Can you replace cabinets without replacing countertops? Let’s say you got rid of your old laminate countertops and installed some beautiful Emerald Pearl granite. You really love the way the iridescent flecks in the granite catch the light. Your old oak cabinets, however, now look even more hideous by comparison. Now what? Can the granite be re-used on new cabinets?

Not likely.

The slabs (which may weigh several hundred pounds each) have probably been joined at the seams with an epoxy product, as well as a silicone adhesive attaching them to the base cabinets. You may find a contractor willing to attempt a slab removal – but you will almost certainly have to sign off that they can’t be responsible if and when the slab cracks.

So do you bite the bullet and discard a few thousand dollars worth of granite? No, you have options. One option is painting the cabinets. But this option is less than ideal. If you have oak cabinets, the bold grain of the oak will telegraph through the painted finish no matter what sort of primer you use. It’s okay for a quick facelift, but painted oak cabinets almost  always have an amateur DIY look to them. In addition, you’re still stuck with the same door style, even if you paint them a different color.

A better option is refacing. I’m not talking about that RTF,  faux wood-grain stuff that your parents did to their kitchen back in the 80’s, but honest-to-goodness solid wood doors, drawer fronts and cabinet box covering.

A solid-wood cabinet refacing job can give you the cabinet upgrade that you want without having to discard your granite countertops.