Hey everyone! I'm in the middle of a kitchen renovation and seeking advice about cabinet doors. I'm considering flat slab doors, but I've been told by one cabinet company that they can warp due to humidity issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. They recommend I opt for framed doors instead, while another vendor claims slab fronts are fine. I'm looking at satin finishes, likely in MDF, and I really want to avoid any future kitchen updates. What's your take on the warping issue with slab doors here? Should I stick to framed options for better durability?
3 Answers
The main reason framed doors are common is to reduce warping risks. While plywood and MDF aren't as prone, they still need a good waterproof finish to avoid issues. If you’re considering lacquer, it’s usually more water-resistant, which should help.
As a hobbyist woodworker, I can tell you that slab doors can warp if they aren’t constructed properly. Make sure the doors are made locally to avoid issues from shipping them from a drastically different climate, like Nevada to SF. Also, check if the company offers a warranty against warping; if they do, get that in writing. If they guarantee no issues after a couple of years, then you should be good! Also, consider venereed plywood, as it's typically more stable than solid slab doors and looks great on high-end kitchens.
Good suggestion! I’ll definitely ask about the warranty. I initially thought MDF was the way to go, but now I’m more open to veneer since it's common in high-end kitchens.
The vendors I’m looking at are sourcing from Oregon and Washington, so I’ll check where the materials are coming from! I don’t have much climate control besides heating, so thanks for the heads-up!
I need to double-check the warranty situation with the responsive company—I hear their customer service is solid. I was surprised about the warping issue given the MDF, but I’ll look into it. Appreciate the advice!
Consider using board and batten doors—they've worked well for me for five years without any warping issues! If your doors have cross members on the back, they should hold up better against warping. Just a thought!
I hadn't thought about that option! I'll definitely check if that's available. Thanks!
That explanation makes a lot of sense! My vendor seemed to emphasize that, so it’s good to have clarity on it. Thanks for the insight!