I have some old cabinets that have something like melamine doors. The doors are ugly and are starting to peel a bit, however the carcasses are solid oak and are still in good shape. Has anyone had any good or bad experience with the use replacement doors? I guess the biggest challenge would be to find ones that match the color of the oak. I have seen some outfits that also sell stick-on veneers for the carcasses that match the new doors, but I would thing these would not adhere to the cabinets for long given the often steamy atmosphere in a kitchen. Has anyone had any good or bad experience with these stick-on veneers? Perhaps I should just forget the whole thing and buy completely, new cabinets, but the high cost is encouraging me to look at other options.
Thanks
Replies
If you're happy with your kitchen's layout, then there's no reason not to just put on new doors. You could buy unfinished oak doors and match the color yourself.
I would avoid the stick-on veneers, sounds like a problem waiting to happen.
I agree...buy new doors but skip the veneering concept. I had a friend do it (the veneering) and even with my dubious help it was a huge PITA and the results were... eh.
PaulB
If you'd asked me five years ago about refacing, I'd have said "don't bother". I'm of a different mind now after getting familiar with the process and developing some techniques of my own. Do 'em all the time now for local a Kitchen Tune-Up franchise.
Don't think much of the franchise, but I'd definately consider doing this for myself. It's not as easy as it looks or as the purveyers make it sound....well, it could be, but probably look like poo. If you decide to go this route, I can save you some headaches.
Here's one we took from pickled oak to cherry.
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Duhhhh, forgot the pix
View Image
View Image
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
I like the before picture better.two ways to screw up concrete 1) concrete driver 2) concrete finisher
To each their own. I really liked the cherry on this job.
Essentially I make a living from people wanting something besides what they have!PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
What's the process? To change a set like that?
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.” Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
What's the process? To change a set like that?
Basically covering all finished carcase surfaces with prefinished veneer or veneered 5mm panels and new prefinished doors. Most always new hinges as well.
In the one I showed, you'll notice I incorporated the light rail into the cabinet and extended the doors to cover... a lot cleaner look to my eye. This job was what I call pure Euro, meaning no face frame anywhere. You'd think it'd be easier, but Euro is often the most challenging to reface. As far as I know, my partner and I are the only ones in the area doing Euro.
In a lot of older kitchens, we replace drawers and guides...boxes are often falling apart and the monorail guides of yesteryear can't hold a candle to double roller guides of today.PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
On face frames do you put the veneer on then route around the openings?
What about the end panels on the cabinets. What or how do you treat the "end grain" on the veneer? Seems like the end grain would show because it will be proud of the cabinets and or face frames.
Good job by the way.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.” Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
On face frames do you put the veneer on then route around the openings?
Usually a veneer trimmer, it's faster. Only use a router as a last resort on splintery wood like hickory. Tried several trimmers, some spendy, this is best we've found.
http://www.amazon.com/Veneer-Straight-Edge-Trimmer-Restorers/dp/B0009OBOPC
I've attached two shots that might explain it better. Typically use 5mm panels on finished ends and veneer on face frame. The little sidegrain that shows is stained and a lacquer pen is used to seal. This cherry was clear only, so no stain. We use files for finishing up and dressing...it's a real crisp corner and consequently kinda vulnerable...the only liability. Most in the reface industry would run a corner molding and call it good. We're better craftsmen ;)
In this case, I put panels on both sides of the existing end panels, flush trimmed, filled the little flutes with polyester filler so there's a 100% bond surface for face veneer. The process is basically the same for face frame construction.
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Edited 2/9/2008 12:46 am ET by PeterJ
Looks good! I can't even see the end of the panels in the pic.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.” Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
Here's a bathroom I did using custom doors made by Walzcraft with Cherry veneer supplied by them as well. Absolutely amazing quality doors made by them - very impressive.The reason we did refacing in this case is that the plumbing was quite a mess and would have required quite a bit of modification to a new vanity cabinet and also the client's were very happy with the design of the existing cabinet.One tool I found to be invaluable was a Virutex miter sheer:http://www.btisupply.com/detail.aspx?ID=1532Don't do enough of these jobs to warrant paying $350+ for one, but I picked one up for about $75 used a while back. Also super handy for trimming down laminate edging for counter tops.Julian
Do you have a favorite web source for the doors and veneer?
You have choices! RTF (ridgid thermo foil) or real wood. RTF can be pretty convincing and darn practical if you're not a purist...also less $$. Some of the sources are trade only through Kitchen Tune Up. Here's a couple you could look at. I'm a wood guy and some RTF impresses me, some looks phony.
Quality door is decent stuff at reasonable prices and can be ordered (I think) through Home Dismal. Both RTF and wood.
http://www.qualitydoors.com/home/
These guys are for RTF, but their foils are incredible. I've shown cherry foil samples to people and they would swear they're wood. The stuff I use comes through KTU, but I think they'll sell direct. They also make 5 piece doors out of RTF, the only ones in the industry that I'm aware of.
http://www.northerncontours.com/nc/index.shtml
There are lots of others, Google Refacing Supplies. PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Thanks a lot for the sources. I am at HD several times a week, so I'll probably check there first.
Nice job. Thanks for sharing it.