At US Cabinet Depot, we offer two primary cabinet door materials, High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) or wood. While both create a stunning final look, the material underneath plays a significant role in durability, finish quality, and long-term performance. 

Let’s take a closer look at how each material is used in our Framed Capital Collection. 

 

 

Material Composition

 

HDF: HDF is an engineered wood product made by compressing wood fibers and resin into a dense, uniform board. It’s smooth, durable, and ideal for painted finishes as it offers a flawless finish without grain imperfections. 

Wood: Our wood-based doors feature a solid birch frame for strength and structure. Most door styles incorporate a veneered MDF center panel, reducing the risk of expansion and maintaining door integrity over time. 

 

 

Paint vs. Stain Performance Paint  

 

Paint: HDF excels with our painted finishes. Because it lacks grain, it offers a clean, flawless finish and resists cracking at joints—common issues in painted wood doors due to wood expansion and contraction.  

Stain: Our birch-framed doors are the preferred choice for our stained finishes. Its natural grain absorbs stain beautifully, while creating depth and character. The veneered center panel ensures finish consistency and durability. 

 

 

Durability and Movement  

 

HDF: Thanks to its engineered structure, HDF is more stable in environments with temperature and humidity fluctuations. It’s less likely to warp, swell, or shrink over time.  

Wood: While birch is naturally durable, it does experience seasonal movement, which can be more noticeable under painted finishes. However, pairing it with an MDF center panel improves stability and reduces the likelihood of warping or splitting over time. 

Door Styles at a Glance  

At US Cabinet Depot, we use both materials to craft our cabinet doors. HDF is used exclusively for painted finishes, while stained finishes feature a solid birch frame and veneered MDF center panel (unless specified otherwise). 

 

HDF Door Styles & Available Finishes:  

- Shaker: Five Piece Painted Door with Mortise and Tenon Frame featuring a 45° Inside Bevel & Flat Recessed Center Panel

- Available Finishes: White, Antique White, Dove, Grey, Navy, & Black 

- Torrance: Five Piece Painted Door with Mortise and Tenon Frame featuring a Long Angled Inside Bevel and Raised Center Panel

- Available Finish: White 

- Casselberry: Five Piece Painted Door with a Mitered Frame Featuring Pillowed Bevels, a Raised Center Panel, and Hand Glazed Details 

- Available Finish: Antique White 

- Oxford: Five Piece Painted HDF Door with Mortise and Tenon Frame Featuring a Long Angled Inside Bevel & Flat Recessed Center Panel 

- Available Finishes: White & Sage 

- Edgeline: Painted HDF Door with Mortise and Tenon Frame Featuring a Minimalist Skinny Shaker Profile

- Available Finish: White 

 

 

Wood Door Styles & Available Finishes:  

- Shaker: Five Piece Stained Door with a Solid Birch Mortise and Tenon Frame Featuring a 45° Inside Bevel and Veneered MDF Flat Recessed Center Panel

- Available Finish: Cinder 

- Casselberry: Five Piece Stained Solid Birch Door Featuring a Mitered Frame with Pillowed Bevels, a Raised Center Panel, and Hand Glazed Details 

- Available Finish: Saddle 

- Oxford: Five Piece Stained Door with a Solid Birch Mortise and Tenon Frame Featuring a Long Angled Inside Bevel and Veneered MDF Flat Recessed Center Panel

- Available Finishes: Mist & Toffee 

 

 

Aesthetic Considerations  

 

HDF: HDF doors offer a more uniform appearance and are perfect for contemporary designs where consistency is key. 

Wood: The natural texture and unique grain patterns of wood doors provide authenticity and warmth, making them ideal for traditional or rustic spaces. Each wood door carries its own unique character. 

 

Final Thoughts 

 

Whether you prefer the durability and smooth finish of HDF or the authentic charm of wood doors, US Cabinet Depot offers high-quality, dependable options to fit your project’s needs. Choose the material that best aligns with your customers’ style, finish preference, and environmental factors.