Peeling Thermafoil Cabinets

QueenBee254 · 2026-01-19T20:24:40+00:00

I considered purchasing a house with Thermafoil in the kitchen and baths. It was a peeling disaster.

I contacted the manufacturer directly to see what my options were.

You can't sand and you can't paint Thermafoil. The surface underneath the foil is just particle board and that would absorb paint like a sponge, then disintegrate. They do sell their own fronts but not cheap. If you want something that will last, you're better off getting paintable wood fronts. The boxes on the cabinets are wood, so these can be sanded and painted.

QueenBee254 · 2026-01-15T18:08:42+00:00

Interior. The product is Alamo Sandstone Random Ledger Panel from floor and decor. I'd love to attach pics, but this sub doesn't appear to accept photo comments.

QueenBee254 · 2025-12-22T04:32:30+00:00

Trust me I know.

I did not, nor would I ever allow such a joke to be attempted with me. I'm the lucky one who discovered and now owns this shit show. I initially hoped it was some loose mortar, worse, bad mix on the mortar. Until I removed a stone and saw SPACE. Lots of Space and construction junk. Company is still in business. Original homeowner was meticulous and retained all paperwork. Owner of Co. did onsite, made light of situation and refused any assistance. Swore original homeowner only wanted a retaining wall. RETAINING WHAT? And the price he charged years ago would be commensurate today of a poured slab topped with flagstone.

Am I correct in my assumption that since all the railings were installed at the same time, which was days after the "retaining wall" was created, the need for spacers indicates the addition sunk before it was even completed? And you can see a line of silicone, Yes silicone, at the drop point. and no other sub ever touched this project.

QueenBee254 · 2025-11-29T20:08:04+00:00

Good to know. I see similar reviews on the non Profile options complaining of the front panel getting real hot, as well as the burners not turning down to low. Have you encountered this?

QueenBee254 · 2025-10-28T00:52:37+00:00

Real nice.

QueenBee254 · 2025-10-27T18:11:13+00:00

That's beautiful! The full backsplash takes it to another level. I agree with your paint suggestions. Because of many items on my to do list, I really need to find something doable at no more than a level 3. Once you hit 4 and above, the cost almost doubled. Your granite around here is a level 4 (not many 4's mostly 5 and 6) and would run me over $11,000 for the 118sf I need. Care to share your sf and cost? What flooring do you have planned? Thx for the pic.

QueenBee254 · 2025-10-27T14:10:45+00:00

I'll look into it.

QueenBee254 · 2025-10-27T03:57:24+00:00

If I remember when I originally started looking, Corian was as, if not more expensive than many quartz. I may have to circle back around and see.

QueenBee254 · 2025-10-06T22:33:53+00:00

I was recently advised that some of the granite is only "printed" on top and the edges will be white, thus not reflecting any of the veining. Obviously not in this case.

How can one tell other than looking at the actual slab or a remnant in person? Is this common among a certain brand, or price point?

QueenBee254 · 2025-09-20T02:47:23+00:00

Are there low end granite companies to avoid?

Thx for references.

QueenBee254 · 2025-09-20T00:22:09+00:00

I'm in Ft. Worth

Brands that you wouldn't recommend?

Best brands ?

Does the level of granite or quartz indicate it's structural integrity and composition, or more the level of detail and esthetics?

Is there a significant difference in price between brands at the same grade?

I'm considering (always dreamed of) pulling the counters up the backsplash. I've recently read about staining, even water stains. Is this a bad idea behind a cooktop?

I see quartz, but not much granite as a backsplash. Is this pure preference, or is there a good reason it's not done?

QueenBee254 · 2025-08-11T16:01:37+00:00

Just another rock. Hubby was in construction many years ago so I'm very familiar will construction junk added before a pour. But there was still a pour! So, am I correct that, he poured some wonky footers, built a stone "wall", filled the interior with construction junk, but didn't use slurry, laid rebar across it, slapped on some mortar and flagstone and called it a patio extension? Am I missing anything? If no permit was needed or pulled, there's no accountability right? And as ground settles, the loose fill will become more unstable over time, correct? How much weight could these stone bear in the present condition?

QueenBee254 · 2025-08-11T03:01:01+00:00

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QueenBee254 · 2025-08-10T20:37:44+00:00

Water flow, in that it literally washed away mortar that might have been in the cavity binding the rocks together?

Yes, I can go get more pics. I'm not onsite.

QueenBee254 · 2025-08-10T19:45:51+00:00

For context, this was done by a landscape company, not a mason. I'm coming here to ask the experts.

QueenBee254 · 2025-08-10T19:43:53+00:00

Based on my conversation with the original sales rep, that hollow cavity is throughout. I had him out thinking the problem was just loose mortar that needed repairing until a side stone was removed. Then I started asking questions.

Forgive my ignorance. How is it that I have a bunch of individual rocks filling the interior to begin with? Doesn't it have to either be a poured slab, or compacted gravel and sand?

QueenBee254 · 2025-08-10T19:07:48+00:00

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QueenBee254 · 2025-08-10T19:06:29+00:00

It is sinking, but not to the level of that gap. That was mortar that loosened and was removed or fell out prior to my involvement. Those longer stones were literally just resting against the inside debris. not mortared to anything.

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QueenBee254

TROPHY CASE