I used to think a kitchen remodel meant tearing everything out—new cabinets, new layout, maybe even knocking down a wall. But after getting a few quotes (and nearly choking on the price), I realized that wasn’t going to happen. My cabinet boxes were still in great shape. The real issue? The doors. They were scratched, yellowed, and hanging crooked. That’s when it hit me: just replace the doors.
Here’s how I completely transformed my kitchen by upgrading only the cabinet doors. Spoiler: it cost me under $600 and took just a weekend.
Why I Replaced the Doors, Not the Cabinets
I thought my cabinets were beyond saving, but turns out the frames (or boxes) were still rock solid. It was just the fronts that had seen better days. So instead of ripping everything out, I focused on replacing the cabinet doors.
What I got:
A modern, clean kitchen look
No demolition
A budget-friendly upgrade that didn’t leave me eating takeout for weeks
🖼️ Alt Text: Worn-out cabinet doors with chipped paint and outdated hardware Caption: My original doors had served their time. The rest of the cabinets were still solid.
Step 1: Picking a Door Style That Works
At first, I had no idea what style I wanted. Raised panel? Slab? Beaded? After looking at way too many Pinterest boards, I chose simple Shaker doors. They’re clean, timeless, and easy to keep clean.
But here’s the real decision: slab (smooth, flat front) vs. framed (like Shaker or raised panel).
🖼️ Alt Text: A pair of new Shaker-style cabinet doors on a workbench Caption: I went with unfinished Shaker doors so I could paint them exactly how I wanted.
Step 2: Measuring for Your New Doors
Here’s where things can go wrong fast if you’re not careful. I made a spreadsheet and double-checked every opening.
Measure your cabinet openings:
Height and width (measure at 3 spots for each)
Subtract 1/8 inch for clearance
Decide on overlay or inset (overlay is easiest)
🔧 Pro Tip: Label each door opening with tape. It’ll save your sanity later.
🖼️ Alt Text: Measuring cabinet opening with a metal tape measure Caption: I took measurements three times before ordering. No regrets.
Step 3: Ordering or Building the Doors
You can go three routes:
Buy custom-made doors online
Purchase standard-sized doors locally
Build your own if you have a table saw and patience
I ordered online. The company prepped the hinges and sent them unfinished. All I had to do was paint.
I went with soft-close concealed hinges. They’re a little trickier to install but look so much better.
Use a hinge jig or template to make things easier. Then it’s just a matter of:
Attaching hinges to the doors first
Holding doors in place and screwing hinges to the boxes
Adjusting for height, depth, and side-to-side alignment
🖼️ Alt Text: European-style concealed hinges being installed on a cabinet door Caption: I spent more time adjusting than drilling—but the payoff was perfect gaps and smooth closing.
Step 6: Add New Hardware
The fun part. I bought brushed brass pulls that gave the whole kitchen a modern look. Use a hardware jig to drill holes in the right place, or make your own out of cardboard like I did.
🖼️ Alt Text: New brass cabinet pulls laid out with a measuring jig Caption: These little details made the entire upgrade feel intentional and polished.
Is Replacing Cabinet Doors Worth It?
Absolutely. For under $600, I upgraded the heart of my home without touching the layout. If your cabinet frames are still solid, cabinet door replacement is one of the best kitchen upgrades you can make.
It’s affordable, it’s fast, and best of all—you can do it yourself.
How to Match Your New Cabinet Doors with Existing Decor
Once the new doors are in, it’s time to think about the bigger picture: how they fit with your counters, backsplash, and flooring. I made the mistake of not thinking ahead, and my new doors clashed with my old tile. Here’s what helped me tie it all together:
Paint or refinish your toe kicks and visible cabinet sides to match your new doors.
Add peel-and-stick backsplash tiles if your current ones feel outdated.
Swap out outlet covers and light fixtures to better complement your updated hardware.
Add accent decor like a wood cutting board, metal bowls, or open shelving to create continuity.
Even small changes in decor can make your cabinet doors look like part of a full remodel.
🖼️ Alt Text: Modern kitchen showing new cabinet doors with matching backsplash and hardware Caption: Matching tones in your backsplash and fixtures makes your new cabinet doors feel intentional.
Budget Breakdown
Here’s what I spent:
Item
Cost
12 Shaker Cabinet Doors
$360
Hinges + Screws
$85
Primer + Paint + Poly
$60
Hardware + Jig
$40
Total
$545
Compared to the $7,000+ quote I got for new cabinets, this felt like a steal.
My Results: Before & After
The photos speak for themselves. The kitchen went from yellowed and tired to bright and modern. No demo, no contractors, no dumpster.
🖼️ Alt Text: Before and after kitchen with old and new cabinet doors Caption: What a difference new doors and a weekend can make.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Cabinet Doors
Nobody wants to redo a project. I made a few errors the first time that cost me time and money. Here’s what I learned:
Don’t forget about hinge spacing. It varies between brands, so don’t assume your new doors will fit old holes.
Avoid cheap paint. Use quality primer and finish coats—especially in a kitchen.
Don’t paint too soon. Let unfinished wood doors sit in your space for a day or two to adjust to humidity.
Keep screws and hardware organized. Use labeled bags so nothing gets mixed up.
Avoiding these small issues can make a big difference in how smooth your project goes.
🖼️ Alt Text: DIY cabinet door project in progress with tools and hardware laid out neatly Caption: Planning and organization saved me from so many potential mistakes.
Paint takes time to cure. Give it at least 24 hours before handling.
Drill pilot holes for all hardware. Don’t let the wood split.
Match hinge types to your old boxes if you’re not drilling new ones.
Keep a few extra screws on hand. I lost more than I want to admit.
Is Replacing Cabinet Doors Worth It?
Absolutely. For under $600, I upgraded the heart of my home without touching the layout. If your cabinet frames are still solid, cabinet door replacement is one of the best kitchen upgrades you can make.
It’s affordable, it’s fast, and best of all—you can do it yourself.
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