Materials and styles
Cabinet refacing materials and door styles
The door style and material you choose set the whole feel of your kitchen. Here is a plain guide to the options so you can plan your new look with confidence.
Door styles
Pick a door style
The shape of your door is the first thing the eye sees. These four styles cover most Chicago kitchens.
Shaker
A clean frame around a flat panel. The most asked for style and a fit for any home.
Slab
A smooth, flat door with no frame. Simple and modern with crisp lines.
Raised panel
A center panel that stands proud of the frame. A warm, classic, traditional look.
Glass front
A door with a glass panel for display cabinets. A bright touch for a few choice spots.
Materials
Choose your cabinet material
Each material has its own strengths. The right one depends on your taste, your budget, and how hard your kitchen gets used.
Solid wood and veneer
For a true wood look, solid wood doors pair with a real wood cabinet refacing veneer on the frames. You see natural grain, and wood can be refinished again years from now. It sits at the higher end of the price range.
Laminate
Laminate cabinet refacing uses a tough surface bonded to a sturdy core. It resists scratches and stains, wipes clean fast, and comes in many colors and wood looks. It is a strong value choice for busy kitchens.
Thermofoil
Thermofoil cabinet refacing seals a smooth vinyl layer over a shaped core. It gives a clean painted look with no brush marks, holds color well, and is easy to keep clean day to day.
Color
Colors and finishes
White cabinet doors are still the most chosen color in Chicago kitchens. White keeps a room bright, makes a small kitchen feel larger, and works with nearly any counter or floor. Soft greige and warm gray are close behind for a calm, modern feel.
Bolder homeowners reach for deep green, navy, or charcoal, often on a lower run of cabinets with lighter uppers. If you love natural wood, a stained finish shows the grain and brings warmth to the room. We help you match your finish to your counters, backsplash, and light during your free visit.
The finishing touch
Hardware that completes the look
Handles and knobs are small parts that make a big difference. The right hardware ties your whole kitchen together.
- Knobs for a simple, classic feel on doors
- Bar pulls for a clean, modern line on drawers
- Cup pulls for a warm, traditional touch
- Finishes in matte black, brushed nickel, brass, and chrome
- Soft close hinges so doors shut quiet and gentle
Make the call
How to choose what is right for you
Start with the feeling you want. A bright, open kitchen points toward white or light gray shaker doors. A bold, rich kitchen points toward deep colors or natural wood. Then think about use. A home with young children does well with tough laminate or thermofoil that wipes clean.
You do not have to decide alone. We bring samples to your free in-home visit so you can see and touch the materials in your own light. Whether you choose laminate, thermofoil, or wood, the right pick is the one that fits your life.
Want a deeper compare? Read our guides on the best cabinet door styles and laminate vs wood vs thermofoil.
Keep reading
Guides to help you plan
Best Cabinet Door Styles
A friendly tour of door styles and which kitchens they suit.
Read guide MaterialsLaminate vs Wood vs Thermofoil
The three main materials compared on look, care, and cost.
Read guide IdeasHow to Update Old Kitchen Cabinets
Style and color ideas to bring a dated kitchen up to date.
Read guideReady to choose? Learn about cabinet refacing or cabinet door replacement.
Questions and answers
Materials and styles questions
What is the most popular cabinet door style?
Shaker doors are the top pick. The clean frame and flat center panel suit modern and classic kitchens alike, and replacement shaker kitchen doors look right in almost any home.
What is the difference between laminate and thermofoil?
Laminate is a tough printed surface bonded to a board. Thermofoil is a vinyl layer heat sealed over a shaped core for a smooth painted look. Both wipe clean and stand up to daily use.
Is cabinet refacing veneer real wood?
Yes. Cabinet refacing veneer is a thin layer of real wood. It shows natural grain and bonds to the cabinet frames so the boxes match your new wood doors.
Are white cabinet doors still a good choice?
White cabinet doors stay popular because they make a kitchen feel bright and open, and they match nearly any counter, backsplash, or floor color.
Which cabinet material lasts the longest?
All three hold up well with normal care. Solid wood and veneer can be refinished again later, while laminate and thermofoil resist chips and are very easy to keep clean.
Start here
See samples in your own kitchen
Ask for a free in-home visit. We bring door and color samples so you can choose with your own eyes.