In an earlier post, I outlined the differences between the in-frame and lay-on door styles. With the in-frame door largely considered to be a more traditional look and feel, we’ll now explore the versatility of the lay-on options, which extend from contemporary to classic styles, in solid timber and engineered timber options.
Door Styles
Flat Panel (Slab)
You’ll often see Flat Panel doors in modern and contemporary kitchens as they work well with their minimalist aesthetic. They can be fitted with handles or used as part of a true handleless rail system.
Think chic, sleek simplicity.
Handleless
The handleless kitchen keeps lines clean and uncluttered and can help instantly elevate your look with minimum effort. The absence of handles allows the eye to focus on the lines of the kitchen, without being distracted. The result is that the space looks open, fresh and modern. The J Pull profile (pictured left) is an integrated handle with a J shape cut out.
True Handleless is an ultra-contemporary style, which incorporates a top rail on which the worktop sits, allowing your fingers to slot into the top of the cupboard or drawer.
Shaker
Known for simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship, Shaker kitchens often showcase inset panel doors with recessed centre panels, along with traditional hardware like simple knobs or handles.
Incorporating simplistic styling and clean lines, the Shaker blends in well no matter your chosen aesthetic, from traditional to modern.
Shaker doors come in a variety of styles such as in-frame, mock in-frame, classic, narrow/slim and micro. These variations offer modern twists on the classic design, with differences in beading and panel depths.
traditional elegance and streamlined contemporary spaces. .
Door Materials – Timber
Timber Painted Door:
Many of our customers choose timber painted doors, in shaker or square raised panel styles. They are constructed with a solid ash frame with ash veneer centre panels, and thoroughly primed prior to being painted.
Many timber styles are also available in a sanded finish, ready for you to paint or stain to your own specifications.
Right: Painted timber raised centre panel style. www.sinckitchens.co.uk
Solid Timber Oak:
The oak kitchen is making a comeback, but with a modern twist. Design experts say the “honey-toned” look of the past is out, and a fresh, natural aesthetic is in. Today’s oak kitchens feature light-washed, matte finishes and clean lines.
They are constructed with a solid oak frame with oak veneer centre panels.
Right: Oak Shaker Style door by Sinc Kitchens www.sinckitchens.com
In Summary – why choose timber doors for your kitchen?
Ash and oak are strong and resistant to dents and scratches, which is essential for kitchen environments. There are 33 colours available in many styles, and there is also the option to request a bespoke colour, albeit at an additional cost.
Maintenance of painted wood doors includes the possibility of touch-ups where necessary to address any accidental chipping. Doors can be hand painted or factory re-sprayed as needed later down the line, if you want a fresh look.
The downside to timber doors is the slightly higher cost, which you’d expect given that you’re choosing a high-quality and desirable material. Generally you’ll find oak more expensive than ash, or engineered alternatives, but the investment pays off with a kitchen that will last the test of time.
Door Materials – Engineered Wood
MDF Painted:
Constructed from MDF (medium density fibreboard) and then routered to achieve the design, these doors ensure a stable and unchanging appearance over time.
MDF doors are also relatively easy to maintain as minor damage can be touched up with paint. The doors can also be re-sprayed, extending their lifespan.
MDF is dense and resistant to warping, but it is more susceptible to moisture damage than solid wood.
Right: Painted MDF style www.sinckitchens.co.uk
Engineered wood with a veneer finish:
If you love wood but find the cost is a barrier, natural wood veneered doors are worth a look. A thin layer of real wood (known as veneer) is glued to MDF or PEFC chipboard doors to ensure that the doors are fit for purpose. When choosing a wood veneer, grain pattern should be carefully considered.
Try to avoid excessive scratching on these cabinets. They are more prone to damage and less easy to repair than solid wood.
Engineered wood with a lacquered finish:
Coats of base, colour and lacquer are spray applied to MDF or PEFC chipboard doors which are then polished to achieve a glossy finish. he shiny surface makes the room feel and appear larger, whilst being easy to keep clean.
Engineered wood with a foil finish:
A very thin layer of foil (or vinyl) is bonded to an MDF door. Typically shiny and sleek, these doors tend to be used to create a contemporary and modern look, although you can also choose a wood grain effect. Alkocell is an example of foil. A foil finish works particularly well on J Pull Handleless doors, but can also be used for shaker and flat panel doors.
