Give Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover By Replacing Doors

Is your kitchen stuck in a time warp? Do the dated oak cabinets and worn laminate counters make you cringe? A full kitchen remodel can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but you may be able to update the look with a simple cabinet door replacement. Swapping out tired old doors for fresh new ones can give your kitchen a modern facelift without busting your budget.

Replacing cabinet doors provides an affordable way to update the style and refresh the aesthetic of your existing kitchen cabinets. Rather than tearing everything out, you simply install new doors and drawer fronts to give your kitchen a revamped look. Read on to learn why you should consider replacing your cabinet doors and how to tackle this impactful DIY project.

Reasons to Replace Your Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Don't toss out your cabinets just because the doors are dated and dreary. Here are some of the key benefits of replacing your kitchen cabinet doors:

• Cost Savings - New doors are exponentially cheaper than new cabinets, with most replacement doors costing $50-300 each depending on material and style.
• Customization - Get the exact style, color, and finish you want to fit your tastes.
• Convenience - Much easier than demolishing and installing all new cabinets.
• Quick Project - New doors can be installed over a weekend or in just a few days.
• Big Impact - Completely transforms the look of your kitchen with a fresh new aesthetic.
• Easy Update - Just attach new doors to your existing cabinet boxes.
• Affordability - Less than 10% of the cost of brand new custom cabinetry.

Rather than the mess and expense of ripping out your entire kitchen, you can save thousands of dollars by keeping your existing cabinet boxes and simply replacing the doors and drawer fronts. With custom sizing and your choice of style, color, material, and finish, you can give your kitchen a whole new modern look in a matter of days.

When to Consider Replacing Cabinet Doors

Here are some signs it may be time to replace your kitchen cabinet doors:

• Doors are damaged - chipped laminate, peeling veneer, etc.
• Cabinets feel dated or stuck in the past.
• You want to update the color or finish.
• Existing doors are builder-grade quality.
• Style feels too formal or country for your taste.
• Kitchen needs a facelift without full renovation.

Replacing doors can modernize the look of your kitchen, add a pop of color, or give the space a more elevated, custom appearance. The transformation can be truly dramatic.

How to Plan Your Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement Project

While replacing cabinet doors may seem straightforward on the surface, careful planning is required to ensure a smooth installation. Follow these crucial steps:

1. Assess Existing Cabinets - Evaluate their current condition, quality, layout and dimensions.
2. Select New Doors - Choose style, material, color, finish, hardware, etc.
3. Measure Precisely - Get all cabinet widths, heights, depths and inside dimensions.
4. Order Replacement Doors - Custom made or order a DIY kit for existing boxes.
5. Remove Old Doors - Detach and label hinges and doors for rehanging.
6. Prep Cabinets - Fill holes, clean interiors, ready boxes for new doors.
7. Install New Doors - Follow manufacturer's instructions for smooth installation.

Carefully measure every cabinet opening to ensure replacement doors will have a perfect custom fit. Having doors improperly sized or holes misaligned can delay your project. Assemble any tools needed for removing old doors or installing new hinges ahead of time as well.

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles

When selecting replacement doors, consider the following popular door styles:

• Shaker - Classic and clean with a flat recessed center panel and visible wood grain.
• Slab - Minimalist, modern and industrial; fully flat door surface.
• Inset - Traditional and ornate with door edges fitted inside cabinet face.
• Louvered - Cottage or farmhouse aesthetic with angled horizontal wood slats.
• Arched - Unique curved shape; Antique inspired.
• Glass - Sleek and contemporary to showcase contents.

Opt for a timeless shaker or inset style for a classic custom look. Louvered doors add rustic charm, while slab doors create a more modern feel.

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Door Materials

Door material impacts budget, durability, ease of cleaning and overall look:

• Wood - Natural beauty but requires sealing & maintenance.
• Thermofoil - Most affordable option; super durable.
• MDF - Smooth factory finish but swells easily with moisture.
• Plywood - Stable material resistant to warping.
• Glass - Sleek yet requires frequent cleaning; fingerprints.
• Metal - Industrial material with unique textures.

Wood brings warmth but shows wear over time. Thermofoil is an affordable heavy duty option. For a sleek contemporary look, opt for glass or metal.

Custom vs. Stock Kitchen Cabinet Doors

You can choose from two options when replacing cabinet doors:

• Custom - Made to your exact measurements for a perfect fit.
• Stock - Prefabricated standard sizes; DIY trimming.

Custom doors are tailored specifically to your cabinets for a seamless look, while stock options require trimming edges to fit. Custom costs more but saves installation frustration.

Prep & Remove the Old Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Once you've finalized measurements and ordered new cabinet doors, prep your kitchen for installation day. Follow these steps to remove existing doors and get cabinets ready for new ones:

1. Remove hardware - Detach all knobs, pulls, and hinges from doors.
2. Label doors & hinges - Note which hinges correspond to each door.
3. Fill holes - Use wood filler on old screw holes in cabinet face frames.
4. Clean cabinets - Wipe down cabinet interiors; remove shelves/drawers.
5. Stage workspace - Clear countertops and floor area around cabinets.

When prying off old hardware, take care not to splinter or crack your cabinet boxes. Number doors and label hinges for easy reinstallation. Use painter's tape for temporary labels. Thorough cleaning and hole patching prep your cabinets for that "new" look.

Follow these tips for safe and simple removal of your outdated kitchen cabinet doors:

• Use a flat pry bar to gently remove hinge pins.
• Avoid wrenching or twisting doors to prevent cracking.
• Stack doors neatly out of work zone after removal.
• Unscrew old hinges from cabinet face frame.
• Photograph door layout before disassembly.

Take care not to damage cabinet boxes while removing doors. Photographing door configuration helps guide reassembly. Removed doors should be stored on edge, not stacked flat.