If you want to give your kitchen cabinets a facelift, replacing the cabinet doors can be a great way. And how exactly do you do it? Can you do this on your own, or is it best to get a contractor? We have researched the answer to these questions. In this post, we will discuss how to replace your kitchen cabinets.
Here are the steps to replace your kitchen cabinet doors:
- Remove the current cabinet doors
- Take measurements
- Make adjustments as needed
- Set up the door hinges
- Mount the new cabinet doors
Replacing the cabinet doors and your kitchen is easier than you may expect. You don't need any special expertise or experience, just a few tools. However, it is best to first consider the decor and size considerations before purchasing a new set of cabinet doors. This way, you won't have any surprises once the install begins. Continue reading to learn more about how to make it happen.
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Steps To Replace Kitchen Cabinets Doors
Discolored or worn cabinet doors can make your entire cabinetry look outdated. And replacing the doors is a simple DIY project that you can accomplish on your own. It can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to start the project from top to bottom.
Things you'll need:
- Screwdriver
- Cleaning cloth
- Mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
- Wood filler
- C-clamps
- Measuring tape
- Ladder
1. Remove the current cabinet doors
First, use your screwdriver to undo the screws on all the current doors. The cabinets will likely have a mounting plate located on the inside. Next, remove the mounting plate; pinch the bottom section of the hinge flange inside the cabinet.
Note that all cabinets are different, and the mounting plate may be located in a different location. Next, unscrew and remove any hardware from the cabinet itself. If there is any dirt or grime on the front of the cabinet, be sure to clean it with a bit of soapy water and a cleaning cloth.
2. Take measurements
Next, measure the length, width, and height of the current cabinet doors. Be sure to measure them at least twice to ensure that you order the correct size cabinets for the replacement. Also, note the location of the hinges, as the new cabinets will need to have hinges.
3. Make adjustments as needed
The main measurements that you need to worry about are the length and width of the cabinet, as the new doors won't fit if they are too tall or too long. However, if the new cabinets are thicker than the old ones, you can always add an overlay. To do this, add half an inch to the measurement on each side of the cabinet.
4. Setup the door hinges
Once your new cabinets arrive, inspect them and any included hardware. Next, use your screwdriver to set up the hinges. Mark the areas where the hinges and new screws will go, and then drill the pilot holes.
The cabinet doors should come with a set of instructions on how to do this, and it will typically vary for each set. The main thing you want to ensure is that the locking flange for the hinge is firmly pressed into place so that the cabinet door will be secure.
5. Mount the new cabinet doors
Once the hinges are in position, mount the doors on the cabinet. To do this, take your clamps and place them below the bottom edge of the cabinet about half an inch from the hinge. Then mark your pilot holes with a pencil and drill them in.
Next, hold the first door in position so that the mounting plate is facing the cabinet. Remove the mounting plate and then screw them to the front of the cabinet with a Phillips head screwdriver. Re-attach the hinges while holding the cabinet door. Repeat this process for each additional door.
6. Make any additional adjustments as needed
If you find that after attaching the cabinet door, you cannot close it completely or that it is not level, remove the door. Then re-measure the cabinet, hinge positions, and mounting plate locations. After doing so, go back and create any additional pilot holes as needed. If you need to drill new pilot holes and proximity to others, you may need to use a wood filler.
Installing a cabinet door is a pretty easy and simple project, and you may be able to install my cabinet in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. If you run into any issues, check out this video to see exactly how it's done:
Is it easy to replace kitchen cabinet doors?
Yes. For the most part, replacing kitchen cabinet doors is considered a relatively easy and simple project. Though it's not as complex as other projects, accurate measurement is needed to ensure that the new cabinets are secure and fit properly.
Is it cheaper to just replace cabinet doors?
Compared to replacing your entire cabinet set, yes, it is cheaper just to replace the cabinet doors. The main reason for the lower cost is simply the material. If you plan to replace an entire cabinet set, be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars. A cabinet door can be purchased for as little as $25.
How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors?
The average cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors can range from $600 to over $1,500, depending on the size of the cabinets. The total length of the cabin space, the cabinet type, and your location play a huge role in how much you pay for the job.
However, this is a project that you can perform independently with an extra set of hands. It's best to watch a video or two to see how it's done, but it may be worth the effort as it can save you hundreds of dollars in contractor costs.
Is it cheaper to replace kitchen cabinet doors or paint them?
It depends. Painting your cabinet doors will typically be cheaper than installing new ones. If the cabinet door replacement doesn't require any additional steps, such as applying an overlay or sanding down the cabinets, chances are you won't need more than a can of paint for the doors.
Plus, it's a job that you can perform yourself, which can save you additional money. If you plan to replace the doors entirely, you'll need to pay for the new doors, which will be significantly higher than the materials and tools to paint them.
What can you do with old cabinet doors?
You can do quite a few things to repurpose old cabinet doors if you don't want to throw them away. Let's look at a few common ways to make good use of them.
Create a hat rack
Need another place to store all of your hats? Use your cabinet doors to create an easy hat rack. Purchase a few hooks from your local hardware store and install them using a screwdriver. Mount the hat rack on the door, and you're all set.
Make a to-do list board
You can easily turn your old cabinet doors into a chalkboard using a can of chalkboard paint. You can purchase the paint online or at any local craft store.
Make serving trays
Nothing can make your afternoon snack feel fancier than an attractive serving tray. Creating a serving tray from your old cabinets is relatively easy. Just take off the handles and top the door with a homemade cloth or light dressing. And if you want to add a bit of extra flair, consider painting the cabinet a bright color such as yellow or orange.
Create door signs
Prefer a little privacy when you're reading in the evening? Use your old cabinets to create an interesting door sign for your reading room.
Make wall art
Who said that wall art is exclusive to only pictures and photos? Repurpose your old cabinet doors by decorating them and hanging them in your living or recreational areas. You can also glue interesting trinkets to them, such as bottle caps or beads, to give them more appeal.
Powder room rack
You can also repurpose the doors by making a powder rack for your bathroom. If you need an extra place to set your perfumes, lotions, and other bathroom toiletries, consider the doors instead of purchasing a new one outright.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope this post has helped illustrate how to replace cabinet doors. As you can see, the project is easy, but it does take a bit of planning to ensure that the doors will fit correctly.
Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other posts:
Where Should Kitchen Cabinet Knobs And Handles Be Placed?
How To Fill A Gap Between Kitchen Cabinets And Wall
