How Much to Change Kitchen Cupboard Doors? Cost Breakdown

The cost to replace kitchen cupboard doors can vary greatly depending on factors like door material, style, and whether you hire a professional. This article explores the cabinet door replacement cost in detail, breaking down all the expenses involved.

Image Source: i.ytimg.com

Assessing the Need for Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement

Before diving into costs, figure out if replacing just the doors is the right move. Are your cabinet boxes in good shape? If so, replacing doors can be a cost-effective facelift. If the boxes are damaged or outdated, a full kitchen remodel might be necessary.

When Door Replacement is a Good Option:

• Existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound.
• You’re happy with the current kitchen layout.
• You want to update the kitchen’s style without a major renovation.

When a Full Remodel Might Be Better:

• Cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or showing significant wear.
• You want to change the kitchen layout.
• You want to upgrade other kitchen elements like countertops, flooring, and appliances.

Deciphering Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Price

Kitchen cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer to the exposed cabinet boxes. While it’s more involved than just door replacement, it’s less expensive than a full remodel. The kitchen cabinet refacing price generally includes labor and materials for the entire process.

Average Refacing Cost:

Refacing can cost roughly half of a full cabinet replacement. This will still cost more than just replacing the doors.

Factors Affecting Refacing Costs:

• Size of the kitchen: More cabinets mean more materials and labor.
• Veneer material: Real wood veneer is more expensive than laminate.
• Hardware: New hinges, knobs, and pulls add to the overall cost.

How Much to Replace Kitchen Doors Only: A Detailed Breakdown

The cost to replace kitchen doors only is influenced by several factors. Let’s examine each of them:

Door Material

The type of material you choose for your new kitchen door prices will heavily affect your spending. Here’s a look at common options:

• Laminate: A budget-friendly option, easy to clean, and available in many colors and styles.
• Wood Veneer: Offers the look of real wood at a lower price point. Can be stained or painted.
• Solid Wood: The most expensive option, but also the most durable and aesthetically pleasing. Options include oak, maple, cherry, and others.
• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): A good option for painted doors, as it provides a smooth, even surface.
• Glass: Glass-fronted doors can add visual interest but require careful cleaning. Consider clear, frosted, or textured glass.

Material	Cost per Door (Estimate)	Pros	Cons
Laminate	$20 – $50	Affordable, easy to clean, variety of colors and styles	Can look cheap, less durable than other options
Wood Veneer	$40 – $100	Offers the look of real wood, can be stained or painted	Can be susceptible to water damage, less durable than solid wood
Solid Wood	$100 – $300+	Durable, aesthetically pleasing, can be refinished	Most expensive option, can warp or crack with changes in humidity
MDF	$50 – $150	Smooth surface for painting, less prone to warping than solid wood	Can be damaged by water, not as durable as solid wood
Glass (Insert)	$75 – $250+	Adds visual interest, modern look	Requires careful cleaning, can be fragile

Door Style

The style of the doors also plays a role in the average cost of replacing cabinet doors. Simpler designs are generally less expensive than more intricate ones.

• Slab Doors: Flat, minimalist doors. The most affordable option.
• Shaker Doors: A classic style with a recessed center panel. Moderately priced.
• Raised Panel Doors: Feature a raised center panel, adding dimension and detail. More expensive than shaker doors.
• Arched Doors: Feature an arched top, adding a touch of elegance. Can be more expensive than other styles.

Door Size

Larger doors will naturally cost more due to the increased material usage.

Finish

The finish you choose can also impact the overall expense.

• Unfinished: The least expensive option, but requires you to paint or stain the doors yourself.
• Primed: Ready to be painted, offering a good balance between cost and convenience.
• Painted or Stained: The most expensive option, but saves you the time and effort of finishing the doors yourself.

Hardware

Don’t forget about the cost of hinges, knobs, and pulls. These can add up, especially if you choose high-end hardware.

Labor

If you hire a professional for kitchen cabinet door installation cost, labor will be a significant portion of the overall price.

Interpreting Averages: What to Expect

The average cost of replacing cabinet doors can range from \$1,000 to \$10,000, depending on the factors listed above.

• Small Kitchen: Replacing doors in a small kitchen with basic laminate doors could cost as little as \$1,000 – \$3,000.
• Medium Kitchen: A medium-sized kitchen with shaker-style wood veneer doors might cost \$3,000 – \$6,000.
• Large Kitchen: A large kitchen with solid wood doors and professional installation could easily cost \$6,000 – \$10,000 or more.

Investigating Replacement Kitchen Cabinet Doors Cost

To get a clearer picture of the replacement kitchen cabinet doors cost, consider the following scenario:

Scenario: A medium-sized kitchen with 20 cabinet doors.

• Door Material: Shaker-style MDF doors (primed)
• Cost per Door: \$80
• Total Door Cost: 20 doors x \$80/door = \$1600
• Hardware: \$5 per knob, \$3 per hinge = \$160 (20 knobs), \$120 (40 hinges) = \$280
• Paint/Stain: \$100
• DIY Installation: No labor cost (DIY)

Total DIY Cost: \$1600 + \$280 + \$100 = \$1980

Professional Installation:
* Labor Cost: \$50 – \$100 per door = \$1000 – \$2000
* Total Cost with Professional Installation: \$1980 + \$1000 (low end) = \$2980 – \$3980

Unveiling DIY Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement Cost

Opting for a DIY kitchen cabinet door replacement cost can save you significant money on labor. However, it requires time, effort, and some basic carpentry skills.

Steps for DIY Door Replacement:

1. Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring the new doors fit properly.
2. Order Doors: Order the correct size and style of doors from a reputable supplier.
3. Prepare the Doors: If the doors are unfinished or primed, paint or stain them to your desired color.
4. Install Hinges: Attach the hinges to the new doors, ensuring they are properly aligned.
5. Mount the Doors: Attach the doors to the cabinet boxes, making sure they are level and plumb.
6. Install Hardware: Install knobs and pulls.

Tools Needed for DIY Installation:

• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Safety glasses

Potential Cost Savings:

By doing the installation yourself, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on labor costs.

Fathoming How Much Do New Cabinet Doors Cost Based on Type

The cost of new cabinet doors is heavily reliant on the kind of material used and how they are constructed. Here’s a deeper dive into the materials you might want to choose.

Standard Sized Cabinet Doors Cost:

Replacing doors with standard sizes will drastically cut your costs.

Custom vs. Standard Sizes

How much do new cabinet doors cost when you require unique measurements? Cost of custom cabinet doors are usually more costly because of the additional work involved.

• Standard Sizes: Pre-made doors in common sizes are more affordable and readily available.
• Custom Sizes: Custom doors are made to order, ensuring a perfect fit for your cabinets. This is a good option for older homes with non-standard cabinet sizes.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Door Replacement

• Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple suppliers to compare prices.
• Consider Laminate or MDF: These materials are more affordable than solid wood.
• DIY Installation: Save money on labor by installing the doors yourself.
• Reface Instead of Replace: If your cabinet boxes are in good shape, refacing can be a cost-effective alternative to full replacement.
• Keep the Same Layout: Changing the layout requires new cabinets, which adds significantly to the expense.
• Buy in Bulk: If you have a large kitchen, buying doors in bulk may qualify you for a discount.
• Look for Sales and Promotions: Many suppliers offer discounts throughout the year.
• Consider Online Retailers: Online retailers often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores.
• Reuse Existing Hardware: If your existing knobs and pulls are in good condition, reuse them to save money.

The Value of Professional Installation

While DIY installation can save money, professional installation ensures a proper fit and finish. Professionals have the experience and tools to handle any challenges that may arise.
Professional Installation offers you a greater guarantee of longevity, and is a good idea for solid wood doors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best material for kitchen cabinet doors?
  The best material depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences. Solid wood is the most durable and aesthetically pleasing, while laminate is a budget-friendly option. MDF is a good choice for painted doors.
• Can I just replace the doors on my kitchen cabinets?
  Yes, if your cabinet boxes are in good condition and you’re happy with the layout.
• How long does it take to replace kitchen cabinet doors?
  DIY installation can take a weekend or two, depending on the size of the kitchen. Professional installation typically takes one to three days.
• Do I need special tools to replace cabinet doors?
  Basic tools like a screwdriver, drill, level, and measuring tape are needed for DIY installation.
• Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
  Refacing is typically cheaper than full replacement, but more expensive than just replacing the doors.
• How do I measure for new cabinet doors?
  Measure the height and width of the existing doors, and take note of the hinge placement. It’s crucial to be accurate.
• Can I paint or stain laminate cabinet doors?
  Painting laminate can be tricky, but it is possible with the right preparation and primer.
• What if my cabinets are not standard sizes?
  You’ll need to order custom-sized doors.
• How do I find a reputable cabinet door supplier?
  Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family.
• What kind of warranty should I look for on new cabinet doors?
  Look for a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

By carefully considering all the factors outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision about how much to spend on changing your kitchen cupboard doors. Remember to get multiple quotes, assess your DIY skills, and choose materials and styles that fit your budget and aesthetic preferences.