Guide to Replacing Your Cabinet Door

Notice unsightly water spots on your kitchen cabinet doors? Tired of mold, built-up grime, or excessive wear and tear? After a while, the doors have a different look and feel than they once did when you bought them. The paint starts to chip, the hinges start to break off, and the cabinet doors don't have the same appeal they once did when you installed them. This is because most kitchen cabinet doors last around 20-30 years. 

When replacing kitchen cabinet doors, you have a few different options to help you elevate your space. We're here to walk you through everything you need to know about DIY cabinet door replacement and how this investment can change your kitchen - for the better.

Reasons to Consider Changing Cabinet Doors 

There are many reasons you may consider replacing your kitchen cabinet doors, whether they are outdated and don't match your kitchen or excessive wear and tear is hindering your kitchen design. 

Here are a few common whys:

• Functionality: Your kitchen cabinet doors may not work as they did when you first bought them. If you're struggling with swollen doors, sagging shelves, or broken hardware, it's time to consider cabinet door replacements. 
• Kitchen Design: The kitchen design you chose for your home 20+ years ago might not be the look you want to go for now. The best way to stay ahead of the trends is to find a timeless, versatile cabinet door replacement.
• Cost-Effective: Switching out your kitchen cabinet doors is an easy, affordable way to elevate your space. Replacing all the cabinets can be a costly project and may require you to hire professional renovators. 

Choosing the Right Cabinet Door Replacement

When shopping for replacement kitchen cabinet doors for your project, consider several factors to ensure you find the perfect match. Each style offers a different look, feel, and function. 

Here's what you need to consider when replacing kitchen cabinets: 

• Kitchen Aesthetic: Whether it’s farmhouse, modern, or Scandinavian - every kitchen aesthetic is unique in its own way. To ensure you can commit to your aesthetic of choice, you’ll want to consider the style of cabinet doors you pick. 
• Cabinet Door Styles: There are a variety of cabinet door styles, shapes, and materials to choose from. Each style adds a different, detailed touch to your space and can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. When exploring the cabinet door styles available, you'll want to look for a timeless option that is versatile and functional. When you invest in a high-quality solution and care for them, you can expect them to last up to 30 years. 
• Measurement Accuracy: Custom cabinet doors are made to order to fit your current cabinets. Before placing your order for custom cabinet doors, you’ll want to take proper, accurate measurements. If your measurements aren't accurate, your replacement kitchen cabinet doors may not fit your current cabinets.

Seven Steps for Replacing Cabinet Doors

Once you find the perfect style for your project, it's time to start replacing kitchen cabinet doors. There are a few different methods to consider when learning how to replace cabinet doors. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing cabinet doors on your own:

1. Have Your Tools Ready

You'll need a few tools and materials before replacing cabinet doors. Some of the basics you’ll need include:

• Drill
• Screw Driver
• Measuring Tape and Level
• Sanding Paper 
• Paint, Wood Stain, and Primer
• Wood Filler
• Clamps

2. Take Measurements

Before placing your order, you'll want to measure your existing doors. You'll use these measurements to order custom cabinet doors that fit your cabinets. If you've never measured cabinet doors before, you can use this step-by-step guide to ensure you get accurate measurements. 

Remember that the replacement cabinet doors have an overlay. This means your replacements will be slightly larger than the cabinet opening. The standard overlay is 1/2 inch on all sides, so you must add one inch to your width and height measurements. 

3. Order Finished or Unfinished Cabinet Doors 

Once you have the measurements, it's time to order your new cabinet door replacements. Investing in custom solutions over standard-size alternatives ensures a perfect fit with your existing cabinet doors. With Cabinet Door Factory, you also have the option to choose between finished or unfinished options.

Our unfinished cabinet doors are fully sanded and paint-ready, so you can paint or stain them yourself. Our finished cabinet doors are ready to be installed the day they arrive, which can help speed up the process of replacing cabinet doors.

4. Paint Your Cabinet Doors

Painting your kitchen cabinet doors can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, doing it on your own can help you save money in the long run. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Step one: Buy the materials you need for the project. Depending on the type of cabinets you're painting over, you may need new paint, a paintbrush, primer, and sandpaper. 

• Step two: Remove your cabinet doors and prepare them for painting by removing all the hardware. 

• Step three: Choose a paint and apply it with a paintbrush or roller. After the first coat completely dries, you can apply as many additional coats as you like until you achieve your desired look. 

• Step four: Read the hardware and reinstall your newly painted cabinet doors. 

5. Install New Hinges

Once your new cabinet door replacements arrive, you'll want to install the hinges. Most hinges have three holes. The large one is called the hinge cup, and the two other small holes help you achieve an accurate alignment. You'll want to start by mounting the hinge mounting plate to the hinge and then attach the hinge base to the hinge cup. Lock in the mechanism with the smaller boreholes and then press down until the hinge is firmly placed.

At Cabinet Door Factory, you can order any cabinet door style with drill holes for Blum hinges. We can also add Blum hinges to any of your custom orders.

6. Install New Handles or Knobs

Before changing the cabinet doors, you'll want to install the new handles or knobs. When exploring different options, consider your design preferences, the size of the cabinet doors, and what type of cabinet door it is.

For example, wall cabinets are typically more functional with a door knob, while handles and pulls are better for drawer fronts or floor cabinets. You’ll also want to explore the different finishes to ensure the style complements your kitchen or home design.

7. Attach the New Cabinet Doors

Once everything is prepped and ready to go, all you have to do is align the doors with the cabinets and screw them into place. You'll want to use clamps to keep the doors at least 1/2-inch below the bottom edge. Hold the door against the face frame and market through the screw slots so you know when to add your screws. After you remove the mounting plates, screw them into the face frame and reattach the hinges to the mounting plate.

After you mount the doors, you may need to make some slight adjustments to ensure an accurate fit. You can easily adjust the screws holding the door in place until the cabinets fit how you want them to. 

Find High-End Replacement Cabinet Doors At Cabinet Door Factory

When it comes to your kitchen -it pays to have high-end cabinet doors that accurately complement your overall aesthetic. At Cabinet Door Factory, we're the experts in kitchen cabinet doors. We've been the go-to supplier for cabinet doors and home builders for years - and now we're sharing our products with the general public. So you can get a high-end look at your home for a fraction of the cost.  

Explore our selection of replacement kitchen cabinet doors today. 

How to replace cabinet doors?

Once you order your cabinet door replacements, all you have to do is install new hinges and add your handles before you attach the new doors to the cabinets. If you order unfinished doors, you will also need to prep, paint, and prime the doors before installation.

How much does it cost to replace cabinet doors?

The cost will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, wood species, hardware, and hinge type you choose. Call us for an accurate estimate before you place your order.

Is refacing the same as replacing?

Refacing is the process of giving your current cabinets a facelift. Whether you're replacing the drawer fronts or upgrading the hardware - every small change can improve the visual appearance of old cabinetry. This approach will save you time and money while giving you creative freedom.