What is "Thermofoil"?

I would like to interrupt our going thru the different styles we carry, since this is a question I get all the time from people who are new in the real estate industry, including the fellow I had a meeting with yesterday. I did a search online to find an article that would explain it best. I came across this very informative article on About.com

"What is "Thermofoil"? That`s probably one of the biggest questions i will get from new Realtor`s in the industry

"What are MDF and Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets?" Asks One Reader
Sunday April 19, 2009
The reader goes on to ask if she should buy kitchen cabinetry made of MDF and thermofoil.
MDF is often described as nothing more than sawdust and glue compacted into slabs under high pressure. That's not too far from the truth. Because the surface of MDF does not take paint well, it is often wrapped in thermofoil. Don't let the "foil" part of thermofoil throw you off. Thermofoil has no metallic content. Kraftmaid describes thermofoil as such:

Flexible, 100 percent solid-colored vinyl. With adhesive on its underside, it is applied to smooth, engineered wood or MDF which has been formed into a door, drawer or molding design. It has solid, semi-transparent coloration and is easy to clean and maintain. Ideal for durable areas.
Indeed, thermofoil cabinets are like the vinyl siding of kitchen (or bathroom) cabinetry: a cheap, short-term solution, often maligned but with a number of valid good points.

The Good

•Thermofoil is seamless.
•Impervious to most staining.
•MDF/Thermofoil cabinets tend to be among the cheapest on the market.
•Smooth surface, consistent color.

The Bad

•Thermofoil easily chips.
•It has the tendency to peel away all on its own--over time, though.
•Thermofoil-faced MDF cabinets cannot be re-thermofoiled. Difficult to paint, too.
•MDF contains formaldehyde.
•MDF itself can chip away quite easily."

One of the more common "Thermofoil" cabinets we sell here at Regal Kitchens is called "Classic Round"(note the picture on top), I hope to go into more detail about it tomorrow.

Please dont hesitate to call with any questions,

Sincerely,
Moe Hirsch
Regal Kitchens & Baths Inc.
Office - 718-435-1211
Fax - 718-435-2057
moshe@regalkitchens.com