The LMG Guide to Choosing Cabinet Finish, Material, and Door Style

June 18, 2025

The LMG Guide to Choosing Cabinet Finish, Material, and Door Style


When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, cabinets aren't just storage — they're the foundation of your aesthetic. At LMG Kitchen & Bath, we know how overwhelming the choices can be: wood types, finishes, door styles, construction methods… it adds up fast.


This guide breaks it all down so you can make confident, informed decisions — whether you're a homeowner planning a renovation or a contractor guiding a client.


🔹 Step 1: Choose Your Cabinet Material


Your cabinet's material impacts durability, price, and design feel.

  • Solid Wood: Classic, durable, and timeless — often used in premium lines like Holiday Kitchens.
  • MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Smooth and great for painted finishes; budget-friendly yet durable.
  • Plywood: Strong and moisture-resistant; a popular mid-tier choice (used in Fabuwood).
  • Particleboard: Cost-effective and found in budget lines like Forevermark or US Cabinet Depot.


💡 Pro Tip: For humid areas (like kitchens near the water on Long Island), moisture-resistant plywood or solid wood is worth the investment.


🔹 Step 2: Select the Right Finish


Finishes set the mood of your space — from sleek and modern to warm and rustic.

  • Painted: Crisp, uniform colors (think soft white or deep navy); perfect for modern or transitional homes.
  • Stained: Enhances the natural beauty of wood grain; great for rustic or traditional styles.
  • Thermofoil: A heat-sealed vinyl layer over MDF; smooth and easy to clean but sensitive to heat.
  • Laminated/Matte Textures: Popular in modern designs like those from Cubitec.


🎨 Color trends we’re loving: greige, earthy greens, matte black, and wood tones with texture.


🔹 Step 3: Pick a Door Style That Matches Your Vibe


This is where personality shines. Door style affects everything from resale appeal to the overall feel of your kitchen.

  • Shaker: Clean lines and versatility — fits traditional to modern farmhouse styles. (Offered by Fabuwood and Forevermark)
  • Slab/Flat Panel: Ultra-modern and minimal. (Common in Cubitec and modern Holiday lines)
  • Raised Panel: Decorative and timeless — often found in high-end or classic designs.
  • Glass Inserts: Great for breaking up solid cabinets and showcasing glassware or décor.


✨ Designer Tip: Use glass doors sparingly to create open visual space and highlight feature areas.


🔹 Bonus: Construction Quality Counts

  • Frameless (European-style): Sleek, modern, and maximizes space. Seen in Cubitec and Holiday Kitchens’ Euro lines.
  • Framed (Traditional American): Adds strength and depth, great for classic homes.


🔧 Ask about soft-close hinges, full-extension drawers, and dovetail joints — all indicators of long-term durability.


🛠️ Why LMG?

We curate a range of cabinet lines to fit every budget and style, from economical Forevermark to luxury Holiday Kitchens — all installed with craftsmanship and care.



🗓️ Book a free design consultation at our Deer Park showroom or browse our cabinet lines in person. We’re here to make your dream kitchen a reality — one cabinet at a time.


Call to Action (CTA):
👉 Ready to start designing? Contact us or stop by LMG Kitchen & Bath at 1817 Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park, NY.

Your perfect kitchen starts here.

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