Author: Resurrect Wood Refinishing

Remodeling kitchens are one of the most expensive investments in the life of a homeowner. The kitchen is a valuable space. It serves not only for the practical function of cooking and serving, but as the catering centerpiece in many homes. Traditionally, the dining room or living room was separate when entertaining guests. The trend in the past decade has been to open the space, blending the living room and kitchen together as the focal point to any occasion. This has made cabinets much more desirable ascetically, which is why Resurrect Wood Refinishing has been determined to provide a durable and cosmetic overhaul without needing to replace cabinets completely. 

Based on a Big Box Home Improvement store estimate calculator (which does not include the hidden upcharges), a standard 10 x 10 L-shaped kitchen is going to be approximately $7,100-$8,900 to demo and install new cabinets. This number is for their “basic” cabinet boxes, which are described as “furniture board construction.” This is a thin MDF board with a maple veneer glued on top to mimic the appearance of wood veneer. It is essentially a sticker. It is not real solid wood and incredibly weak against accidents in the kitchen, sagging from weight, and peeling from the Florida humidity. Most importantly you can only construct with them one time. You have one chance to drill a screw in and that’s it. You can never upgrade them, never redoor them, likely any changes at all will require ripping out again and replacing. The quote for this style of cabinet is only 30” tall and includes basic hinges. Handles are not included in this price and it must be stressed that any plumbing or electrical problems that are discovered during installation will be costly as well as wallboard damage, exposing old broken tiles or backsplash etc.

Working with the same layout, their most expensive offering is going to be approximately $17,000-$21,300. This price increase is only because of decorative trim options and not genuine quality material. The boxes are now plywood with a maple veneer glued on top. They are still not real wood cabinet boxes and suffer the same risks as described with the basic tier format. The hinges have been upgraded to soft-close and the cabinet boxes extend to the ceiling. The cabinet doors may appear stylish, but it’s likely the center panel is thin MDF. These small differences are not worth the $10,000 price difference, especially considering that the material and construction is essentially the same.

Is it hard to install cabinets?

Installing cabinets is difficult work, which is why it is the majority of cost when considering new cabinets. Do not be fooled by the seemingly good price on a major retailer’s site. Those veneer cabinet boxes are just the material cost and do not advertise the installation price until the contract is finalized. Resurrect Wood Refinishing has mastered not only refinishing any type of wood, but provides a Re-Door option to convert to real wood doors. This option will save homeowners thousands of dollars by preserving the existing cabinetry while delivering a fresh new look. There is no reason to install new cabinets unless the boxes are falling apart from the wall, and even that may be able to be repaired with the right carpenter.

Why are cabinets so expensive?

Cabinets are expensive because they are one of the few items that cannot be mass produced at a high quality. Big Box Home Improvement Stores have figured out a way to replicate the look of quality cabinets without the actual integrity. There have been multiple instances where a customer has been frustrated because their new cabinets built in 2019 are worse than the oak cabinets they had in their old home from 2005. Quality cabinets require genuine craftsmanship. If there is a decrease in the available labor, it will affect the current market. 

Is it better to Refinish than Replace?

The best value for refinishing cabinets is that it is consistently ⅓  the cost of replacing cabinets. The best incentive for refinishing is that if the existing cabinets are of great quality our price is going to remain the same. Where retailers will upcharge $10,000 from cheap MDF to less cheap plywood, our refinishing quote will stay true to the essential charges of quality product and labor. The small investment in refinishing can majorly impact the total value of a home as we can make cabinets look brand new again.

You may be able to reglue one or two sections, but once the laminate layer has pulled off from the MDF, the thermofoil cabinet is exposed to humidity and the swelling breakdown of the structure begins.

Thermofoil cabinets are designed as a laminate that has been heated to shrink-wrap over an MDF core panel. This pressured bonding is fantastic and serves well for the limited years. Yet thermofoil cabinets are designed to be disposable. They make a great selling point for a quick and affordable modern appearance, but they do not last, especially in the Florida humidity. 

In most scenarios, thermofoil doors peel much more quickly than cabinet boxes. If the boxes are in good condition, then we recommend replacing the thermofoil doors with wooden doors. We recommend wooden doors because wooden doors will never have to be replaced if cared for under normal use. Resurrect Wood Refinishing offers a door replacement service that still preserves the existing cabinetry. Our refinishing product adheres to laminate, so we have the ability to replace the doors, color them, and match your current cabinet boxes. In basic terms, the answer is no, you cannot repair peeling thermofoil cabinets.

Can Thermofoil cabinets be refaced?

Absolutely. While it may be unfortunate that your thermofoil cabinet doors are peeling, in most scenarios the cabinet boxes are untouched and last much longer. Our kitchen cabinet re-door service provides customers the opportunity to replace their thermofoil cabinet doors with wood doors. We recommend wooden doors to prevent future replacement. We can choose from any design, as all of our doors are produced from a custom carpenter. Once the color and door are selected, we can preserve the existing cabinet box to match the new design. 

Why are my bathroom and kitchen thermofoil cabinets peeling?

Your bathroom and kitchen cabinets are most likely peeling due to humidity. Coffee makers, dishwashers, shower heads, and anything else that produces high steam in a close range to your cabinet, can cause slight lifting to the glue on the edges of the thermofoil layer. This trapped water lifts the bonding between the laminate layer and the MDF core which begins the dreaded “peeling,” process. Additionally, if your cabinets do not have any handles, high-traffic use of opening and closing your cabinet doors on the corners can also increase the risk for damage in those sections.

How long do Thermofoil cabinets last?

Most vendors only guarantee their thermofoil cabinets for a year. Anything beyond a year is subjected to “manufacturer fault,” which does not cover peeling or damage due to elements like humidity or normal use. 

Outside of warranty, thermofoil cabinets are expected to last up to five to ten years when cared for properly. That isn’t to say that small sections may start to peel or chip sooner. It must be advised that while thermofoil cabinets may be a solution for a budget-conscious decision, the investment is temporary and will need to be redone down the road.

Are Thermofoil cabinets cheaper than wood?
The raw price of thermofoil cabinets is more expensive than wood. Builders are able to sell them at a cheaper price because the laminate is already finished. The only reason wooden cabinets seem more expensive is because they have to be finished with a stain or solid color, which is an added service. This can deter customers because when compared by prices, thermofoil cabinets definitely seem more appealing. The problem is that thermofoil cabinets will always, at some point, need to be replaced. Wooden cabinets will never have to be replaced if taken care of. Consider replacing–not “repairing.”

Thermofoil cabinets are the most recent addition to alternative cabinetry. They are MDF particle boards wrapped in a laminate that are heated at high temperatures to “shrink-wrap” right over the top. They are typically sold in mass quantities to rental spaces, hotels, and what we at Resurrect Wood Refinishing call, “Shoe Box Homes.” Shoe Box Homes are a familiar site in the central Florida area. Because of our themed attractions, the desire for vacation homes have skyrocketed our housing market into a seller’s market. These project managers buy and produce homes at incredible rates, cutting corners and costs where they need, following basic blueprints and using the most efficient means necessary to duplicate and produce, hence the introduction of the Thermofoil Cabinets. This was especially popular in the new construction of the 1990s up to today.

The great news is that Resurrect Wood Refinishing is able to offer a solution to redoing your Thermofoil Cabinets. What we typically offer our customers is new doors while preserving the original thermofoil box cabinets attached to your wall. We find this to be a better alternative to hiring someone to Re-Face, or to heat peel the Thermofoil coating off the cabinets and try to paint the very uneven and often “pitted” MDF pressed wood material underneath. This is a much more valuable service than just buying new Thermofoil Cabinets all over again, giving you a really dramatic new look.

Are Thermofoil Cabinets any good?

Thermofoil cabinets are good to an extent. We at Resurrect Wood Refinishing have a vendor that does supply superior thermofoil doors with a warranty. Unfortunately, most local vendors in the central Florida area do not. The Florida humidity and high heat in empty homes can cause those doors to peel overnight. A warranty is crucial.

The selling point for Thermofoil Cabinets is that they are cheap, durable, and easy to clean. They are the perfect candidates for rental and vacation homes since they require little upkeep. A simple swipe of a microfiber towel can take care of any spill a guest may have caused. Also, since the trend in the past couple of years has been contemporary Shaker Doors, millwork has not been desired which has allowed Thermofoil Cabinets to sweep the market with their basic and reliable design. 

Personally, we do not love Thermofoil. As will be explained below, thermofoil cabinets never have a life longer than about ten years. The quality of the wood inside is so poor and the weight of the materials SO HEAVY that the wear and tear is often not even fixable. The hinges have a hard time supporting the weight and There will always be a point that peeling occurs, whether it be on a larger scale or not. The prices for Thermofoil Cabinets are just shy enough of wood, especially when working with our Refinishing services, that we just recommend wood over thermofoil every single time.

How long do Thermofoil Cabinets last?

Thermofoil Cabinets have an average life of about ten years, and that’s if they are well made. If they are from a cheap vendor, they can begin peeling in three to five years. Rest assured, if this is an option you wish to pursue, we do use one of the best vendors out there for Thermofoil Doors.

The downside however, is no matter how good of a quality the cabinets and doors are, they will peel. Especially in hot, humid Florida. All that’s holding the vinyl laminate together is a heated, pressed, glue. If you work in a very busy kitchen and do not treat your cabinets kindly, they are susceptible to peeling at a higher rate. These risks include simple home appliances like coffee makers and toaster ovens. Once Thermofoil Cabinets peel, that’s it. You can pursue an option called, “Re-Facing,” where they will pull apart the laminate and glue a new one, however, we have found customers much more satisfied with pursuing new wood doors, an option Resurrect Wood Refinishing provides. 

Most problems with Thermofoil cabinets are focused on the doors since they are the most used. We offer a service where we will replace the thermofoil doors with real wood doors and refinish your existing thermofoil cabinets to match the new color. This way you won’t have to pursue new cabinets completely and you can definitely save much more money than attempting to repair the existing laminate. 

The great thing with getting new wood doors is that no matter the heat and length of time, your cabinet doors will treat you well if you pay them the respect they deserve.

Are Thermofoil Cabinets cheaper than wood?

Generally yes, thermofoil cabinets are cheaper than wood, but it really depends on the vendor. When we first started working in the Florida market, we noticed that local vendors did sell Thermofoil Cabinets at a cheaper rate than wood. However, our new vendors do offer thermofoil cabinets at a closer cost to real wood cabinets since they’re process and warranties are a little more superior. Still, the reason they are used frequently in the past couple of years is because project managers can get mass quantities at a cheap rate. The selling point is that they are easy to clean, but Resurrect Wood Refinishing’s polyurethane acrylic is just as easy to clean as well. It is definitely better to pursue real wood or keep your real wood cabinets. 

Can you drill through Thermofoil cabinets?

That vinyl laminate is wrapped out MDF. MDF, if you are not familiar, is essentially saw dust that has been compacted together so densely to create a board, hence the term, “particle board.” They are a one-and-done product. If you drill anything you have to be certain it is an accurate hole and you must be ready to leave the screw in. Once you start taking screws out and adjusting, the boards begin to disintegrate because the density has been breached. An expert craftsman is definitely required if you are not ready to accept the consequences of a poorly planned handle-drill. 

Resurrect Wood Refinishing does offer a drilling service to any refinishing project, this includes new doors, both wood and Thermofoil. We are familiar with what to expect and plan for with Thermofoil cabinet doors, and do accept any responsibility for repairing and correcting any errors. We understand that there is a lot of information as well as lack of information when finalizing which cabinet option you wish to pursue. Regardless of whether you decide to buy Thermofoil Doors or Solid wood doors, we are here to help assist, refinish, and install.

There are many different kinds of wood used in cabinetry and they all vary in durability and style. The most common wood for cabinetry, especially here in Florida is Oak and Maple. There is also Pine which is typically yellow and very rustic–perfect for cabins, poplar is common for refaced cabinets, and for very lucky homeowners we sometimes see Hickory wood, one of the most expensive varieties. Before we dive in, there is definitely something terminology that needs to be covered. The very first key factor that will help you identify the kind of wood you are looking at is going to be by observing its “grain.” The grain of the wood is essentially the fingerprint, and there are different levels of thickness and imprint that helps someone identify the grain. There is also the difference between “builder grade” and “custom” cabinetry. Builder grade, in this article, will refer to the common type of wood and style we have observed in the cabinets that are normal for new homes in the Florida Market. Custom cabinetry is as it sounds. Someone–either themselves or a professional–added or built from scratch their cabinetry. And then, for the purposes of this article, there is a difference between “solid wood” and “veneer,” but we will elaborate on that in just a moment.

Identifying what kind of wood will be especially important if you are considering refinishing, because it helps set the right expectations and flexibilities for what you are working with.

What wood is cheapest for cabinets?

In the Florida market, the “cheapest” wood is going to be builder grade, which is typically Oak and then followed by Maple with veneer paneling. The reason it’s called builder grade is because the contractor likely bought for many homes in bulk with their lumber provider in selling mass quantities of easily accessible wood. Oak is identified by its very thick grain texture and in Florida is usually aged to an orange color or pickled oak (a pinkish/whitish color). The problem with Oak and why it’s so cheap is its thick grains. The grooves go deep into the wood and so after years of steam, grease, oils, etc. the moisture can get trapped deep within and can be very hard to clean. The other downside is if you are trying to modernize your cabinets into a white color, you will be able to visibly see the grain. 

The next “cheap wood” is Maple with veneer paneling. Solid Maple cabinets are actually higher quality and standard, but when it comes to Builder Grade, we’ve noticed the standard is to mix Maple wood with Maple veneer. Maple wood is identified by its smooth texture and very light grain pattern. Every once in a while there may be a knot, but lumberors are usually good at filtering those out.  Veneer is a plywood with a thin layer of Maple sheet glued on top. It helps continue the appearance of wood without the sturdy durability and hefty price tag. It is typically found in the center panel of cabinet doors as well as the sides of boxes.  Rest assured, for kitchen cabinets, this is perfectly normal practice and mimics Maple perfectly when refinishing. It’s still a good quality cabinet and will be charged as thus, just don’t be surprised if that center panel breaks if something slams into it.

Finally, every once in a while we see pine cabinets. They aren’t too common in Florida, but they are there. This is considered one of the cheapest types of wood because the material is so soft and light. It’s easily scratchable and not durable to hard, blunt accidents. They can be refinished no problem, but just make sure you are gentle even with Resurrect Wood Refinishing’s awesome polyurethane acrylic. We can only do so much with what we are working with.

What is the most durable wood for kitchen cabinets?

As mentioned, if pine is going to be one of the softest and least durable, Oak, solid Maple, and Hickory are going to be very durable wood for kitchen cabinets. Aesthetically they may vary in style, but solid wood is going to be solid wood, and would all be perfect for your kitchen cabinetry. Hickory is identified by its smooth texture but incredibly varying tones of grain color. They are very heavy doors and in our opinion are one of the most durable types of wood for kitchen cabinetry.  Hence the rarity in builder grade homes as well as increase in price compared to Oak and Maple. Hickory Cabinets are very durable, and in our expert opinion, perfect candidates for staining because of their beautiful print. 

Are solid wood cabinets worth the money?

Absolutely. Solid wood cabinets are becoming harder to find because of the veneer as mentioned above. Maple veneer is easy to mimic solid wood without the durability and cost, therefore it is very attractive to builders who are trying to save money. Solid wood cabinets provide an opportunity for some very beautiful custom millwork and will last decades if properly taken care of and regularly refinished when required. If you have the chance to invest in some new cabinets, we completely recommend the additional step for ensuring that they are solid wood. It may seem like a large price at first, but the value over time is incredibly high and makes future refinishing very easy and affordable for when it comes time to renovate and update. 

It is also to be noted that the reason we at Resurrect Wood Refinishing are huge advocates of solid wood cabinets is because they are easy to clean. Cleanliness is a major factor when preparing for a new coat of finish. While veneer is perfectly fine when handled by the right craftsman (us), there is an assurity that only solid wood can provide. Do it.

 What is better for kitchen cabinets, MDF or plywood?

Neither. We’ve noticed a lot of Do-It-Yourselves will encourage this practice because MDF and plywood are easily accessible at your local Home Depot. MDF and plywood are not recommended materials for cabinets because aesthetically they look awful and cheap. If we had to choose one or the other, then plywood is the way to go since MDF is soft and easily cracked under pressure. Plywood is suitable for a garage shelf or a bookcase, but please consider higher quality wood when it comes to your kitchen. 

Should I refinish my kitchen cabinets?

Yes. We can start tomorrow. 

In all seriousness, it’s definitely been a trending renovation for several years now and a fantastic  question to ask whether you are wanting to update your existing dream home or resale your has-been home for a new will-be home. Are your old cabinets starting to fade in color? Are there sections that have peeled off or chipped? Do you just hate how that oak aged into orange? Then yes, you may very well be ready to start the process in thinking about refinishing your kitchen cabinets. The goal of refinishing is to help update your kitchen to as close to a factory finish as possible without the pain and aggravation and cost that comes with ripping out and buying new cabinets. It’s the best choice especially if your cabinets are in fantastic condition, despite the ugly color and blemishes. And we can help. From color selection to final touches, Resurrect Wood Refinishing can accomplish any dream you have when it comes to refinishing your kitchen.  If you are starting to ask that question then it is probably time to start.

Is it worth it to refinish kitchen cabinets?

Absolutely. Refinishing helps preserve what was already constructed, especially because more and more builder-grade cabinets are becoming incredibly cheap. Everything is becoming veneer and flat panels. Gone are the days of real maple wood or oak cabinets. Refinishing is something to absolutely consider in spite of ripping out and getting new cabinets, because not only is it cost effective but it also saves you time. Buying new cabinets can be up to a 2-3 month process, from the initial planning stages, to demolishing, construction, and final installation. All because you wanted to update the style? We don’t think it’s worth the time. Refinishing your cabinets can take a week at most and you can generally keep everything inside your cabinets. That alone is definitely a worthwhile decision because it will save you all of the pushed back deadlines. Is it worth it to be without your kitchen for 2-3 months or for just a few days? We think, especially if it’s only because you want a new color, that refinishing is the worthier option every single time. Unless, in the very rare instance, your entire cabinetry is disintegrating. Then we will be happy to provide you with new stylish doors alongside the new cabinet boxes!

Is it better to strip or sand kitchen cabinets?

Neither! Refinishing avoids sanding or stripping. Now, realistically, there are unfortunate situations that call for sanding, especially if you are wanting to refinish your kitchens. Many customers we’ve had in the past had a lot of latex paint gunked up on their cabinets. That will have to be sanded so that way the wood is prepped and ready to receive a new coat of finish. But that will only be sections as needed and never the entire kitchen cabinets. Sanding and stripping is just a tedious step for a less-than-desirable result. They are only suitable for painting which is not what we do. At Resurrect Wood Refinishing we are able to work with the existing finish without having to sand or strip the kitchen cabinets. Sanding and stripping also risks ruining the profile of any cabinet doors or added wood work like moulding or trim pieces. Plus you’re dealing with a lot of dust from sanding and toxic fumes from the stripping… It’s just not worth the risk and the only best choice is to either refinish or replace.

Is it better to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?

First off, there is a difference between painting and refinishing. Refinishing is working with the existing finish and using what is called a polyurethane acrylic, which is essentially re-engineered floor finish designed for your cabinets. It’s a water-based product so it’s eco-friendly and it’s very thin and completely odorless. It’s the best of latex paint and enamel paint. Latex paint is clean and odorless, but it’s rubber and cracks very easily. Enamel paint is stronger, but it’s toxic and cannot be sprayed to a smooth finish, and there will be an odor in your kitchen for at least 3-4 weeks after the project is complete. Refinishing takes the best traits of all of the paints without being paint. It adheres to the finish and will look factory finished. No streaks or heavy sections. Just smooth and beautiful.

Replacing cabinets are only recommended if your old wooden cabinets are damaged beyond repair or if they are laminate cabinets that are peeling. However, Resurrect Wood Refinishing does offer what we call Re-Door, and is recommended even on laminate cabinets. As long as the boxes are structurally sound, we can replace the peeled, damaged doors with nice wooden doors and then refinish them. But we never recommend painting as it will just ruin what is already existing and will most likely need to be repainted 2-4 years later due to cracks and peels.

What is the average cost to refinish kitchen cabinets?

The average cost to refinishing a kitchen will be about ⅓ of the price to replace cabinets completely. The value of refinishing goes up the larger the project is. Your $500 bathroom vanity may not be worth refinishing if it would only save you a few hundred bucks, but when you’re staring at your beautiful $30,000 maple wooden cabinets in the kitchen, then you may be incredibly surprised to know that we can refinish the whole thing for under $10,000. Plus it would only take about 4-5 business days unlike 2-3 months of replacing cabinets. And the best part is that refinishing will restore your cabinets to their former glory and increase their durability for years to come, to the point that if you sold your house, the new homeowners may not even be aware that you did refinish them at all.