The cost to replace kitchen cupboard doors typically ranges from $50 to $150 per door, depending on the material, style, and finish you choose. This price often includes the door itself but may not include hardware like hinges or handles, which can add an extra $5 to $30 per door.
So, you’re thinking about updating your kitchen? That’s a fantastic way to give your home a fresh feel without undertaking a full renovation. One of the most impactful yet manageable ways to achieve this is by replacing your kitchen cupboard doors. It’s like giving your kitchen a new outfit! But before you dive in, you’re probably wondering, “What’s the ballpark figure for this project?” The answer, as with many home improvement tasks, depends on a few key factors.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the kitchen cabinet door replacement cost. We’ll break down the prices, explore different material options, discuss labor costs, and help you figure out the best approach for your budget and style. Whether you’re looking for a complete kitchen cupboard makeover cost or just want to know the cost to replace kitchen cabinet fronts, we’ve got you covered.
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Factors Influencing the New Kitchen Cupboard Doors Price
Several elements come into play when determining the new kitchen cupboard doors price. It’s not just about buying a new door; it’s about the quality, the craftsmanship, and the overall look you’re aiming for. Let’s break down the main drivers of cost.
Material Matters
The material of your new cabinet doors significantly impacts the price. Different materials offer varying levels of durability, aesthetics, and cost.
Solid Wood Doors
- Oak: A classic choice, oak is durable and has a beautiful grain. It’s mid-range in price.
- Maple: Known for its smooth finish and consistent grain, maple is a popular and slightly more expensive option than oak.
- Cherry: Offers a rich, warm color that deepens with age. Cherry wood is a premium option, so expect higher prices.
- Hickory: Very strong and durable, hickory can be more expensive due to its hardness and unique grain patterns.
- Pine: A softer wood, pine is more affordable but can be prone to dents and scratches. It’s often painted rather than stained.
Solid wood doors generally offer the best quality and longevity but come with a higher price tag. For a single solid wood door, you might expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $250 or more, depending on the wood type and complexity of the design.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) Doors
MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers mixed with resin and wax. It’s a very popular choice for cabinet doors because it’s:
- Affordable: Generally less expensive than solid wood.
- Smooth Surface: Ideal for painting, providing a flawless finish.
- Stable: Less prone to warping or cracking than some solid woods.
However, MDF is not as strong as solid wood and can be damaged by excessive moisture. The kitchen cupboard door replacement cost for MDF doors typically falls between $50 and $150 per door, especially for painted finishes.
Thermofoil Doors
Thermofoil doors are made from MDF coated with a vinyl film that is heat-fused to the surface. This creates a durable, seamless, and often glossy finish.
- Pros: Water-resistant, easy to clean, wide range of colors and styles.
- Cons: Can delaminate or discolor over time, especially with heat exposure (e.g., near ovens or dishwashers). Difficult to repair if damaged.
The cost to replace kitchen cabinet fronts with thermofoil can range from $60 to $120 per door.
Laminate Doors
Similar to thermofoil, laminate doors use a plastic-based material fused to an MDF or particleboard core. They offer good durability and a wide variety of aesthetic finishes, including wood grains and solid colors.
- Pros: Durable, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, cost-effective.
- Cons: Can chip at the edges, repairs are difficult.
Cabinet door replacement prices for laminate can be between $50 and $110 per door.
Veneer Doors
Veneer doors are made with a thin layer of real wood (the veneer) applied over a substrate, often MDF or plywood. This offers the look of solid wood at a lower cost.
- Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, more stable than solid wood, more affordable than solid wood.
- Cons: Veneer can chip or peel if not cared for properly; repairs can be tricky.
Expect to pay between $70 and $180 per door for veneer doors.
Style and Design Complexity
The more intricate the design of your cabinet doors, the higher the new kitchen cupboard doors price will be.
Shaker Style
This is a very popular, timeless design with a simple, clean look. It features a flat center panel and a raised or recessed frame. Shaker doors are generally moderately priced.
Flat Panel (Slab) Doors
These are the simplest style, with a completely flat surface. They are often the most affordable option, especially in materials like MDF or laminate.
Raised Panel Doors
These doors have a center panel that is raised, creating a more traditional and ornate look. The detailed milling process makes them more expensive.
Recessed Panel Doors
Similar to Shaker, but the panel is set back into the frame. The depth of the recess and the complexity of the frame can affect the price.
Custom Designs
If you have a specific vision or require custom-sized doors, this will undoubtedly increase the cost of custom kitchen cupboard doors. Bespoke designs involve more labor and specialized manufacturing, pushing prices up significantly.
Finish
The finish applied to your doors plays a crucial role in both the look and the cost.
- Paint: Painting offers endless color possibilities. High-quality paint finishes, especially factory-applied finishes, can add to the cost but provide a durable and professional look. DIY painting can save money but requires careful preparation and skill.
- Stain: Stains enhance the natural beauty of wood grain. Different stain colors and the quality of the sealant will affect the price.
- Varnish/Lacquer: These clear protective coatings can add shine and durability. Higher-quality lacquers are more expensive.
- Specialty Finishes: Glazes, antiquing, or distressed finishes require more labor and specialized techniques, thus increasing the kitchen door refurbishment cost.
Size of the Doors
Larger doors naturally require more material and potentially more complex construction, leading to a higher price per door. Standard cabinet door sizes are more cost-effective than custom dimensions.
Hardware (Hinges and Handles/Knobs)
While this guide focuses on doors, remember that hinges and handles are essential. The cabinet door replacement prices might not include these. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $30 per door for basic hardware, or significantly more for premium or designer options.
Calculating the Total Kitchen Cupboard Door Replacement Cost
To estimate your total kitchen cabinet door replacement cost, you need to do some basic measurements and calculations.
Step 1: Measure Your Existing Doors
- Height and Width: Measure the height and width of each door panel accurately. It’s best to measure a few to ensure consistency, as older cabinets might have slight variations.
- Door Thickness: Note the thickness of your current doors, as new doors should ideally match this to fit properly within the cabinet frames and with hinges.
Step 2: Count Your Doors
- Base Cabinets: Count all the doors for your base cabinets.
- Wall Cabinets: Count all the doors for your wall cabinets.
- Specialty Cabinets: Don’t forget appliance panels (like for a refrigerator or dishwasher), pantry doors, or any other unique cabinet doors.
Step 3: Estimate Costs Based on Your Choices
Let’s say you have 15 cabinet doors and you’ve decided on Shaker-style MDF doors with a painted finish.
- Average cost per MDF painted door: $100
- Total for doors: 15 doors * $100/door = $1,500
Now, factor in hardware:
- Average cost for hinges per door: $10
- Average cost for handles/knobs per door: $7
- Total for hardware per door: $17
- Total for hardware for 15 doors: 15 doors * $17/door = $255
Estimated Total Cost: $1,500 (doors) + $255 (hardware) = $1,755
This is a simplified example. The cost to update kitchen cabinets by replacing doors can vary widely.
Replacing Kitchen Cabinet Panels vs. Refacing vs. New Cabinets
It’s important to differentiate between various renovation approaches:
Replacing Kitchen Cabinet Panels (Doors Only)
This involves removing your old doors and drawer fronts and installing new ones. The existing cabinet boxes (carcasses) remain in place. This is often the most cost-effective way to change the look of your kitchen. The cost to replace kitchen cabinet panels focuses solely on the door and drawer front manufacturing and installation.
Kitchen Door Refacing Cost
Refacing is a process where the visible surfaces of your existing cabinets (doors, drawer fronts, and the exterior of the cabinet boxes) are covered with a new veneer or laminate. New doors and drawer fronts are also installed. This is more comprehensive than just replacing doors and, therefore, more expensive. The kitchen door refacing cost can be roughly 50-70% of the cost of new custom cabinets.
Cost of Custom Kitchen Cupboard Doors
If you’re opting for unique designs, premium materials, or specific dimensions not readily available, you’ll be looking at the cost of custom kitchen cupboard doors. This can significantly increase the price per door, potentially doubling or tripling the cost of standard off-the-shelf options. Customization offers complete freedom in style, material, and finish, ensuring your kitchen perfectly matches your vision.
Full Kitchen Cabinet Replacement
This involves tearing out everything and installing entirely new cabinets, including boxes, doors, drawers, and often countertops and hardware. This is the most expensive option, but it also allows for significant layout changes and upgrades.
Labor Costs for Door Replacement
While you can save money by installing doors yourself, hiring a professional ensures a clean, precise finish.
DIY Installation
If you are comfortable with basic tools and precise measurements, you can install the doors yourself. This will save you the labor costs, which can typically range from $300 to $1,000 or more depending on the number of doors and the complexity of the installation.
Professional Installation
A carpenter or kitchen installer will charge for their time and expertise. Costs can vary based on your location and the installer’s rates. Expect to pay an hourly rate or a flat fee per door.
- Hourly Rates: $50 – $100 per hour
- Per Door Installation: $30 – $75 per door (excluding hardware installation)
When getting quotes, ensure they include:
* Removal of old doors.
* Installation of new doors.
* Adjustment of hinges for proper alignment.
* Installation of new hardware (if purchased separately).
It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from reputable installers.
Where to Buy New Kitchen Cupboard Doors
You have several options for purchasing new doors, each with its own price point and selection:
Kitchen Retailers and Big Box Stores
- Pros: Wide selection of standard sizes and styles, often have display models, convenient.
- Cons: May have limited customization options, quality can vary.
- Price Range: $50 – $150 per door for stock or semi-custom options.
Online Specialty Cabinet Door Suppliers
- Pros: Extensive customization options, often better quality for the price, direct shipping.
- Cons: You can’t see the product in person before buying, measurement accuracy is crucial.
- Price Range: $70 – $200+ per door, depending on material and customization. This is where you’ll find competitive cabinet door replacement prices.
Custom Cabinet Makers
- Pros: Highest quality, completely bespoke designs, perfect fit for any cabinet.
- Cons: Most expensive option, longer lead times.
- Price Range: $100 – $300+ per door, especially for unique materials or intricate designs. This is the ultimate source for cost of custom kitchen cupboard doors.
Cost Considerations for Drawer Fronts
Drawer fronts are typically priced similarly to cabinet doors, often based on size and material. If you have many drawers, remember to factor this into your overall kitchen cupboard door replacement cost. Some suppliers offer drawer boxes as well, but if you’re only replacing the fronts, ensure they are compatible with your existing drawer slides.
Kitchen Door Refurbishment Cost vs. Replacement
Sometimes, your existing cabinet doors might be structurally sound but simply look outdated. In such cases, kitchen door refurbishment cost can be a more budget-friendly option than full replacement.
Refurbishment options include:
- Painting or Refinishing: This can give doors a completely new look. For DIY, materials might cost $100-$300 for all doors. Professional painting can cost $50-$150 per door.
- Adding Moulding or Accents: This can transform a flat-panel door into a more decorative style. Costs vary depending on the complexity and materials.
- Replacing Panels: For some door styles, you can replace just the center panel if it’s damaged or if you want to change the look. This is often part of replacing kitchen cabinet panels.
The kitchen door refurbishment cost is generally lower than buying new doors, especially if you do some of the work yourself. However, for severely damaged or very outdated styles, replacement might be a better long-term investment.
How to Save Money on Replacing Kitchen Cupboard Doors
If budget is a primary concern, here are some tips to help you manage the kitchen cupboard makeover cost:
- Choose Affordable Materials: Opt for MDF, laminate, or less expensive wood species like pine.
- Stick to Simple Styles: Flat-panel or Shaker-style doors are generally more budget-friendly than raised-panel designs.
- DIY Installation: If you’re handy, installing the doors yourself can save a significant amount on labor costs.
- Refinish Existing Doors: If your current doors are in good condition, consider painting or staining them. This can be a very cost-effective way to update your kitchen.
- Shop Around: Compare prices from different suppliers, both online and locally. Look for sales or discounts.
- Buy in Bulk: If you’re replacing a large number of doors, some suppliers may offer discounts for larger orders.
- Consider Refacing: If the cabinet boxes are in good shape, refacing might be cheaper than a full cabinet replacement but offers a more significant update than just doors.
- Reuse Hardware: If your current handles and hinges are in good condition and suit your new door style, you can save money by reusing them.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Update Kitchen Cabinets
When you think about the cost to update kitchen cabinets, replacing doors is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re considering a broader update, other elements will add to the overall expense:
- Countertops: New countertops can range from a few hundred dollars for laminate to several thousand for granite or quartz.
- Backsplash: Tile or other backsplash materials can add $100s to $1,000s.
- Hardware: As mentioned, handles and knobs are an additional cost.
- Paint for Cabinet Boxes: If you plan to paint the cabinet frames to match the new doors, factor in the cost of primer, paint, and supplies.
- New Appliances: Upgrading appliances is a major expense.
- Flooring: Replacing kitchen flooring adds to the overall renovation budget.
- Lighting: New lighting fixtures can enhance the kitchen’s ambiance and functionality.
The kitchen cupboard makeover cost is often part of a larger kitchen renovation project, so it’s important to see how door replacement fits into your overall vision and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it cheaper to replace kitchen cabinet doors or buy new cabinets?
Generally, replacing kitchen cabinet doors is significantly cheaper than buying entirely new cabinets. You are only replacing the most visible parts of the cabinetry, keeping the existing cabinet boxes intact, which saves on construction and installation costs.
Q2: How much does it cost to reface kitchen cabinets compared to replacing doors?
Refacing kitchen cabinets typically costs more than just replacing the doors because it involves covering the cabinet boxes with new material as well. Refacing can cost about 50-70% of the price of new custom cabinets, while door replacement is usually the most budget-friendly option for a significant visual upgrade.
Q3: Can I paint my existing kitchen cabinet doors instead of replacing them?
Yes, absolutely! Painting existing cabinet doors is a popular and cost-effective way to update the look of your kitchen. It requires proper preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, but can yield excellent results and is a key part of a kitchen door refurbishment cost.
Q4: What are the most durable materials for kitchen cabinet doors?
Solid hardwoods like maple, oak, and cherry are generally the most durable materials. High-quality MDF with a durable finish (like a factory-applied lacquer or high-quality paint) can also be very durable and resistant to warping.
Q5: How do I measure for new kitchen cupboard doors?
Measure the height and width of each existing door panel accurately. It’s best to measure from the inside edge of the door frame to the inside edge. If your doors are inset, measure the opening. If they are overlay doors, measure the door itself. Always double-check your measurements!
Q6: What is the average cost of custom kitchen cupboard doors?
The cost of custom kitchen cupboard doors can vary widely, but expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 or more per door, depending on the material, design complexity, and finish. This is for doors made to your exact specifications.
Q7: Should I replace my cabinet doors or just the fronts?
If your cabinet boxes are in good condition and you only want to change the appearance of the doors and drawer fronts, replacing just these parts is a cost-effective solution. If the boxes are damaged, warped, or you want to change the layout, then a full cabinet replacement might be necessary.
Q8: What’s included in the kitchen door refacing cost?
Kitchen door refacing cost typically includes new doors and drawer fronts, plus a new veneer or laminate applied to the visible exterior surfaces of the cabinet boxes and often new hardware. It’s a more comprehensive cosmetic update than just replacing doors.
Q9: How much does it cost to update kitchen cabinets?
The cost to update kitchen cabinets can range from a few hundred dollars for a DIY paint job on existing doors to tens of thousands for a full renovation with new cabinets. Replacing doors typically falls in the middle, costing anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000+ for a standard kitchen, depending on the factors discussed.
Q10: What does a kitchen cupboard makeover cost?
A kitchen cupboard makeover cost is very broad. If it simply means painting your existing doors and boxes, it could be a few hundred dollars. If it involves replacing all the doors, drawer fronts, adding new hardware, and painting the frames, it could be a few thousand dollars. The scope of the “makeover” is the key determinant of cost.
Replacing your kitchen cupboard doors is a fantastic investment that can dramatically transform your kitchen’s appearance and feel. By carefully considering the materials, styles, and your budget, you can achieve the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.