How to Replace Your Kitchen's Cabinet Doors

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Replacing the cabinet doors can give your kitchen a fresh new look without the expense of a full remodel. Updating just the doors is an affordable way to update the style and color of your kitchen cabinets. Read on to learn everything you need to know about replacing kitchen cabinet doors.

Replacing cabinet doors allows you to refresh the look of your kitchen by changing the door style, material, finish or color. It's a project that can typically be completed over a weekend by a DIYer or hired out affordably to a handyman or contractor. The cost to replace cabinet doors ranges from $50-100 per door, compared to thousands for brand new cabinets.

Should You Replace or Reface Your Cabinets?

Before deciding on new doors, consider whether refacing your existing cabinets might be a better option. Refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts and hardware. The cabinet boxes remain in place but are upgraded with a veneer and new paint or stain.

Here are some key differences between replacement doors versus refacing:

• Condition of cabinets - If the boxes are structurally sound, refacing can give them new life. For cabinets in very poor condition, replacement doors may be better.
• Layout changes - Replacing doors won't alter cabinet layout like a reface can. Refacing allows reconfiguring cabinets.
• Cost - Refacing is pricier but includes more updates like surfaces and finishes. Door replacement is more affordable.
• Customization - Both options allow some customization of door style and finish. Refacing offers more ways to customize overall look.
• Process - Door replacement keeps existing boxes intact. Refacing requires removing doors and resurfacing boxes.
• Disruption - Replacing doors causes minimal disruption to your kitchen. Refacing is messier and requires emptying cabinets.

Pros of Replacing Doors

• Lower cost starting around $50 per door
• Just replace damaged or worn doors
• Quick DIY project for most homeowners
• Wide selection of replacement door styles
• Minimal disruption to your kitchen
• Retain existing cabinet layout and structure

Pros of Refacing Cabinets

• Full cabinet makeover with new veneer, finish and hardware
• Alter cabinet layout or access as needed
• Protect existing cabinet structure
• More durable and longer-lasting update
• Ability to fully customize cabinets
• Fix more significant damage or flaws

How to Choose Replacement Cabinet Doors

Selecting new cabinet doors offers many options to match your kitchen's style. Consider the following door characteristics:

Door Style

Match your kitchen's decorative style:

• Slab: Simple, flat panel design
• Shaker: Clean lines and visible joinery
• Raised panel: Distinct center panels and framed edges
• Glass insert: Glass panels within wood frame
• Arched or curved: Decorative shapes

Also decide if you want to match your existing style or change it up entirely. Choosing a door style that complements your cabinets can pull together a more cohesive look. Opt for a distinctly different style for a dramatic transformation.

Door Materials

Options like real wood veneer, MDF, metal or glass:

• Wood: Oak, maple, hickory, etc. Stained, painted, or natural
• Thermofoil: Wood composite interior with plastic coating
• Metal: Stainless steel, copper, brushed nickel
• Glass: Frosted, etched, or stained glass

Consider durability and ease of cleaning based on your lifestyle and cooking habits. For high-traffic kitchens, solid wood or thermofoil doors add resilience.

Custom vs. Stock Size

Getting doors to fit precisely will ensure optimal appearance and function:

• Custom-sized: Made to your exact cabinet dimensions
• Stock: Available in standard 3" size increments

Custom doors provide a perfect fit but cost more. Stock sizes involve more guesswork measuring and will likely require filler material for small gaps.

Finishes and Hardware

Complete the look with the right finishes and hardware:

• Painted, stained, glazed, or distressed finishes
• Knobs, pulls, hinges and backplates for cabinets

Keep the cabinet finish consistent throughout your kitchen. For hardware, choose statement pieces or stick with simple, matching handles.

Order Complete Doors or Assembled Components

Purchasing fully assembled, pre-hung doors offers convenience compared to ordering individual components:

• Complete doors - Doors arrive mounted in frames, ready to install
• Component system - Order doors, frames, hinges, and panels separately

Weigh cost, shipping, and installation ease when deciding which works best for your project.

How to Replace Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Remove Existing Doors and Hardware

Carefully detach each door from the cabinet frame by fully unscrewing all hinges. Label doors to keep track of where each originated. Remove knobs, pulls, catches or hinges for reuse or replacement.

Use care not to damage existing frames when removing old doors and hardware. Take out one door at a time to prevent mix-ups.

Prepare Cabinets

Take time to repair, sand or paint boxes as needed to improve the finished look. Address any issues like broken joints, peeling veneer or warped panels. Fill any holes and make sure surfaces are clean.

Preparing your existing cabinet boxes well will ensure the new doors properly align and seal. Take care of repairs before adding new doors.

Install New Doors

Attach door hinges in the precise pre-drilled positions. Test each door, adjusting until aligned squarely and sealing tightly when closed. Adhere to manufacturer's instructions for hinge positions.

Allow proper clearance for openings and be cautious not to overtighten hinge screws. Adjust doors gently to avoid stripping screw holes.

Add Hardware

Screw on new cabinet hardware like knobs, pulls, and catches according to the layout of your old hardware. Use care when drilling holes to avoid splitting wood or glass doors.

Fill old hardware holes and reposition new hardware for a fresh look. Take future accessibility and ergonomics into account.

Achieve a Cohesive Look

With all new doors installed, take a step back and inspect that all alignments, spacing and finishes coordinate seamlessly. Your kitchen will look like you splurged on brand new cabinets!

If any doors appear out of alignment, make adjustments. Add trim pieces or filler if needed to conceal gaps.

Replacing cabinet doors is a manageable DIY project for many homeowners. If you are comfortable using basic tools and following door manufacturer's instructions, a DIY replacement can save on labor costs.