final step is to trim off the excess foil from each component and complete the final inspection of each component.
TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN OR BATH WITH NEW RTF CABINET DOORS AND DRAWER FRONTS!
If you're looking to start a remodeling project, big or small, Cabinet Doors 'N' More has bestselling cabinet doors available. We also have matching cabinet drawer fronts once you've chosen the cabinet door style of your dreams! Cabinet Doors 'N' More offers several RTF cabinet door and drawer front styles, including Shaker, raised panel and slab options.
Partnering with us for your DIY cabinet project is one decision you won’t regret. We are an industry leader in online kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, providing a variety of customized cabinet components to help you complete your remodeling project quickly and easily. Order as little as one cabinet component for a quick repair or order multiple cabinet doors for a large-scale renovation. Whatever you choose, you will enjoy free shipping on all orders, fast delivery and exceptional customer service.
WHAT IS AN RTF CABINET DOOR?
A Rigid Thermofoil cabinet door or drawer front is manufactured from thin, flexible layers of vinyl, which are bonded to a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) surface using pressure and heat.
MDF is composed of resin and crushed wood particles, pressed together to create a durable cabinet. However, MDF on its own isn't sufficient for most cabinet doors and drawers, as it is susceptible to swelling and chipping and difficult to paint. That's where RDF comes in. It reinforces, seals and protects the door front against damage — all while creating a beautiful finished product with a sleek, high-end, real-wood appearance.
WHY CHOOSE RTF CABINET DOORS AND DRAWER FRONTS?
Many homeowners and contractors value RTF for its impressive durability, simple maintenance, customization abilities and aesthetic appearance. Some perks of choosing Rigid Thermofoil include:
1. RESILIENCE
RTF is highly resistant to peeling, warping, chipping and cracking. The MDF core offers stability and durability, while the vinyl film layer serves as a protective coating, helping prevent damage from daily use and wear. Many homeowners and contractors favor RTF since it's strong, resilient, waterproof and nonporous.
2. EASE OF CLEANING
RTF cabinet doors are usually easy to clean and maintain. Thanks to their smooth, nonporous surfaces, they're resistant to spills and stains, making them a low-maintenance option. Because they aren't absorbent, they don't accumulate much dirt on their surfaces, although they'll still require occasional cleaning.
Simply wipe down the surface with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove dust buildup. For tougher stains like grease, you can use a damp cloth with a mixture of water and mild dish soap, gently scrubbing the surface. Be sure to use a nonabrasive cleaning solution — harsh chemicals can damage the finish.
3. COST-EFFECTIVENESS
On top of being lower-maintenance than natural wood, RTF also tends to be less expensive. If you're tackling a kitchen remodel on a budget, RTF cabinet doors and drawer fronts are a cost-effective option.
4. VISUAL APPEAL
These cabinet doors have a smooth and consistent color, their surface free of grain patterns and knots. Their appearance resembles painted wood, offering a modern, uniform look for your kitchen remodel.
5. VERSATILITY
RTF cabinet doors and drawer fronts come in a range of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize them to your desired style and aesthetic. Additionally, since RTF contains flat, flexible vinyl layers, the material can be molded to fit any door shape, whether it has recessed or raised panels.
From sleek and modern to warm and rustic, RTF can help bring the vision for your kitchen project to life.
BEGIN YOUR ORDER OR CONTACT US
With RTF cabinet doors and drawer fronts from Cabinet Doors ‘N’ More — combined with our exceptional customer support — you can successfully carry out the vision for your next kitchen upgrade. We also offer free paint color samples, allowing you to test out different shades and see how they complement your project.
Learn more about our products by contacting Cabinet Doors ‘N’ More today, or start your order now!
Buy $750 or more in any combination of Cabinet Doors, Drawer Fronts, Drawer Boxes or accessories and get 10% off your entire order. Discount taken at checkout. Discounts cannot be combined.
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