formica laminate
Even though
formica laminate cabinet doorways are nearly the most inexpensive choice for your cupboards, they are much from being the lowest in top quality. When talking from a standpoint of longevity, I think large-stress plastic laminate doorways are the most sturdy of all.
Now I've been in the kitchen cabinet manufacturing business for many years and have owned several companies related to the industry. I've seen my share of old Formica cupboards that were in excellent shape. I have also seen some that were not in such good condition. Just like anything else, when something is maintained correctly, it's possible "that" something will last a lifetime.
Laminate doors will last thirty to fifty years. The only thing that is required of the owners is to keep them wiped down regularly. Formica doors are easily cleaned with Windex, Formula 409 or just a damp cloth.
If you are considering having Formica in your kitchen or bathroom, may I suggest that you select white or off white for the color. Through the years these two colors have long withstood the ever changing kitchen cupboard trends. Many different shades and patterns of laminate get discontinued every year, but white remains on the color chip chains of all the suppliers.
Now it is important that you DO NOT confuse Formica laminate doors with Thermofoil doors. Raised panel Thermofoil doors WILL NOT last as long as the hard-shell, high pressure plastic laminate doors.
The two things that have a negative effect on Formica plastic laminate doors are how they are fabricated and cared for. If the manufacture did not use enough glue on the doors, then you will experience problems. In my expert opinion this only occurs once in ten thousand kitchens.
It's important to understand the difference between a Melamine door and a plastic laminate door. Melamine is actually applied to