Thermofoil cabinets have a vinyl film heat-formed over an MDF door. Painted cabinets have a sprayed paint finish. Thermofoil is the lower-cost, low-maintenance choice, and at Tevola’s published pricing it starts at $350 per linear foot installed (October 2026). Painted costs more at $500 per linear foot, but it can be touched up and refinished, and it keeps up better near heat.
Both finishes suit a Toronto kitchen. The right one depends on how you live, how long you will stay and where the cabinets sit. This guide covers how each is made, the honest pros and cons, a side-by-side table and care tips. If you are comparing builders, see our page on custom kitchen cabinets in Toronto for what we make.
What is thermofoil?
Thermofoil is a thin vinyl film. It is heated and vacuum-pressed over a shaped MDF door, so the film wraps the face and edges in one continuous skin. The result is a smooth, uniform surface with no brush marks and no visible seams on the door face.
Because the film is continuous, thermofoil doors can be made with a routed profile, which suits shaker-style and traditional looks as well as flat fronts.
What are painted cabinets?
Painted cabinets have a paint finish applied to the door and frame, usually sprayed in coats and then sealed. The finish sits on the surface of the door rather than being a separate layer bonded over it. This is why painted cabinets can show a deeper, more furniture-like look, and why they can be refinished later.
Thermofoil: pros and cons
Pros
- Lower cost. At $350 per linear foot installed, it is $150 per linear foot less than painted at Tevola’s current rates.
- Easy cleaning. The surface is smooth and wipes down with a damp cloth.
- Consistent colour. Every door comes out the same, with no brush or spray variation.
- No chipping in the usual sense. A film does not chip like a paint coat does.
Cons
- Heat sensitivity. Sustained heat and steam can cause vinyl film to lift or peel at the edges. Doors next to an oven, range or dishwasher vent are the most exposed.
- Hard to repair. Once the film peels or is cut, a clean repair is difficult. The usual fix is replacing the door.
- Cannot be repainted to change colour later.
Painted: pros and cons
Pros
- Repairable. A chip can be touched up, and the whole kitchen can be refinished years later.
- Handles heat better. A painted surface does not peel from heat the way a bonded film can, so it is a safer pick around the range and dishwasher.
- Depth of colour. Paint gives a richer look, and it can be matched to a colour you already love.
- Colour choice. Painted kitchens come in many colours at Tevola.
Cons
- Higher cost. $500 per linear foot installed, as of October 2026.
- Can chip. Knocks from pots, chairs and dishwashers can chip paint, especially on edges and corners.
- More upkeep. Expect the occasional touch-up over the years.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Thermofoil | Painted |
|---|---|---|
| Tevola published rate (Oct 2026) | $350 per linear foot installed | $500 per linear foot installed |
| Look | Smooth, uniform film | Sprayed paint finish with a furniture-like depth |
| Near ovens and dishwashers | More exposed to heat and steam | Generally better suited |
| Typical wear problem | Edges can lift or peel | Edges and corners can chip |
| Repairability | Difficult, door often replaced | Touch-ups and refinishing possible |
| Cleaning | Damp cloth, mild soap | Damp cloth, mild soap |
| Colour choice | Many colours | Many colours |
Both rates include a quartz countertop, handles and a sink. Electrical, plumbing, demolition and construction work are not included. For worked examples at these rates, read our guide to custom kitchen cabinet costs in Toronto.
Which one fits your home?
Rentals and investment condos
Thermofoil is often the practical pick. The lower price helps your return, the surface is simple to clean between tenants, and a uniform finish photographs well in a listing. Condo kitchens are usually compact, so cost per linear foot adds up quickly. See our notes on condo kitchen cabinets in Toronto.
A long-term family home
Painted deserves a look if you plan to stay for years. You pay more up front, but you can touch up chips and refinish the doors later instead of replacing them. Families with kids often value that repairability.
High-heat spots
If your layout puts cabinets close to a range, wall oven or dishwasher, lean toward painted for those runs. If you still want thermofoil, ask about where doors sit relative to heat sources when we take your measurements.
Three questions to settle it
- How long will you keep this kitchen? If it is five years or fewer, or it is a rental, the lower upfront cost of thermofoil usually wins. If it is a decade or more, the repairability of paint becomes worth paying for.
- How hard do you cook? A kitchen with daily high-heat cooking, a busy dishwasher and plenty of steam puts more stress on a film finish.
- How much does the budget matter? On a 22 linear foot kitchen, the gap between the two is $3,300 at the published rates. That is a real number, so weigh it against the points above.
There is no wrong answer. Many homeowners choose thermofoil for most of the kitchen and are happy. Others pick painted for the look and the peace of mind. Your answers to the three questions above will point you the right way.
Care tips for either finish
- Wipe spills promptly, especially near the sink and dishwasher.
- Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh cleaners.
- Do not let steam from a kettle, rice cooker or slow cooker vent directly at cabinet doors.
- Use a heat shield or trivet behind small appliances that give off heat.
- Check door edges once or twice a year so small problems get fixed early.
Built to order, so you can see before you decide
Tevola builds cabinets to order at its Scarborough facility, with a typical lead time of 4 to 8 weeks from order confirmation. You can compare finish samples at our kitchen cabinet showroom in Scarborough, and our process shows each step from measurement to install.
Get a free measurement and quote
Message us on WhatsApp or call (416) 814-6035 and we will book a free measurement. We will talk through thermofoil and painted for your kitchen and give you a quote based on your actual linear feet.
