Your kitchen cabinets play an important part in keeping your kitchen looking as beautiful as the day it was finished, and when it comes to home improvement, kitchen designs and kitchen renovations play a major role.

Kitchen cabinet doors are more prone to damage than the rest of the cabinets. If your cabinet doors are damaged, you have numerous alternatives, including totally fixing the cabinets, either replacing or refacing them.

It makes no sense to take this path if the remainder of the cabinet is still functional. Instead, consider searching for new cabinet doors.

How Replacing or Refacing Cabinet Doors Can Affect Home Value

Updating your cabinet doors—whether you opt for replacing or refacing—can make a surprising difference to your kitchen’s overall appearance without breaking the bank. This straightforward upgrade instantly refreshes tired spaces, often making the entire kitchen look cleaner and more modern.

Plus, kitchens are a focal point for potential buyers. A kitchen that appears well-maintained and up-to-date gives the impression that the home is cared for, which can, in turn, help to boost the value of your property. Even small changes like new cabinet fronts can make your kitchen stand out in a crowded real estate market—think of it as a facelift for your home’s most-used gathering spot.

If you’re hoping to increase your home’s resale value without tackling a complete renovation, new cabinet doors pack a big punch for a relatively modest investment.

The average cost of replacing cabinet doors with installation costs is determined by various factors, including door size and materials used. In average, you should budget between $100 and $800 for a new cabinet installation.

However, keep in mind that this is a less expensive choice than entirely rebuilding your kitchen cabinetry. Without factoring in installation expenses, replacing your cabinets can cost anywhere from $3,800 to $10,000 or more. If you want to commission custom cabinets, a professional cabinet builder should cost around $90 per hour.

What additional costs should I expect when replacing cabinet doors?

When planning to refresh your kitchen’s look by swapping out cabinet doors, it’s important to budget for more than just the new door panels themselves. There are a few extra expenses that often catch homeowners by surprise:

Hardware and Hinges: New doors typically require new hinges or upgraded hardware, especially if the old ones are worn or incompatible with the new doors. These pieces might seem minor, but costs can add up quickly with multiple cabinets.
Finishing Supplies: Unless your cabinet doors come pre-finished, you’ll need paint, varnish, or stain, as well as brushes, rollers, or spray equipment to give them a polished appearance.
Cleaning Materials: Prepping surfaces means picking up cleaning supplies to remove dust and grease, ensuring better paint or stain adhesion.

On average, plan for approximately $30 per door to cover these essentials, though prices can fluctuate based on quality and finish selections. Factoring in these additional costs ensures there are no surprises as you move forward with your kitchen’s mini-makeover.

Factoring in Finishing and Hardware Costs

When planning your budget for new cabinet doors, don’t forget to account for the finishing touches and necessary hardware. Each door will need to be painted or stained to match your kitchen’s style, and you’ll also need to invest in essential hardware like hinges and handles.

If you’re handling these updates yourself or hiring a pro, here’s what to consider:

Paints, Stains, and Sealants: Depending on your finish of choice, allow for the cost of quality paints or stains. Brands like Benjamin Moore and Minwax provide a good range of options.
Hardware: Hinges, knobs, and pulls from popular options such as Liberty, Amerock, or IKEA typically add a bit more to the overall expense.

On average, you should expect to spend about $30 per cabinet door for finishing and hardware combined. This amount helps cover materials and ensures that each new door not only looks great but also operates smoothly.

Is it possible to buy simply the doors for kitchen cabinets?

Many homeowners are concerned that they will be unable to find providers that just offer cabinet components for existing cabinets rather than full cabinets when updating their doors and drawer fronts.

While not all providers sell cabinet components, it is feasible to identify those who sell doors and drawer fronts. You will also be able to find a cabinet maker or installer who will install your new cabinet doors for you if you are not sure of your ability to do it yourself.

What tools are required to replace kitchen cabinet doors yourself?

If you’re feeling handy and want to tackle the replacement of your kitchen cabinet doors on your own, you’ll want to have some essential tools ready before you get started. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll likely find useful:

Screwdriver (preferably a multi-bit, such as a 5-in-1): This will help remove old hardware and install new hinges or handles with ease.
Cordless drill: Perfect for quickly removing and attaching screws, and for mounting new hardware securely.
Measuring tape and pencil: Precision matters—measuring twice and marking clearly ensures your new doors sit perfectly.
Level: To make sure those doors hang straight and avoid any wonky results.
Hinge boring bit or hole saw (optional): If your new cabinet doors don’t come pre-drilled for hinges, you may need one of these specialised bits.
Safety gear: Don’t forget protective glasses and gloves—better safe than sorry.

With these basics on hand, many homeowners find themselves up to the task. And if you don’t already have these tools, investing in them is a smart move for future DIY projects, too.

How do I measure my cabinet boxes accurately for new doors?

Getting accurate measurements is the key to ensuring your new cabinet doors fit perfectly. If you decide to take on this project yourself, here’s a simple step-by-step approach:

Start by measuring the cabinet openings. Use a reliable tape measure to find the width and height of each cabinet opening you plan to cover. Always measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch to ensure precision.
Record your measurements in a clear format. It helps to write down each measurement as “width x height” for easy reference later on.
Consider the type of door installation.
- For overlay doors (doors that sit on top of the cabinet frame), you’ll want to add the desired overlay amount to your measurements, usually 1/2 to 1 inch, depending on your preference and the look you’re after.
- For inset doors (doors that sit flush inside the cabinet opening), subtract a small allowance—typically about 1/8 inch—from both the width and height. This gap prevents the doors from rubbing against the cabinet frame when opening.

If you’re unsure about any step in the measuring process or want extra reassurance, you may want to consult a tradesperson or cabinet maker. Many are happy to give guidance, ensuring your new cabinet doors will be a perfect match before you order or install.

Is it less expensive to replace cabinet doors or to resurface them?

Replacing cabinet doors is exactly what it sounds like: replacing old, broken doors with new ones. Resurfacing includes altering the “skin” of cabinet doors to improve their appearance.

If you are resurfacing your cabinets designed in their entirety, one essential step will be to replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Only resurfacing the cabinet doors entails changing the veneer and hinges and making the doors more appealing to visitors.

One of the biggest issues with resurfacing is that just a few competent firms provide cabinet resurfacing and even fewer offer door resurfacing. While it is feasible to do it yourself, there are techniques and tools that a non-professional will not have access to, and the end outcome will suffer as a result.

If you can locate a company that can fulfill your resurfacing demands, you will most likely discover that resurfacing is the most cost-effective alternative. In fact, selecting it over replacement will save you 50% of cost of kitchen renovation.

Not all cabinet doors are suitable for resurfacing. If the doors have sustained severe damage, they must be replaced.

What are the most common materials used to make kitchen cabinet doors?

When it comes to kitchen cabinet doors, it’s normally better to match the material used for the rest of your cabinets. Some of the choices available to consider include the below.

Hardwood

One of the most common cabinet and cabinet door materials. Each hardwood panel is distinct from the others since the trees from which the wood is obtained differ somewhat in terms of color, texture, and grain pattern. Furthermore, this material is extremely robust and simple to fix. For those contemplating timber kitchen doors, check out our handy price guide.

Plywood

Unlike oak, this substance maintains moisture, making it the finest choice for cabinet materials.

Particleboard

Quality particleboard is a low-cost material that is strong and long-lasting. Furthermore, if you’re looking for custom cabinet and door options, it’s lightweight and simple to work with.

MDF (medium density fiberboard)

This material, also known as MDF, is sturdy, durable, and resistant to warping caused by moisture and temperature variations. Furthermore, the flat surface allows you to quickly paint or stain it to match your needs.

What styles of kitchen cabinet doors are available—and how do you choose?

When selecting the right cabinet doors for your kitchen, you’ll find there’s genuinely something to fit every taste, from classic to contemporary.

Raised Panel Doors: These are a timeless favourite for homeowners who love traditional kitchens. The centre panel is slightly elevated, often highlighted with rich timber stains that showcase the wood’s natural grain. Raised panel doors work especially well in heritage homes or kitchens designed to feel warm and welcoming.
Recessed Panel (Shaker) Doors: If your home leans more towards a modern or transitional vibe, recessed panel or Shaker doors might be a better match. These feature a flat centre panel with a simple frame, offering clean lines and understated elegance. They’re easy to paint and suit everything from minimalist white kitchens to bold, colour-forward spaces.
Slab Doors: For ultra-modern or Scandinavian-inspired kitchens, slab doors are the go-to choice. With their smooth, flat surfaces—often made from materials like MDF or laminate—they create a sleek, streamlined look. Slab doors are also practical, as they’re easy to clean and maintain.
Glass-Front Doors: Want to break up long runs of cabinetry or show off your favourite crockery? Glass-front doors are perfect for adding dimension and a touch of luxury, making even a small kitchen feel more open.

When making your decision, always start with accurate measurements of your existing cabinets. Consider your kitchen’s existing style, your household’s lifestyle (think about fingerprint-prone little hands or easy-to-wipe finishes), and your preferred maintenance level. For a truly bespoke touch, think about mixing door styles—using glass‑front cabinets above and solid panels below, for example. And don’t forget, a skilled cabinet maker can help you visualise how different styles will work with your space and benchtop choices.

By carefully considering your options, you can transform the entire look and feel of your kitchen with just a door swap—no need for a full renovation.

How long does it take to replace the doors on kitchen cabinets?

The replacement timetable is an important consideration if you want to replace your kitchen cabinet doors. After all, depending on the amount of cabinet door replacements necessary, you may be unable to utilize your kitchen until the replacements are completed.

The chronology can be influenced by a number of events, including:

Scope

How many kitchen cabinets do you have, and how many of the doors do you need to replace? How long will it take you to collect all of the doors? Will the makeover have to be done in stages depending on when the doors arrive at you (or the professional you hired)?

Items of interest

Is there anything specific that needs to be considered? Are you picking bespoke doors that may take longer to install?

Requests for changes

If you make any changes after installation, the replacement schedule will almost certainly be prolonged.

What does a contractor do when replacing cabinet doors?

When you hire a contractor to replace your cabinet doors, you’re getting more than just a simple swap. The process typically involves several key steps to ensure everything fits and functions perfectly:

Removal of existing doors: The old cabinet doors and, if necessary, hinges are carefully taken off to avoid damaging the cabinets.
Precise measurements: Accurate measurements are made for the new doors and hardware, ensuring a seamless fit.
Preparation and protection: The work area is prepped—think covering countertops and flooring to shield them from dust or dings during the process.
Installation of new doors: The new cabinet doors and hinges are fitted and properly aligned so they open and close smoothly.
Final touches and clean-up: Any minor adjustments are made, and the workspace is tidied before handing your kitchen back over.

Professional contractors generally include all these steps in their service, from the initial planning to a thorough clean-up, so you’re not left with any stray sawdust or hardware. This comprehensive approach helps ensure your kitchen is back in action as quickly—and neatly—as possible.

Conclusion: Enhancing Your Kitchen with Cabinet Door Replacements

Replacing or refacing kitchen cabinet doors can have a significant impact on the overall look and value of your kitchen without requiring a complete renovation. By opting for new doors, you can refresh the space, enhance its appeal, and even increase your home’s resale value. Whether you choose to replace or resurface, this upgrade offers a cost-effective solution for improving the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.

Hiring a contractor can streamline the process, ensuring that the installation is done professionally, with precise measurements, and a clean, smooth finish. Whether you’re undertaking the project yourself or seeking expert assistance, replacing cabinet doors is a great way to transform your kitchen space.

Once the installation is complete, maintaining the kitchen’s new look is important. Trustable cleaning services can ensure your kitchen remains in top condition, keeping cabinets spotless and free from grease, dust, or fingerprints. Regular professional cleaning will protect your investment, enhance the overall cleanliness of the space, and prolong the lifespan of your new cabinets, ensuring they stay looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.

About Us – Dirt2Tidy

At Dirt2Tidy, we’re passionate about helping you keep your home looking its best. While we specialize in cleaning services, we understand the importance of maintaining every aspect of your home, from the kitchen to every room. If you’re undertaking a home improvement project, like replacing your kitchen cabinet doors, we’re here to assist with keeping the space clean and pristine during and after the renovation. Let Dirt2Tidy handle the details so you can enjoy a fresh, new look in your kitchen without the worry.

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