[dtbw]

In thinking over the various options, I am wondering if it would be possible to gently heat the vinyl woodgrain finish and MAKE it release. If this could be done, then a new real wood veneer such as available at Oakwood Veneer could be applied. While not a simply undertaking, this would maintain the lower weight of the existing cabinetry, and the underlying wood composite would make a perfect underlyment for the veneer (at least it would seem that way after reading the info on the Oakwood Veneer website). Of course you would still have to apply some sort of finish to the veneer, but this would seem to be a bit easier than retroengineering a whole set of cabinets. The one thing that I quickly realized in reviewing the Oakwood Veneer site is that this would NOT be a cheap project. With the veneers running $150-$200 or more per 4X8 ft sheet (most veneers around-$5.50/sq ft) and the Burls running $12.99 or so per sq ft, the the cost for veneer alone will be $600-$1000, but the ability to create a stunning, totally unique interior is the offsetting benefit.