Give Your Kitchen a Makeover By Changing Cabinet Doors
If your kitchen is looking tired and dated, a full renovation can be expensive and disruptive. However, there is a simple, affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh new look - by changing out the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Replacing cabinets doors provides instant visual impact and new kitchen style for a fraction of the cost of a full remodel. With some basic DIY skills, you can easily swap out old cabinet doors for new ones and enjoy a stylish kitchen makeover.
Step 1: Measure Your Existing Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Before ordering any new cabinet doors or drawer fronts, you first need to take accurate measurements of your existing cabinets. This ensures that any new doors and drawer fronts you purchase or custom order will fit correctly.
Materials You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pen and paper for noting measurements
- Cabinet door measurement worksheet
Be sure to measure the height, width, and depth of each cabinet door and drawer front from the inside edges of the cabinet frame. It's also helpful to sketch out a layout of your cabinet runs including any angled corners or uneven spaces.
Ordering Tips
When placing your order for replacement doors and drawer fronts, be clear that you have provided the inside frame measurements rather than outside dimensions. Some manufacturers default to outside cabinet dimensions unless specified.
Step 2: Remove the Old Kitchen Cabinet Doors
With measurements in hand, you're ready to move onto safely removing your outdated cabinet doors and drawer fronts prior to installation of your fabulous new ones.
Materials and Tools
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Labels
Start by detaching the hardware from each door and drawer front, such as handles and hinges. Be sure to label each piece so reinstallation on your new doors and drawers is quick and easy.
Then unscrew any hinges, clips or other fasteners connecting the old door and drawer fronts from the cabinet frame. Take care when removing them to avoid damaging the doors as they can provide a handy template later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cabinets for the New Doors
With the old doors and drawer fronts removed, some minor cabinet repairs and touch-ups may be needed before installing the replacements.
Filling Holes
Examine the now exposed cabinet frames for any holes, cracks or imperfections. Fill any holes left from previous hardware installations using a quality wood filler product. Allow time to dry completely as directed.
Sanding Edges
Lightly sand any rough edges around the cabinet fronts. This removes splinters and ensures a smooth fitting surface when attaching the new doors and drawer pieces.
Step 4: Install the Replacement Cabinet Doors
The exciting part is finally here - transforming your kitchen by installing lovely new cabinet doors! Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific directions based on the mounting hardware system used.
Hinge Installation
For new cabinet doors being hung with hinges, attach one door hinge piece to the back of each door. Then attach the corresponding hinge pieces to the inside of the cabinet frames. Take care that doors are centered and level.
Clip Installation
If using a clip style door mounting, fasten one side of the clips to the cabinets then press fit the new doors into place. Verify even gaps and adjust as needed for proper alignment.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Once all the new cabinet doors and drawer fronts are hung, a few final details help complete the gorgeous updated look.
Install New Hardware
Consider replacing old handles and knobs with new ones that coordinate with the style and finish of your doors and drawers. This polishes off the makeover details.
Examine surrounding cabinet frameworks, taking care to address any imperfections. Spot paint or stain unfinished areas to match for a cohesive finish.
Be sure to follow manufacturer's recommendations for finishing products and dry times. Then stand back and admire your amazing kitchen makeover achieved simply by upgrading your old cabinet doors and drawers for a fraction of a remodel cost!