How to Install Wood Veneer on Cabinet Bases

Remove all the doors and hardware from the base cabinets; these usually remove easily with a power drill or screwdriver. As you remove each cabinet door, make a label for the inside of the door with masking tape so you know where it goes when time to reassemble the cabinetry. It may be helpful to make an illustration of the base cabinets so all cabinets parts are returned to the correct place.

Clean the cabinet doors, trim and cabinet bases thoroughly to remove any dirt and grease. Effective cleaning methods for removing grease and stubborn debris include a paste made with baking soda and a small amount of water or denatured alcohol applied with a sponge.

Scratch the old cabinets with medium-grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit. The scratched surface makes it easier for the adhesive to bond to the existing cabinets.

Measure all outward-facing cabinet surfaces, including doors, cabinet base ends and the face frame. Also measure the inside edges of the frame and the cabinet doors and drawers; covering these edges gives the veneer job a professional finish. Add 1/2 inch to all sides of your measurement when transferring the measurements to the wood veneer.

Cut out a piece of wood veneer with a razor knife, remembering to add the 1/2-inch allowance per side. Pay attention to the direction of the wood grain so the grain is consistent with each piece of veneer.

Apply a thin layer of contact cement to the back of the wood veneer and to the cabinet. Brush, roll, or spray on the contact cement to ensure an even layer for minimum bubbles in the veneer.

Line up the veneer piece carefully with the cabinet, starting from a top corner. You must be absolutely sure the veneer is lined up properly because the contact cement forms an instant bond as soon as it is placed, although the 1/2-inch border allowance does provide a slight margin for error.

Stick the veneer to the cabinet, starting from the top corner and working your way down to the bottom, opposite corner. As you work your way down, smooth out any air bubbles with a 12-inch length of two-by-four; sand the edge you'll use to smooth the veneer so it is slightly rounded without any sharp edges. Apply slight downward pressure to the board as you glide it over the wood veneer, pushing any air bubbles out the sides of the veneer.

Apply a piece of blue painter's tape along the edges of the cabinet to clearly mark the edges and provide a guide for cutting the excess. Masking tape may be used instead, but painter's tape is the best bet to ensure it comes off clean without leaving adhesive or stripping the finish off the veneer.

Trim the excess veneer with a sharp razor knife, using the painter's tape as a guide to ensure a straight cut.

Cover each piece of veneer with a piece of wood slightly larger than the veneer piece, then secure the wood to the veneer with metal clamps while the adhesive dries. This step ensures the veneer is tightly adhered to the cabinet while the contact cement dries, reducing the chance of bubbling after installation. Remove the clamps and wood after the contact cement has dried according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Seal the wood veneer with wood sealer for protection against cracks or other damage. Apply a thin coat of sealer, allow it to dry, then apply additional coats to your preference. Using too thick a coat of sealer may affect the contact cement bond between the cabinet and veneer.