Question from nancy rose
I want to reface my kitchen cabinet doors inexpensively and safely. A salesman said that using thermafoil vinyl is the way to go. Has anyone used that in their kitchen? Is it durable 10 years from now? Is it safe-emmisions, etc.?
thank you
Debra’s Answer
I learn so much about what’s toxic out there from reading your questions!
First, I want to say that refacing is a great option for a kitchen remodel. It reuses your existing cabinets, and just puts on new doors and drawers, with an application of a “veneer” to your cabinets so they match. Saves money and materials, so it’s good for the environment as well.
But watch out. This thermofoil vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most toxic and polluting plastics on the planet. I talked to the manufacturer, and was told that it is about like peel-and-stick shelf paper, only thicker. So it’s flexible, and flexible plastics give off more plasticizers. You just peel off the back and stick it on the cabinet (carefully, of course) and the cabinets look like wood.
So if you are considering a reface job, make sure the cabinets and drawers are real wood, not “laminate,” and a real wood veneer is being applied to the cabinets. And while you’re asking questions, check on the finish and the adhesive used to glue down the veneer.
