How Much Does It Cost To Change Kitchen Cabinet Doors? DIY vs Pro?

What is the cost to change kitchen cabinet doors? The cost to change kitchen cabinet doors varies widely, from a few hundred dollars for a simple DIY project using inexpensive materials to several thousand dollars for a professional installation with custom doors. Several factors affect the final price, including the number of doors, the material chosen, the complexity of the design, and whether you opt for a DIY approach or hire a professional.

Changing your kitchen cabinet doors is a fantastic way to refresh the look of your kitchen without undertaking a full-scale remodel. It’s often more affordable and less disruptive than replacing the entire cabinetry. However, deciding whether to tackle this project yourself or hire a professional can be a tough decision. This comprehensive guide breaks down the costs associated with changing kitchen cabinet doors, comparing DIY versus professional installation, and providing you with the information you need to make the best choice for your budget and skill level.

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Factors Influencing the Cost of Changing Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Many elements contribute to the final price you’ll pay for new kitchen cabinet doors. It’s important to consider each of these carefully when planning your budget.

• Number of Doors: The more doors you need to replace, the higher the overall cost. Each door adds to the material expenses and the labor time (if you hire a professional).

• Material: The material of your cabinet doors significantly impacts the price. Common choices include:

  • Laminate: Affordable and easy to clean, but can look less high-end.
  • Wood Veneer: Offers a more natural look than laminate at a mid-range price.
  • Solid Wood: The most expensive option, providing durability and a classic aesthetic. Different wood types (oak, maple, cherry, etc.) will also vary in price.
  • MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): A budget-friendly option that paints well. However, it may not be as durable as solid wood.

• Style and Design: Simple, flat-panel doors will generally be cheaper than raised-panel or intricately designed doors. Custom designs will also increase the cost.

• Door Size and Shape: Standard-sized doors are usually less expensive than custom-sized or unusually shaped doors.

• Hardware: Hinges, knobs, and pulls add to the overall cost. Prices can range from inexpensive, basic hardware to high-end designer options.

• Finish: Pre-finished doors will cost more than unfinished doors, but they save you the time and expense of painting or staining them yourself.

• DIY vs. Professional Installation: DIY installations save on labor costs, but require time, tools, and skills. Professional installations provide convenience and expertise but come with added labor expenses.

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement: Cost Breakdown

If you’re handy and looking to save money, a DIY cabinet door replacement can be a great option. Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs:

Replacement Cabinet Doors Price (DIY)

The cost of the doors themselves is the biggest expense in a DIY project. Here’s an estimated range, per door, based on material:

• Laminate Doors: \$20 – \$75
• MDF Doors: \$30 – \$100
• Wood Veneer Doors: \$50 – \$150
• Solid Wood Doors: \$100 – \$400+

For a kitchen with 20 doors, this could range from \$400 to \$8000+ depending on the material choice.

Hardware Cost

New hinges, knobs, and pulls can significantly affect the final cost.

• Hinges: \$2 – \$10 per hinge (consider soft-close hinges for added convenience).
• Knobs/Pulls: \$3 – \$20+ per knob/pull.

For 20 doors, assuming two hinges per door and new knobs/pulls for each, you could spend anywhere from \$100 to \$600+ on hardware.

Finishing Supplies (If Applicable)

If you purchase unfinished doors, you’ll need to factor in the cost of:

• Primer: \$20 – \$50 per gallon.
• Paint/Stain: \$30 – \$100 per gallon.
• Brushes/Rollers: \$10 – \$30.
• Sandpaper: \$5 – \$20.

Tools

You might already have some of the necessary tools, but if not, here’s what you might need:

• Screwdriver/Drill: \$30 – \$150.
• Measuring Tape: \$10 – \$20.
• Level: \$10 – \$30.
• Safety Glasses: \$5 – \$15.

If you need to buy all of these tools, it could add an extra \$65 – \$215 to your budget.

Total DIY Cost Estimate

Here’s a table summarizing the estimated DIY costs for replacing kitchen cabinet doors (for a kitchen with 20 doors):

Expense	Low End	High End
Cabinet Doors	\$400	\$8000+
Hardware	\$100	\$600+
Finishing Supplies (If Needed)	\$65	\$200+
Tools (If Needed)	\$65	\$215
Total	\$630	\$9015+

Cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors DIY: Averages ranging from \$630 to \$9015+.

Considerations for DIY

• Skill Level: Are you comfortable with basic carpentry and using tools?
• Time Commitment: Do you have the time to dedicate to this project?
• Mistakes: Are you prepared for potential mistakes and the cost of fixing them?

Professional Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement: Cost Breakdown

Hiring a professional offers convenience and expertise, but it comes at a premium. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:

Cabinet Door Refacing Cost Estimate (Professional)

Professional cabinet refacing typically includes the cost of the doors, hardware, and labor.

New Kitchen Door Cost

The cost of the doors will be similar to the DIY prices, but the contractor may have access to better deals or custom options.

Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement Labor Cost

Labor costs vary depending on the contractor, the complexity of the job, and your location. Generally, labor costs can range from \$75 to \$200 per hour.

Average Price to Replace Kitchen Cabinet Doors: Expect to pay between \$100 and \$400+ per door for professional installation, including the cost of the doors and labor.

Total Professional Cost Estimate

Here’s a table summarizing the estimated costs for professional kitchen cabinet door replacement (for a kitchen with 20 doors):

Expense	Low End	High End
Cabinet Doors	\$400	\$8000+
Hardware	\$100	\$600+
Labor (20 doors)	\$1500	\$4000+
Total	\$2000	\$12600+

Considerations for Professional Installation

• Cost: Professional installation is significantly more expensive than DIY.
• Convenience: You don’t have to do any of the work yourself.
• Expertise: Professionals have the experience to ensure a high-quality installation.
• Warranty: Many professionals offer warranties on their work.

Cabinet Refacing Cost: An Alternative Option

Cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer to the existing cabinet boxes. This can be a good middle ground between replacing just the doors and a full kitchen remodel.

The cost of cabinet refacing typically ranges from \$1,000 to \$10,000 or more, depending on the size of your kitchen, the materials used, and the complexity of the job.

Custom Cabinet Door Cost

For unique kitchens or specific design requirements, custom cabinet doors might be the best option.

Custom cabinet door cost: Custom doors are generally more expensive than stock doors, with prices ranging from \$150 to \$500+ per door, depending on the material, design, and size.

Kitchen Remodel Door Prices

When doing a full kitchen remodel, the cost of the doors is just one component of the overall budget. Kitchen remodel door prices will often be bundled into the total project cost. Talk with your contractor to fully understand the kitchen remodel door prices so you have an accurate idea of the budget breakdown.

Comparing DIY vs. Professional Installation

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between DIY and professional kitchen cabinet door replacement:

Feature	DIY	Professional
Cost	Lower initial cost	Higher initial cost
Time	More time required	Less time required
Skill Level	Requires carpentry skills	Requires no skill from homeowner
Convenience	Less convenient	More convenient
Expertise	No professional expertise	Professional expertise
Warranty	No warranty	Often includes a warranty
Potential Issues	Risk of mistakes and rework	Less risk of mistakes

Grasping How to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement

Here are some tips for saving money on your kitchen cabinet door replacement project:

• Choose Affordable Materials: Laminate and MDF are cheaper than solid wood.
• Opt for Standard Sizes: Avoid custom sizes if possible.
• Buy in Bulk: You might get a discount if you purchase all your doors and hardware at once.
• Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple contractors or suppliers.
• Consider Refacing: If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, refacing can be a cost-effective alternative.
• DIY What You Can: Even if you hire a professional for the installation, you could save money by doing the painting or staining yourself.

FAQ

Q: Can I just replace the doors on my kitchen cabinets?
Yes, you can often just replace the doors on your kitchen cabinets, as long as the cabinet boxes are in good condition. This is a cost-effective way to update the look of your kitchen without a full remodel.

Q: What is the average price to replace kitchen cabinet doors?
The average price to replace kitchen cabinet doors can range from \$20 to \$400+ per door for DIY projects and \$100 to \$400+ per door for professional installations, depending on the material, style, and complexity of the job.

Q: What is cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer to the existing cabinet boxes. It’s a middle-ground option between replacing just the doors and a full kitchen remodel.

Q: Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
Refacing is generally cheaper than replacing kitchen cabinets, as it avoids the cost of demolishing and rebuilding the cabinet boxes.

Q: How do I measure for new kitchen cabinet doors?
Carefully measure the height and width of your existing doors. It’s crucial to be accurate to ensure the new doors fit properly. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional.

Q: Who is the best to hire for kitchen cabinet door replacement?
The best person to hire depends on your budget and skill level. If you’re comfortable with DIY, you can save money by doing it yourself. If you prefer professional expertise and convenience, hire a reputable contractor with experience in cabinet refacing or replacement.

By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision about how to change your kitchen cabinet doors and stay within your budget. Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, replacing your cabinet doors is a relatively inexpensive way to give your kitchen a fresh, new look.