Hello, I would like to replace an 18″ upper cabinet, which is over the stove, with a 12″ high cabinet. I would like the additional clearance for an over the range microwave which I’d like to install this summer. I’m trying to decide the best way to replace the cabinet which I had refaced with veneer and new doors about 10 years ago. I have a few questions.

1) I was planning on replacing the 18″ cabinet with a 12″ cabinet. Someone asked me if I could modify the existing cabinet in place, and just get replacement doors. I never thought of doing this since it seems to be a mess and a lot of work to make it work. However, I’m wondering has anyone done this, or do pros ever do this for this type of situation?

2) Assuming I replace with a 12″ cabinet, I’ll need to remove the existing cabinet which was refaced with veneer. The veneer straddles the stiles from the cabinet I’m replacing and the adjacent cabinets on left and right side. I was thinking that I might be able to salvage the veneer by peel/prying it from the cabinet I’m removing and slide the cabinet down. I would then slide the new cabinet in place and reglue the veneer (I should have enough left over veneer from one I originally refaced that I can use to cover the rest of the new cabinet). Is it possible to peel up refacing veneer and reglue? Is my replacement idea just stupid? Are there any suggestions to make this work?

3) I need to get some shorter cabinet doors either way to match my other doors. The doors were bought from Quality Doors through Home Depot. I’ve been told that Quality Doors went out of business??? Did someone buy their business? Could someone suggest a manufacturer that makes similar style door that Quality Doors made. I have clear coat maple shaker style doors right now.

If anyone has any advice for replacing (or salvaging) my cabinet for over the range, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!