Particle board is one of the most popular options when it comes to materials for your cabinets. Not only are such cabinets budget-friendly, but they are also relatively durable and long-lasting, especially when their price tag is considered.

Despite the advantages of particle board cabinets, however, there remains a question of whether you should be reinforcing them. We dive into why this is an inquiry worth considering and how reinforcement could benefit your cabinets.

Why You Should Reinforce Your Particle Board Cabinets

While particle board is strong, it does lack the strength that regular wood cabinets possess. Reinforcing your particle board allows you to place more trust in its longevity and stability.

The way in which you go about reinforcing your particle board will influence the ways in which your particle board is improved. Let’s explore some of the options.

Laminating

Laminate is one of the more popular choices when it comes to reinforcing your particle board cabinets. This option will drastically increase the strength of your particle board, thus preventing any future cracks or splits. It also manages to protect against moisture, which decreases the likelihood of having to eliminate those little bubbles that form as a result of water damage.

Laminate is fairly easy to apply and is basically indestructible once it is applied with contact cement.

Bracing

Bracing is an excellent way to physically fortify your cabinets. If you’re able to access the hidden parts of your cabinets, such as underneath your shelving or on the backside of your cabinets, this is a great way to ensure that they are able to support any extra weight without concern.

Stylish light gray handles on cabinets close-up, kitchen interior with modern furniture and stainless steel appliances. kitchen design in scandinavian style

Simply glue or screw small strips of plywood to your particle board. It may look a little rough, but there’s a reason you’re applying it to the unseen parts. Besides, having stronger cabinets is more than worth the trade-off.

Sealing

Deciding to seal your particle board cabinets is a great choice, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Sealing prevents moisture from penetrating your particle board, thus ensuring your cabinets’ integrity and soundness for years to come.

The fronts of your cabinets, in particular, experience their fair share of water and other liquids, thanks to water dripping over while washing dishes or from cooking. From an aesthetic standpoint, ensuring your cabinets don’t begin to peel and look aged can be another motivation to seal your cabinets.

This can be done by simply applying a quality sanding sealer or even a plain lacquer.

While it may be an extra step in installing your cabinetry, choosing to reinforce your particle board cabinets will ensure a longer lifespan and less maintenance down the road.

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today at (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected].

A common material choice for cupboards and open cabinetry, MDF is a durable and easily customizable fibreboard.

However, MDF’s resilience will falter against prolonged water exposure.

Let’s look at how you can repair your water damaged MDF cabinets.

Repairing MDF Water Damage

You will notice that your MDF cabinets have swelled and puckered as a result of the water damage. Therefore, the first challenge will be to smooth out these bumps.

Prep

If possible, unhinge or remove the damaged MDF cabinet door from the rest of the cabinetry. This will make the repair process easier, as you will be able to move around and manipulate the damaged section at will.

Primer

Next, add a shellac-based primary to the MDF. This will help cover minor signs of damage, as well as help paint stick later on.

Filler

The next action is to use plastic wood filler to seal up the damage. This step may not be necessary if the damage is minimal, but the filler is perfect for greater ridges and bumps. It’s recommended you use a putty knife to help with the application.

Take your time with this step. The smoother and more level the MDF looks at the end of the application, the better your finished product will be.

Sand

Now it’s time to get to sanding! Water damaged MDF is evident by its bubbles, so sanding it down so that the material is even and smooth is critical.

You can choose to do this step either by hand or with an electric sander. Selecting a medium-fine grit, around 100 or 120, is a safe bet.

Paint

Once your MDF feels flat and even, it’s time to paint.

This is often the final touch that helps cover any evidence of water damage. However, if you aren’t happy with the result once the paint dries, you’re can always sand and paint again, repeating the process until it looks how you want it to.

Repairing MDF water damage can be tricky, but have patience and best of luck! Soon your cabinets will be looking as good as new.

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today on (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected].

The cost of home inspection in Calgary can vary significantly, depending on the company you choose to perform the inspection. Although this is far from the only factor that will influence the price of the service. Below, we look at several of the factors that influence the cost of home inspections.

The Factors Affecting Calgary Home Inspection Costs

The Company Performing the Inspection

The company performing the inspection will likely play the biggest role in determining the cost. Some companies must charge more to cover higher overhead costs, but they often offer comparable services as a result. Similarly, fly-by-night companies may offer lower prices, but the quality of the home inspection in Calgary is likely to suffer as well.

The Inspection Services Performed

Not all home inspections in Calgary are done the same way. Some inspectors will omit certain tests, like infrared or drone inspections. This will affect the quality of the inspection and may leave you exposed to unidentified problems down the road. As a result, it is important to speak with your home inspector beforehand and determine the testing they plan to perform.

Home inspection on exterior. Using digital tablet to record results

Extraneous Factors

Other factors may also influence the price of your home inspection in Calgary. Rush inspections, additional information and subsequent inspections are all examples of factors that may increase the base cost of your inspection. It is best to work collaboratively with your inspector to minimize these costs.

Book Your Home Inspection in Calgary Today!

Overall, the cost of home inspections in Calgary typically ranges between $400-$600. Still, the various factors described above and the particulars of your inspection will both play a role, so make sure you call today and get more information about your home!

Integra Inspections is a Home Inspection Company in Calgary that provides unbeatable service for home inspections. With over 15 years of experience and the latest technologies such as thermal imaging, you can count on Integra Home Inspections to get you the facts and have you ready for your next home!

Laminate cabinets have long been a popular choice for bathroom and kitchen cabinets. Not only are they a fairly inexpensive choice, but they also provide several different colour and style options.

However, when the veneer starts to crack and peel, you’ll find your space looking a little sadder and older.

Fortunately, the process to fix up your cabinets is fairly simple and cost-effective. Let’s take a look.

Steps To Repairing The Veneer on Your Particle Board Cabinets

Depending on the extent of the peeling and damage, there are two paths to take.

Glue It Down

Taking a pair of pliers, slowly and carefully pull the peeling laminate away from the particleboard. Don’t peel back more than necessary, just until you feel resistance and have reached the veneer that is still firmly attached.

Using a paintbrush, apply contact cement to both the particleboard and the underside of the veneer. Ensure you continue to pull the veneer away from the particleboard, as you don’t want the cement to touch until it’s dry.

Once the contact cement has dried, push the veneer against the particleboard. Take the time to smooth out the veneer, as you want to avoid any bubbles or misalignments.

Finally, use a clamp to hold the veneer and particleboard together while it sets. If you don’t have a clamp, placing something heavy on top will work as well.

Replace The Veneer

If you find that the peeling section of the veneer is too large to simply be glued down, you may need to replace the entire front.

Gently peel the veneer off the particleboard. If there are sections that are still attached quite firmly to the particleboard, using a heat gun will help loosen that bond.

Kitchen Cabinets — Water damaged high gloss white MDF bathroom vanity cabinet door with molding. Moist bathroom condition concept.

Measure and cut the amount of laminate you will need for your cabinet door. It’s okay to measure a little larger, as you can always sand down the edges once it’s on the particleboard.

Add contact cement to the particleboard and the backside of the veneer. Once it dries, carefully push the veneer onto the particleboard. Using your hand or a roller, smooth out any swelling or bubbles, and ensure the entire surface is now covered.

Clamp the veneer to the particleboard while the cabinet door dries. If you don’t have enough clamps, or any at all, placing something heavy on top will work just as well.

Once everything is sealed together, sand out the edges of the cabinets if you feel that is needed.

Maintaining the appearance of your particleboard cabinets truly makes a difference in the feel of your home. Hopefully, you find this to be a simple and straightforward way to keep your cabinets looking brand new!

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today on (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected].

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If you’re looking to redo your cabinetry, MDF is one of the best materials you can go with. MDF stands for medium-density fibreboard. It’s a wood product that’s condensed with wood residuals into a panel. They are incredibly affordable and flexible, making them a common choice among homeowners.

Just how much should you expect to pay for MDF cabinet doors in Canada? You should be looking at around $10 to $50 for the MDF boards. The price should vary depending on the dimensions of the wood boards.

It’s usually larger to buy very large boards and then cut them yourself. This isn’t recommended unless you are going to go through the whole process of measuring the boards, cutting them properly, and sanding them. While the job is simple, you’ll need all the tools and experience to be able to pull that off.

(Read how MDF cabinet doors are made)

When purchasing basic MDF wood boards, you do have to understand that these are basic boards you will need to paint. You have the option to go with MDF cabinet doors that are sanded, primed, and painted. For these MDF boards, you will have to pay extra.

The prices for the boards that are ready to be installed will vary from brand to brand. You may expect to pay anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent extra for going with boards that are already ready to be installed. The only problem with these boards is that you will need to find boards that have the dimensions you want.

One thing you should look for when it comes to MDF boards, in general, is discounts. Some retailers will be looking to offload their inventory and may offer significant savings off the retail price. You can see savings as big as 50 percent off the retail price if you look hard enough.

Now if you’re dealing with a custom cabinet maker that’s going to do all the cabinetry, you should be able to save money working with them. Contractors often get access to the best prices for materials such as MDF boards. You will mostly be paying them for the design, planning, and labor.

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today on (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected].

A great way to transform your kitchen’s look is to repaint your cabinets. But before you go about doing that, you want to see if you have MDF cabinets. MDF stands for medium density fiberboard which is a wood product often used for cabinets. If you do find you have MDF cabinetry, it’s important to paint them properly. Here are the steps you need to follow.

Four Steps To Paint Your MDF Cabinet Doors

Step 1: Detach the Cabinets

The first step is to detach the MDF cabinets so that the paint doesn’t drip onto the screws and hinges. Make sure you keep the screws and hinges in a bag so that you’re not left missing an important piece when you’re putting the cabinets back.

Step 2: Clean the Cabinets

The next step is to clean the MDF cabinets of any stains. Create diluted soap water with mild soap. Then take a microfiber cloth and dampen it a little bit. Squeeze the excess off and clean the surface of the cabinets.

Then dampen a different cloth with water to clean off the soap and any stains that were on the cabinets. Dry off the cabinets with a dry paper towel and let them air dry for a couple of hours.

Step 3: Sand and Spread Primer

If you see that your cabinets have a rough surface, you will want to sand the roughness away. You can use sandpaper to smoothen everything out. It can take a while but it’s well worth the effort if you want the paint to be consistent on the surface.

Next you will need a primer for the doors. The reason you use primer is to give the cabinet doors a coating underneath. This coating will ensure that the coat of paint on top adheres to the surface. It will also provide longevity of the paint you will be applying. You can apply primer only to one side if you’re only going for a change of color.

Step 4: Paint the Doors

Finally, you will have to paint the doors. Paint from the top to the bottom to be consistent. Smoothen out the painting if too much has accumulated on one area. If you want the best results, go for a second coat of paint for longevity. Then set the doors somewhere for 24 hours to allow them to dry.

The last thing you’ll have to do is reattach your doors. But this should be fairly simple if you organized the hinges and screws as recommended earlier.

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today on (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected]

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When it comes cleaning the kitchen most people focus on the sink and the countertop. But you may have realized that your cabinets are in need of cleaning. Food splatter, grease, and set in moisture can make your cabinets unattractive. So how do you clean them if you happen to have MDF cabinets?

Start with a Gentle Solution

The easiest solution is a mixture of dishwashing soap and warm water. Do not use the strong dishwashing soaps as it can be harsh on the surface of your MDF cabinet doors. Instead, use a weaker one and dilute it with one part soap and two parts warm water.

Put the Solution on Microfiber Cloth

Microfiber cloth is the best tool to use for cleaning your MDF cabinet doors. They are known to be gentle on surfaces and will not leave marks when used to wipe sensitive surfaces. You want to soak some of the solution onto the microfiber cloth. Squeeze out any excess water.

On the area with stains or spots, you want to gently wipe the cloth in a circular motion to help loosen whatever is on your cabinet doors. You can put more pressure on the area if the spot or stain is stubborn. From there, you want to give the entire surface a wipe to remove dust and help bring a luster to the surface.

Avoid These Cleaning Mistakes

The big thing you must avoid doing is putting the solution directly on the cabinets. You do not want to put too much moisture on the cabinet doors. This can affect the finish of your cabinets. You also don’t want to let water run into any area that’s damaged or into the hinges as it can lead to further damage and rust the metal.

If a spot or stain is really hard to remove, you’ll need to resort to some light scrubbing. Go purchase a soft brush toothbrush. Soak a bit of the solution onto the toothbrush and gently wring out the excess water. Then scrub out the spot or stain. A hard toothbrush can leave marks, so it’s best to avoid them.

Finally, wipe away the solution with a damp cloth. After it’s wiped, you want to dry the cabinets with a dry towel, preferably a microfiber cloth. All the steps outlined here are simple, but it’s just a matter of using the right method to avoid damaging your kitchen cabinet doors.

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today on (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected]

Your kitchen cabinet doors provide one of the core functions of your kitchen. They add functionality to the storage space and also help define the look of your kitchen. Like any part of your kitchen, they’re going to go through wear and tear. It’s expensive to replace kitchen cabinet doors, so it’s a good idea to repair them if they get damaged.

Fixing Small Chips

If your kitchen cabinet doors are suffering from chips and scratches, you can easily fix them with plastic wood fillers. These fillers come in colors that match many cabinet doors. You can test colors to see if they blend in well. If you can’t find colors that match your cabinet doors, you should consider painting them after filling in the chips and scratches.

Fixing Deep Gouges

Now if you’re dealing with some deep damage, you need to use wood repair solutions. These are typically putties that you can mold into the area that has been damaged. Many come in the color of wood but color choices may be limited. Again, repainting the kitchen cabinet doors is an option.

Fixing Noisy Cabinet Doors

There are several different causes of noisy kitchen cabinet doors. First, you want to see if the bumper that was previously installed has worn out. If so, all you have to do is to install a new set of bumpers. You can also install soft-close dampers as an alternative, but it’s a more expensive solution.

If you’re dealing with squeaky hinges, then all you have to do is to add lubricant. It can be anything from vaseline, wd-40, or even olive oil. Use a paper towel and put the lubricant on it. Rub the paper towel on the edges of the hinges and the creaking should go away.

Hiring Qualified Cabinet Manufacturers

Of course, you may have to replace the kitchen cabinet doors if it’s been too damaged. A good way to save money on new kitchen cabinet doors is to find a local cabinet manufacturer. You’re going directly to the source, so you won’t have to pay retail prices.

The cabinet manufacturer will also have staff that can help you install the kitchen cabinet doors. If you’d rather get it done professionally, it might be cheaper than hiring a contractor. Many manufacturers will provide discounts for labor.

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today on (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected]

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The idea of a kitchen remodel is both appealing and overwhelming. While you may want to spruce up your kitchen’s look, you probably are hesitant about the cost. Therefore, be prepared. Learn about how much a remodel will cost starting with the price of cabinets.

Your Overall Kitchen Layout Determines Your Cost

As with most things, the more you buy, the more you pay. By this logic, bigger kitchens will obviously cost more. However, good kitchen design can maximize the use of cabinets even in a small place. If you pick more effective layouts, then you may be able to squeeze in more cabinets. This will give your kitchen more functionality, but you should expect to pay for that utility.

The Type and Finish of the Cabinet Makes a Difference

There are many options for materials and styles. You have to pick between plywood and MDF cabinets doors in Calgary. Plywood is cheaper, but it is not as sturdy. Accordingly, MDF cabinets doors offer a better bang for your buck. Other options may be available in real wood, and the cost for those cabinets is even more pronounced. In addition to materials, the style of the cabinets impacts your cost. Simple shaker-style cabinets are cheaper than more intricate wood faces. Special finishes and stains also change your cost.

Getting Extra Flourishes Will Increase Your Cost and Value

In the past, cabinets were simple devices with shelves and doors. However, today, you can look at cabinets that do all sorts of special things. Your cabinets can have pull-out drawers or built-in spice racks. You can opt for soft-close MDF cabinets doors in Calgary or pan storage. While this newfound versatility is certainly appealing, you will need to make room in the budget for these upgrades.

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today on (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected]

The world of building materials is constantly changing and improving. In our interconnected world, it is important to use our resources to their fullest potential so that as many people as possible may benefit from trees, water and food stores. One of the ways that we, as a society, make use of even the scrap materials from the forestry industry is through medium-density fibreboard (MDF) cabinet doors.

Of course, MDF cabinet doors are only one way that we use the base product, which is MDF wood. We also use this material in the cabinets themselves as well as other indoor building projects and shop fitting, to name a few. For such a resilient and helpful product, the origins and manufacturing process seem shrouded in mystery. Today, we pull back the curtain.

The Process of Making MDF Wood

Fibre Production

After the lumber is gathered, the bark stripped, and the planks cut, there is a fair amount of leftover material. This is sent into the chipper, which makes chips of a regular size and cut. They are then stored or used for the creation of fibre.

The fibre production involved the heating of the wood chips to soften the natural binder material between the wood fibres. They are then fed through a rotating machine that pulls apart the fibres and turns them into a form of pulp. They are then coated with wax and then urea-formaldehyde, which serves the functions of binding the fibres together, increasing moisture resistance and reducing the likelihood of material clumping.

Sheet Formation

During the sheet formation, the bound and coated fibres from the previous stage are put through machinery to produce even sheets of material. It is pressure-treated and compressed to ensure a dense and strong final product. Occasionally, the boards will be laminated for additional strength.

Where to Find MDF Cabinet Doors

Even though it is thrilling to learn where these building materials come from, it is even more exciting to see them inside your home performing their intended function. To learn more about MDF cabinet doors and how they can reinvigorate your favourite rooms, give us a call today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Handhills is a cabinet maker and manufacturer serving central Alberta. We specialize in custom cabinet design and installation, closet design, bathroom vanities, bookcases, custom entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, shelving, MDF cabinet doors, cabinet parts and more. Send us your measurements and get started with custom cabinets from Handhills. Call the best cabinet maker in Calgary today on (403) 910‐2373 or send an email to [email protected]