Our Modern Materials program features top-quality thermally fused laminates (TFLs), and the range of door options keeps expanding. Since we first discussed Modern Materials in a December 2024 post, demand has continued to explode — doubling in just the past 12 months. Below in this post, we will review why our Modern Materials line is growing so quickly.
First, let’s start by introducing our newest Modern Materials door style, Skinny Shaker.
Carbon Frozen Wood
Natural Carini Walnut
Grey Vicenza Oak
Stone Grey Frozen Wood
White Frozen Wood
Modern Materials Skinny Shaker joins three other door styles we offer in Modern Materials:
Slab
5-Piece
Finger-Pull
What’s next? We are always open to ideas from our customers for new door styles. One dealer recently suggested the Mallorca door featured in the photo to the right. This door is a modern cabinet front featuring a built-in recessed handle profile that creates a clean, minimalist finger-pull look with no visible hardware. The handle is available in stainless steel (inox), matte black, matte white, and matte silver.
Let us know if you see needs in the market. We are always listening.
We close out this post with the attributes driving Modern Materials growth.
Affordability
TFLs are usually less expensive than painted or stained doors. Depending on the type, they can run anywhere from 5–15% less than traditional paint or stain — and when you factor in the additional benefits below, the true value is even greater.
Durability
Choosing a Modern Material door means your doors will last longer than wood. They’re more resistant to heat, scratches, shattering, water damage, and warping. Wood is an organic material that absorbs and releases moisture, and as Gene Wengert explains in this post, warping occurs because moisture content changes with relative humidity. That’s why, in winter, wood components like center panels often shrink, exposing unstained or unpainted areas. TFL finishes better protect doors from these moisture variations, and the same finish resists scratching and water damage far more effectively.
Finish Integrity
We love wood for its natural beauty, but any paint or stain on a wood cabinet door will change over time. Modern Materials doors won’t fade the way paint and stain naturally do. TFL finishes also provide a uniform appearance without the grain variations of natural wood — in fact, some TFL finishes mimic wood so convincingly that it’s hard to tell the difference.
Cleanliness
Modern Materials doors are generally stain-resistant and easier to clean, with fewer pockets where bacteria can build up. Several TFLs even include built-in anti-microbial benefits — a protective surface treatment that reduces the spread of harmful microorganisms.
Sustainability
Engineered wood cores are better than carbon-neutral, since manufacturing sequesters more carbon than it expends. Using these materials can also open up LEED opportunities. Steelcase, the office furniture manufacturer, outlines how their TFL products contribute to LEED initiatives, and Uniboard details five LEED points achievable with melamine use.
Given these many advantages, it’s no surprise our Modern Materials program continues to grow.
About Bishop Cabinets
For more than 60 years, Bishop Cabinets has proudly manufactured quality cabinetry that combines craftsmanship, durability, and innovation. From timeless styles to today’s most popular finishes and storage solutions, we’re committed to helping homeowners create beautiful, functional spaces that stand the test of time.
Learn more about Bishop Cabinets, our products, and our latest innovations.
Our Vision
“To create beautiful and functional cabinets through innovation, growth, and a commitment to keep family values at the core of everything we do.”