What are Semihandmade doors made of?

Semihandmade doors are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring a combination of quality materials that ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. The composition of our doors varies based on the door style, with distinct materials for different collections.

1. Supermatte, SSS Quarterline/Beaded, and CLJ:

   • External Material: Thermofoil – a flexible vinyl heat-molded onto a substrate with a smooth melamine back.

   • Substrate (Inner Core): Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) – providing a flat and structurally stable surface.

2. Walnut:

   • External Material: Veneer – a thin layer of real wood applied to both sides of the substrate.

   • Substrate: Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) – chosen for its flatness and structural stability.

3. Impression:

   • External Material: Textured melamine – a three-dimensional plastic.

   • Substrate: Particle Board – offering a stable base for the textured melamine.

4. DIY Shaker:

   • Frame: Solid Maple frames.

   • Panels: Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) – ensuring a sturdy foundation for the panels.

5. DIY Slab:

   • Material: Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) with maple edge banding – combining durability with a refined edge.

6. DIY Quarterline:

   • Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

For additional details and specifications, please refer to our Materials page on our website. We take pride in delivering doors that not only meet high standards of craftsmanship but also cater to a diverse range of styles and preferences.

We do not manufacture solid doors, except for our DIY Shaker 5” drawers made from solid, paint-grade maple. Unlike 30 years ago, traditional solid wood cabinet doors are rare to find in production due to their susceptibility to warping, cracking, and cupping when exposed to environmental elements.

To address these issues, we use laminate or veneer on Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), fondly referred to as "Miraculous Dense Fiberboard." This material offers exceptional stability and durability at a reasonable cost. While we've moved away from solid wood for practical reasons, our commitment to quality materials ensures that Semihandmade doors maintain their integrity and aesthetic appeal.

• Walnut, DIY Slab, and Impression:

  • Edge-banding with an impressive 1 mil thickness, surpassing the industry standard of .6 mil.

• Supermatte/CLJ Doors:

  • Minimal-radius wrapped thermofoil edges for a sleek and seamless finish.

• DIY Shaker Doors:

  • Unbanded design, featuring solid wood rails and stiles for a classic, timeless look.

We do not paint our doors. For those seeking painted doors, our paint grade DIY Shaker and DIY Slab doors are ideal. These doors are shipped unfinished, providing you with the option to paint them yourself or collaborate with a local professional to achieve your desired shade and tone.

For a hassle-free option, our Supermatte collection offers a range of color choices. These doors, made of thermofoil materials, are ready to install and add a vibrant touch to your space.

Our Supermatte doors don't come with a specific paint or color code since they aren't painted. To achieve a matching color for other pieces in your home, we suggest taking a sample or spare piece to a nearby paint shop. They have the expertise to create a paint color that perfectly matches your needs. If you need a sample to achieve this, use code PAINTMATCH at checkout for (1) complimentary 5" x 4" sample!

We're always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Variety is great, but it can also create a lot of waste and redundancy. There's also the simple fact that tastes change and as we continue to grow and keep our pulse on the latest trends, it means our product lineup does go through some changes.

While we strive to offer flexibility, it's important to note that not all materials can be used interchangeably across cabinet systems. This limitation arises from specific drilling requirements that some manufacturers, responsible for certain materials, may not fulfill.

For detailed information on compatibility, visit the material's page to discover which cabinet system it is designed for.

SEKTION: ALL

AKURUM:

• Supermatte Shaker & Slab in these colors - White, Black, Light Grey, Night Sky, Stone

• DIY Shaker, Slab, & Quarterline

• Impression Slab - Tahoe, Sonoma, Smoke, Beach

• Walnut - Horizontal & Vertical

BESTA:

• DIY Shaker, Slab, & Quarterline

• Supermatte Shaker & Slab in these colors - Agave, Black, Desert Grey, Light Grey, Night Sky, Stone, White

• Supermatte SSS Beaded, & SSS Quarterline in these colors Agave, Black, Desert Grey, Night Sky, Stone, White

• Impression Slab - Tahoe, Sonoma, Smoke, Beach

GODMORGON:

• DIY Shaker, Slab, & Quarterline

• Supermatte Shaker & Slab in these colors - Agave, Black, Desert Grey, Light Grey, Night Sky, Stone, White

• Supermatte SSS Beaded, & SSS Quarterline in these colors - Agave, Black, Desert Grey, Night Sky, Stone, White

• Impression Slab - Tahoe, Sonoma, Smoke, Beach

• Walnut - Horizontal

The word “sequence" refers ONLY to our Walnut doors. What it means, simply, is that the real wood veneer fronts fall in sequential order and are stamped as such for proper installation. 

Yes, certain materials will not have a matching backer. Some of our more specialty colors like Agave & Stone will have backers that are the closest neutral color. For example, Agave will have a White backer. You can find the color of the backer on the specific material's page. Another notable one is CLJ. CLJ shaker will match front and back, while CLJ slab will have a neutral solid color backing. Here are some examples of the back of a sample laid on top of its front color to compare:

Our doors, like most are not indestructible; but with proper precautions and care, they will hold up! The KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association) standard for heat resistance requires that doors withstand 24 hours at 120 degrees F (49oC) and 70% humidity without showing discoloration, blistering, or other material failures. All Semihandmade/BOXI door, drawer, panels, and trim parts exceed this standard. Our average heat resistance is 185oF (85oC); the range is 175oF-210oF (79oC-99oC). In regards to warping or peeling, many factors come into play such as proper ventilation, insulation, and proximity to appliances. Parts can warp or peel with consistent exposure to extreme heat and consistent exposure to high moisture.

Here are some precautionary actions to take to ensure your fronts last as long as possible:

1. Wipe off all liquids immediately.

2. Avoid direct sunlight.

3. Make sure appliances - especially dishwashers - are correctly installed and insulated. Consult the manufacturer specs as well as your installer to evaluate if heat shields are needed on the fronts or cabinets in the vicinity. Appliances may have vents on the sides, top, or back that may contribute to damage if not shielded properly. Damage due to excessive heat or moisture is NOT covered under warranty.

4. Never "vent" your dishwasher or oven by cracking open the appliance door. Using the 'self-clean' feature may cause damage to the surrounding material.

5. Never operate a top-loading toaster below wall cabinets. 

6. Avoid close proximity to radiators, heaters, or mobile heating units.

7. Protect surfaces when using sharp tools or cumbersome equipment.

It's essential to note that, like many natural materials, walnut doors may undergo subtle changes in tone over time. This is a normal part of the aging process and can be attributed to various environmental factors; including exposure to sunlight, humidity levels, and the natural aging process of the wood. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate and appreciate the unique characteristics that develop over time.

Sunlight Exposure: Walnut doors may experience changes in tone when exposed to sunlight. This is a natural occurrence as the wood reacts to UV rays. If the exposure is excessive, consider using window coverings or protective finishes that offer UV resistance.

Humidity Levels: To maintain a stable environment, use a dehumidifier or humidifier as needed, especially in regions with extreme weather conditions.

Natural Aging Process: Just like any natural material, walnut doors will undergo an aging process. This process contributes to the development of a rich patina and enhances the door's character over time.