How Much To Change Kitchen Cupboard Doors: Options & Prices

Wondering how much it costs to change kitchen cupboard doors? The cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors can range significantly, typically from a few hundred pounds for basic replacements to several thousand for custom-made, high-end options. This guide will help you decipher the price for new cupboard fronts, explore various kitchen door replacement expenses, and assist in estimating kitchen cupboard door prices.

Updating your kitchen cupboard doors is a fantastic way to give your kitchen a fresh look without the hefty price tag of a full renovation. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly facelift or a more significant upgrade, there are many avenues to explore. This article delves into the different options available, the factors influencing costs, and how to budget effectively for your kitchen door swap.

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Why Change Your Kitchen Cupboard Doors?

Several reasons might prompt you to consider changing your kitchen cupboard doors:

• Outdated Style: Kitchen trends evolve. Your current doors might feel dated, impacting the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, doors can become scratched, chipped, faded, or warped due to moisture and constant use.
• Damage: Accidents happen. A door might be broken, and replacing it could be more cost-effective than trying to repair it.
• Desire for a New Look: Sometimes, you simply want a change! New doors can completely transform the atmosphere of your kitchen.
• Functionality: You might want to switch from a solid door to one with glass panels for display, or change from framed to frameless for a more modern feel.

Deciphering the Cost: Factors Influencing Kitchen Door Replacement Expenses

The price for new cupboard fronts isn’t a one-size-fits-all figure. Several key factors contribute to the overall kitchen door replacement expenses:

Material Choices

The material of your new cupboard doors is a primary cost driver.

MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard)

• Pros: Affordable, smooth surface ideal for painting, stable.
• Cons: Not water-resistant, can chip easily, can be heavy.
• Typical Price Range (per door): £30 – £80. This price is for a standard-sized door, unpainted.

Vinyl Wrap / Foil Wrapped

• Pros: Wide range of colours and finishes, good durability, moisture-resistant.
• Cons: Can peel or bubble with excessive heat or moisture, repairs can be tricky.
• Typical Price Range (per door): £40 – £100. Prices vary based on the quality of the wrap and the door’s complexity.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• Pros: Highly durable, water and stain-resistant, easy to clean, good value.
• Cons: Can sometimes look less premium than other options, susceptible to UV fading over long periods.
• Typical Price Range (per door): £50 – £120.

Laminate

• Pros: Durable, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, available in many designs.
• Cons: Edges can be prone to chipping, can look less natural than wood.
• Typical Price Range (per door): £60 – £150.

Acrylic

• Pros: High-gloss finish, modern look, durable, easy to clean.
• Cons: Can be expensive, prone to scratching if not cared for properly.
• Typical Price Range (per door): £80 – £200.

Solid Wood

• Pros: Natural beauty, durable, can be refinished, adds value.
• Cons: Most expensive option, can expand/contract with humidity, requires maintenance.
• Typical Price Range (per door): £100 – £300+. Prices vary significantly based on wood type (oak, maple, cherry, pine) and craftsmanship.

Painted Finishes (e.g., Spray Painted MDF)

• Pros: Excellent finish, wide colour choice, durable if done professionally.
• Cons: Can be more expensive than vinyl wrap, professional spraying adds to cost.
• Typical Price Range (per door): £70 – £250+. This includes the cost of professional spraying.

Door Style and Design

The complexity of the door design also impacts the cost.

• Shaker Style: Typically has a centre panel and a raised or flat frame. A popular and moderately priced choice.
• Flat-Panel (Slab) Doors: Simple, modern, and often the most budget-friendly as they are straightforward to manufacture.
• In-Frame Doors: Feature a frame around the edge of the door, adding detail and complexity.
• Lacquered or Painted Doors: Doors that require a painted or lacquered finish, especially with multiple coats or specific effects, will command a higher price than raw materials.
• Glass Panel Doors: Doors with glass inserts will naturally cost more due to the added material and labour for fitting the glass. The type of glass (clear, frosted, reeded) will also affect the price.

Size and Quantity of Doors

Naturally, the more doors you need, the higher the overall cost. Larger doors will also typically be more expensive than smaller ones.

Hardware

While not part of the door itself, new handles or knobs are usually purchased alongside new doors and add to the total budget. Prices can range from £2 per basic handle to £20+ for designer options.

Installation

Will you be fitting the doors yourself, or hiring a professional? Professional installation adds labour costs but ensures a neat and secure finish.

DIY Installation

• Cost: Primarily your time and effort. You might need basic tools if you don’t already have them.
• Pros: Saves on labour costs.
• Cons: Requires time, patience, and basic DIY skills. Risk of misfitting doors or damaging them.

Professional Installation

• Cost: Typically £25 – £75 per door, depending on the complexity and the installer’s rates. Some may charge a day rate.
• Pros: Ensures a professional finish, saves you time and hassle.
• Cons: Adds to the overall expense.

Additional Services

Some companies offer services like:

• Measuring: Professional measurement can prevent costly mistakes.
• Design Consultation: Advice on styles and finishes.
• Drilling for Hinges/Handles: Pre-drilling saves you time and ensures accuracy.

Options for Changing Kitchen Cupboard Doors

When you decide to change your kitchen cupboard doors, you have several distinct routes to consider. Each offers different levels of effort, cost, and final outcome.

1. Replacing Doors Entirely

This is the most direct approach. You remove your old doors and fit brand new ones. This allows for a complete style and material change.

How Much To Change Kitchen Cupboard Doors (Replacement)

• Cost: This is where the “cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors” is most applicable. For a standard kitchen with 10-15 doors, expect anywhere from £500 to £3,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.
• Process:
  1. Measure: Accurately measure each door opening and the existing door sizes.
  2. Choose Style & Material: Select the doors that best suit your kitchen’s aesthetic and your budget.
  3. Order: Place your order, specifying hinge hole placement if needed.
  4. Install: Fit the new doors yourself or hire a professional.

2. Refacing Kitchen Cabinets (New Doors & Drawer Fronts)

Refacing kitchen cabinets often refers to replacing the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. This is a popular method to update the look without a full cabinet replacement.

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets Cost

The “refacing kitchen cabinets cost” is largely determined by the price of new doors and drawer fronts, plus any labour. If you’re simply replacing doors and drawer fronts, it’s essentially the same as “Replacing Doors Entirely.”

However, true “refacing” can sometimes also involve applying a new veneer or laminate to the cabinet boxes themselves. This adds to the cost significantly.

• Cost (Doors & Drawer Fronts Only): As mentioned above, £500 – £3,000+.
• Cost (Doors, Drawer Fronts & Box Refacing): This could push the total to £2,000 – £7,000+ for an average kitchen.

3. Kitchen Door Refurbishment / Resurfacing

This involves working with your existing doors.

Kitchen Door Refurbishment Cost

This is generally the most budget-friendly option.

• Painting or Spraying Existing Doors: If your doors are structurally sound but dated in colour, a professional spray paint job can work wonders.
  • Cost: £50 – £150 per door. For a full kitchen (10-15 doors), this could be £500 – £2,250. This includes preparation, priming, and spraying.
  • Pros: Can achieve a factory-finish look, wide colour selection, cost-effective.
  • Cons: Requires removing doors and hinges, time-consuming if DIY, professional jobs can be costly.
• Vinyl Wrapping Existing Doors: A DIY-friendly option to change the look.
  • Cost: £10 – £30 per door for materials. Total for a kitchen: £100 – £450.
  • Pros: Relatively inexpensive, variety of finishes, can cover minor imperfections.
  • Cons: Can be tricky to get a smooth, bubble-free finish, may not be as durable as sprayed finishes, can peel in high-moisture areas.
• Staining or Varnishing Wooden Doors: If you have solid wood doors, stripping them back and restaining or varnishing can refresh their look.
  • Cost: £20 – £70 per door for materials and hire of a stripping/sanding machine if needed. Total for a kitchen: £200 – £1,050.
  • Pros: Enhances the natural beauty of wood, can match new décor.
  • Cons: Labour-intensive, requires stripping and sanding, potential for uneven results if not experienced.

4. Cabinet Door Swap Price (DIY Approach)

This focuses on the “cabinet door swap price” if you’re doing it yourself.

• Cost: Primarily the cost of the new doors plus any tools or supplies you might need (screwdrivers, potentially a drill, filler if old screw holes need patching). If you buy basic MDF or vinyl-wrapped doors, you could potentially outfit a small kitchen for £300 – £800.
• Considerations:
  • Hinge Compatibility: Ensure the new doors have the correct pre-drilled holes for your existing hinges, or be prepared to drill new ones (which requires precision).
  • Sizing: Double-check all measurements. Even a millimetre can make a difference.
  • Weight: Some materials are heavier than others. Ensure your existing cabinet frames can support the weight.

Estimating Kitchen Cupboard Door Prices: A Practical Guide

To get a realistic estimate for your kitchen cabinet door replacement, follow these steps:

Step 1: Inventory Your Kitchen

• Count Doors and Drawers: Make a list of every cupboard door and drawer front you need to replace.
• Measure Each One: Note down the height and width for each door and drawer front. It’s crucial to measure the exact size of the door/drawer front itself, not the opening.
• Note Hinge Type: Are your hinges standard, or are they specific types that might impact compatibility?

Step 2: Explore Material and Style Options

Based on your budget and desired look, start researching the materials and styles that appeal to you.

• Budget-Friendly: MDF (to be painted), Vinyl Wrap, PVC.
• Mid-Range: Laminate, good quality Vinyl Wrap, Painted MDF.
• High-End: Acrylic, Solid Wood (Oak, Maple), Custom Finishes.

Step 3: Get Quotes from Suppliers

Once you have your measurements and preferred styles, start gathering quotes.

• Online Retailers: Many companies specialize in replacement kitchen doors. They often have online configurators where you can input your sizes and select materials to get an instant quote.
• Local Joiners/Cabinet Makers: For custom sizes or specific wood types, a local craftsman can provide a more tailored, though potentially pricier, option.
• Kitchen Refurbishment Companies: Some companies offer a complete service including new doors, drawer fronts, and even minor cabinet box repairs.

Step 4: Factor in Hidden Costs

• Delivery Fees: Especially for large orders.
• Handles/Knobs: Don’t forget to budget for these if you’re changing them.
• Installation: If you’re not DIYing.
• Disposal of Old Doors: Check if your supplier offers this service or if you need to arrange it yourself.

Budget for Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement: Sample Scenarios

Let’s look at a few hypothetical kitchens to illustrate the budget for kitchen cabinet door replacement.

Scenario 1: Small Apartment Kitchen (10 Doors/Drawer Fronts)

• Goal: Modern update on a tight budget.
• Choice: Vinyl-wrapped slab-style doors.
• Estimated Cost (Doors Only): £40/door x 10 doors = £400
• Handles: £5/handle x 10 handles = £50
• DIY Installation: £0
• Total Estimated Budget: £450 – £600 (allowing for variations and delivery)

Scenario 2: Medium Family Kitchen (15 Doors/Drawer Fronts)

• Goal: Durable and stylish update.
• Choice: Shaker-style, spray-painted MDF doors.
• Estimated Cost (Doors Only): £90/door x 15 doors = £1,350
• Handles: £8/handle x 15 handles = £120
• Professional Installation: £50/door x 15 doors = £750
• Total Estimated Budget: £2,220 – £2,800

Scenario 3: Larger Kitchen with Premium Finish (20 Doors/Drawer Fronts)

• Goal: High-end, custom look.
• Choice: Solid Oak Shaker-style doors, custom stain.
• Estimated Cost (Doors Only): £150/door x 20 doors = £3,000
• Handles: £15/handle x 20 handles = £300
• Professional Installation: £60/door x 20 doors = £1,200
• Total Estimated Budget: £4,500 – £6,000+ (wood prices can fluctuate)

Can I Reface Kitchen Cabinets Myself?

Yes, you absolutely can reface kitchen cabinets yourself, particularly if your focus is solely on replacing the doors and drawer fronts. This involves the “cabinet door swap price” becoming just the cost of the materials and any tools you might need.

DIY Refacing (Doors & Drawer Fronts Only):

• Skill Level Required: Moderate. You’ll need to be comfortable with measuring accurately, using basic tools (screwdriver, possibly a drill for new hinge holes), and careful handling of new doors.
• Key Tasks:
  1. Remove Old Doors: Unscrew hinges from the cabinet frames. Keep track of which door belongs where.
  2. Order New Doors: Ensure they are the correct size and that hinge hole placement is specified if you want to reuse existing hinge positions. If ordering blank doors, you’ll need to measure and drill for hinges precisely.
  3. Install New Doors: Attach hinges to the new doors, then attach the doors to the cabinet frames. Adjust hinges for alignment.
  4. Attach New Handles/Knobs: Measure and drill for these if they are different from the old ones.

Important Considerations for DIY:

• Hinge Holes: Many suppliers offer to pre-drill for hinges based on your specifications. This is highly recommended for beginners. If you drill yourself, use a template and a sharp drill bit for clean holes. The depth and diameter of the hinge cup need to be exact.
• Drawer Fronts: These are usually attached directly to the drawer box. Ensure they are square and centered.
• Patience: Take your time. Rushing can lead to mistakes that are hard to fix.

How Much Do Kitchen Cupboard Doors Cost: A Recap

The “how much do kitchen cupboard doors cost” question is best answered by breaking it down.

• Basic Replacement Doors (MDF, Vinyl): £30 – £100 per door.
• Mid-Range Doors (Laminate, PVC, Painted): £60 – £150 per door.
• Premium Doors (Acrylic, Solid Wood): £80 – £300+ per door.

Add to this:

• Handles/Knobs: £2 – £20+ per item.
• Installation Labour: £25 – £75 per door.

This provides a framework for estimating your kitchen cupboard door prices. Always get multiple quotes and read reviews for any supplier or installer you consider.

Kitchen Door Replacement Expenses: Beyond the Doors

When budgeting for kitchen door replacement, consider these additional potential expenses:

• New Hinges: If your old hinges are worn out, damaged, or if your new doors require a different type of hinge, you’ll need to factor in the cost of new hinges. These can range from £2 – £10 per hinge.
• New Drawer Runners: If your drawers are stiff or sticking, now might be a good time to upgrade to soft-close runners. These typically cost £20 – £50 per drawer.
• Edging Strips/Trim: If you’re fitting doors into existing frames or need to cover any gaps, you might need edging strips.
• Cleaning Supplies: For preparing the cabinet frames and cleaning up after installation.
• Tool Hire/Purchase: If you don’t have the necessary tools for DIY installation.
• Contingency Fund: It’s always wise to have a buffer of 10-15% for unexpected issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the average cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors for a standard-sized kitchen?

For a standard kitchen with 10-15 doors and drawer fronts, the average cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors can range from £500 to £3,000+, depending heavily on the material, style, and whether you install them yourself.

Q2: Can I reuse my existing hinges when replacing kitchen doors?

Yes, you can often reuse your existing hinges, provided they are in good condition and the new doors have compatible pre-drilled holes for the hinges. If you order new doors, specify that you want them drilled to match your existing hinge configuration to make installation easier.

Q3: How long does it take to install new kitchen cabinet doors?

If you are a DIYer, installing new kitchen cabinet doors can take anywhere from a weekend to several days, depending on the number of doors and your experience. Professional installation is usually much faster, often completed within 1-3 days for an average-sized kitchen.

Q4: Is refacing kitchen cabinets cheaper than replacing them?

Refacing kitchen cabinets, if it refers only to replacing doors and drawer fronts, is significantly cheaper than a full kitchen renovation or replacing the entire cabinet boxes. If refacing involves new veneers for the cabinet boxes as well as doors, the cost increases but is still generally less than a complete overhaul.

Q5: What are the cheapest options for new kitchen cupboard fronts?

The cheapest options for new kitchen cupboard fronts are typically MDF doors that you plan to paint yourself, or vinyl-wrapped doors. These materials are more budget-friendly to manufacture.

Q6: Should I choose pre-drilled doors or drill them myself?

Choosing pre-drilled doors is highly recommended, especially if you are new to DIY projects. It ensures precise placement of hinges, saving you time and preventing potential errors. If you are experienced and have the right tools and templates, drilling them yourself is an option to save a small amount on the upfront cost.

By carefully considering these options and diligently estimating costs, you can successfully transform your kitchen with new cupboard doors, giving your space a fresh and updated feel.