Laminate

Laminate doors are made from a thin layer of plastic material that is adhered onto a thin piece of wood backing and then glued onto both sides of a MDF board. It is edged and banded with a matching vinyl. Voila--you have a "slab" door! The advantages of plastic laminates include a huge choice of colors and patterns, a durable and easy to clean surface, and a reasonable cost. The disadvantage of this material is that it is limited to one door style and if it chips, it cannot be repaired.

There is also a material called melamine that is a thin layer of paper coated with melamine. While this material is OK for the inside of your cabinets, it does not have the durability for exterior use.