Choose the right kitchen unit doors

Get the lowdown on the different options available to create your dream kitchen

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

Solid wood doors have unique variations in colour, grain and texture. There is a huge range of stains and timbers available, from pale ash to dark walnut. Wood is the heaviest option and can be the most expensive choice. Solid wood develops an attractive patina over time but it can also dent easily.

Wood veneer is a thin layer of timber bonded to an MDF or other core. A good veneer will be indistinguishable from solid wood from a distance but is less expensive.

Painted finishes are powder-coated or spray-painted to give a uniform and hard-wearing finish, or hand-painted for a more bespoke look. The doors are often MDF at the lower end of the market, while more expensive doors are solid wood. Painted doors can be sanded and repainted.

Lacquered finishes are clear or coloured varnishes on an MDF or other base that provide a hard, durable coating and a modern look. This is a mid to high-end option, depending on the company you buy from.

Foils are sheets wrapped around an MDF or MCF (melamine-faced chipboard) core. They are used for some high-gloss doors and to create effects such as faux wood, where they provide a consistent colour and grain that you don't get with the real thing. Foils are usually the cheapest option.

Vinyl / PVC wraps are used to give a painted or wood effect and are more hard-wearing than foils. They look real but are cheaper than wood or lacquer and theirs durability makes them less susceptible to denting than wood.

Stainless-steel doors are robust, hygienic and resistant to corrosion, but are a pricey option. They are made by sealing a single piece of steel to an MFC or other core.

Glass is often fitted as a centre panel in unit doors for display, but some kitchen ranges have units with a glass surface, most of which have a lacquer sprayed onto the back for durability and are attached to an MDF base.

WHICH DOOR STYLE?

Slab doors are flat with no detailing for a modern look. They come in a huge variety of materials and finishes. High-gloss slab doors in black, white or pewter are popular, while brights such as orange, lime or red are a big trend, too. Wood finishes can give a streamlined feel. Combining two finishes or colours gives a stylish mix-and-match look.

Shaker styles have a flat surface with a raised border and squared-off edges. They can look contemporary or classic, depending on your choice of handles and worktop. Natural wood, white or cream are the most popular options, followed by muted green blue and grey. Try pewter or red for bold style, or mix wood and painted finishes to add interest.

Panelled doors have bevelled central panels set in a frame and give a traditional look. They are usually found on natural wood and white-painted kitchens.

Tongue-and-groove doors feature vertical panels that mimic the look of classic wall panelling. They're perfect for country-style kitchens and are most frequently seen in white or other muted shades.


Good to know
Avoid using appliances like kettles and toasters under wall units as the heat will cause damage.

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