Cabinet conundrum

[Mike Johnson - Chicago]

In building an arts and crafts built-in entertainment center (book case on each side of fireplace, TV above), I was looking to save some time...


So, I order some pre-built cabinets from kitchen cabinet company that I'll not name (a good deal, as I was able to order them unfinished). I figured that I will be able to "just trim them in place" and they would look fine.

Well, I accepted the cabinets about 5 months ago and they have just been sitting in the garage, while I've been working on other "renovation" projects. After finally getting around to finishing them (stain + poly) this past week I brought them in the house to begin fitting for trim.

BIG BUMMER...the cabinets were supposed to be a "custom depth" (18") and the are "standard depth" (12")!

I don't know how I did not notice until now, but I've clearly gone too far to try and go back at the "wrong shipped order" and I'm now trying to determine the direction I'm going to take to fix it.

The 2 options I'm thinking about are:
1) Remove the stained & finished face frame from the case, make a new case and attach face frame.

2) Remove the back and "extend" the four sides. To hide the seam, I was thinking of putting in a veneer over the thermofoil.

Either way, I still have to make shelves :(

I shouldn't grouse too much as the price I paid would normally only buy the doors. Not a deal but still a bit of a time saver...

BTW, anyone know where to buy thermofoil in the Chicagoland area? That would atleast avoid another round of finishing.

So, would you pick option 1 or 2? OR do you have an option 3 to suggest?

Thanks for your opinons,
M.J.

[Brian Hale]

Option #3 Use them as shop cabinets and make the correct size ones you need.

Most any altering will take as long or longer than starting from scratch.

Brian :)

[glenn bradley]

Brian's got it. Why do you think contractor's charge more to remodel than to build, eh?

[Mike Johnson - Chicago]

I hear you,

But I have to think reusing the finished face frame and doors is a better option than completely starting over. Making the case out of thermofoil, if I can find it seems the way to go...

I guess I'm still in "damage control" mode, as SWMBO wants the best delivery time that produces a product she'll find acceptable (less than my standards).

Anyone else have thoughts? Or know where to buy thermofoil sheet goods in the Chicagoland area?

Thanks,
M.J.

[John Schreiber]

I didn't know what Thermofoil was so I Googled it to learn a bit about it. I also used Google Maps to find places which may sell it in the Chicago area. Some probably wont be real, but it's a start. http://www.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=thermofoil&near=Chicago,+IL&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=9&ll=41.922716,-87.780762&spn=1.191387,1.980286


It's also worth a try to contact the original manufacturer, even though it's been so long. What do you have to loose.

[Ben Grunow]

All depends on how the FF is attached. Camlocks, pocket screw, glue/biscuits, nails. Investigate as this might make the decision for you.

I would try to use the FF again and make new Baltic birch boxes. Post pics and good luck

[Roy McQuay]

Mike, I didn't have a clue what Thermofoil is so I also googled. Come to find out, I have kitchen cabinets covered with the stuff. Looks to me like you would need special skills or equipment, or both, to use the stuff. My cabinet doors are raised panel. Is this stuff for novice DIYers ?

[luc gendron]

Thermofoil is used with specialised equipement (I've been told 100000$ minimum in equipment. As I understand, thermofoil is applied over an MDF core. Most manufacturers will use thermofoil for raised panel doors. I don't think the cabinets themselves are made with the stuff...either the cabinet sides are melamine or painted (lackered) particle core veneer sheeting.