How Much To Replace Kitchen Cupboard Doors: Cost

So, you want to know how much it costs to replace kitchen cupboard doors? The simple answer is, it changes a lot, but you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a small kitchen with simple doors you put on yourself, up to several thousand dollars for a big kitchen with fancy doors put on by pros. The average cost replace kitchen cupboard doors often falls between \$1,000 and \$5,000, but this can go higher or lower based on many things. This article will break down the kitchen cabinet door replacement cost for you.

Replacing just the doors on your kitchen cabinets is a good way to give your kitchen a new look without spending a lot of money on all-new cabinets. It can make an old kitchen feel fresh and clean. But figuring out the exact price can be tricky. Many things make the cost go up or down. Let’s look at what these things are.

Image Source: www.lilyanncabinets.com

Figuring Out the Main Costs

When you plan to get new doors for your kitchen cabinets, two big costs stand out. These are the price you pay for the new doors themselves and the money you pay people to put them in if you don’t do it yourself. Both of these parts have many smaller things that change the final cost.

What Makes Door Prices Different?

The prices for replacement cabinet doors can be very different. What the door is made of is a big reason for this. The way the door looks and feels also plays a part.

Materials Change the Price A Lot

Cabinet doors are made from many different things. Some materials cost less than others. Some last longer or look nicer.

• Cost of MDF Cabinet Doors: MDF stands for Medium-Density Fiberboard. It is made from wood fibers pressed together. MDF is smooth and takes paint well. It is often one of the cheapest choices for cabinet doors. You might pay \$20 to \$50 per door for basic MDF doors. These doors are flat or have simple designs. They are good if you want to paint them. They do not do well with water, though.
• Thermofoil Doors: Thermofoil is a type of vinyl. It is heated and pressed onto an MDF door. These doors are smooth and easy to clean. They come in many colors and can look like painted wood or have simple patterns. They cost a bit more than plain MDF. Expect to pay \$30 to \$70 per door. Heat can hurt thermofoil, especially near ovens.
• Laminate Doors: Laminate is another cover put on a base material like particleboard or MDF. It is tough and comes in many looks, including fake wood or stone. Laminate doors are durable and easy to clean. They usually cost \$40 to \$80 per door.
• Cost of Wood Kitchen Cabinet Doors: Solid wood is a classic choice. It looks rich and lasts a long time. Wood doors can be painted or stained. The price depends a lot on the type of wood.
  • Woods like maple or oak are common and not too expensive. You might pay \$50 to \$150 per door for these.
  • More costly woods include cherry, walnut, or exotic types. These can cost \$100 to \$300 or even more per door.
  • Wood can react to changes in heat and moisture. It might swell or shrink a little.
• Plywood Doors: Plywood can be used, especially for flat doors. It is stable and strong. The cost depends on the wood used in the plywood. It can be cheaper than solid wood but looks different. Prices might be similar to basic wood options, maybe \$40 to \$120 per door.
• Metal or Glass Doors: Some cabinets use metal frames with glass inserts. These are usually more modern. They often cost more than wood or MDF. The price changes a lot based on the frame material (like aluminum) and the type of glass. Expect \$70 to \$300 or more per door.

Here is a simple table showing price ranges for different materials:

Material	Estimated Cost Per Door	Notes
MDF	\$20 – \$50	Good for painting, smooth surface.
Thermofoil	\$30 – \$70	Vinyl wrap, easy to clean, many colors.
Laminate	\$40 – \$80	Tough, many looks (wood/stone).
Maple/Oak Wood	\$50 – \$150	Classic, can be painted or stained.
Cherry/Walnut Wood	\$100 – \$300+	High-end look, often stained.
Plywood	\$40 – \$120	Stable, used for flat doors.
Metal/Glass	\$70 – \$300+	Modern, price varies by type.

Remember, these are just rough numbers. The size of the door also changes the cost. Bigger doors use more material, so they cost more.

Style and Finish Affect Price

Beyond the material, how the door is made and how it looks after it is made also changes the price.

• Flat Panel (Slab) Doors: These are the simplest. They are just a flat piece of material. They are often the least expensive style.
• Raised Panel Doors: These have a center panel that is higher than the frame around it. They look more traditional. Making them takes more work, so they cost more than flat panel doors.
• Recessed Panel Doors (Shaker Style): These have a flat center panel that is lower than the frame. Shaker style is very popular now. They cost more than flat doors but might be less than raised panel doors.
• Arch or Cathedral Top Doors: These have a curved top shape. They are more complex to make and cost more.
• Applied Molding or Other Details: Adding extra wood strips or designs to the door adds to the cost.

The finish on the door also matters.

• Unfinished Doors: These are the cheapest. You have to paint or stain them yourself.
• Painted Doors: Factory painting gives a smooth, lasting finish. It costs more than buying unfinished doors. Custom colors cost even more.
• Stained Doors: Staining is common for wood doors. It shows the wood grain. The cost depends on the number of coats and the type of stain.
• Special Finishes: Things like glazing, distressing (making it look old), or adding a high-gloss shine cost extra.

A basic MDF slab door with a white thermofoil finish will be much cheaper than a solid cherry raised panel door with a custom stain and glaze.

Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Sizes

Where you get the doors and if they are standard sizes matters for prices for replacement cabinet doors.

• Stock Sizes: These are doors made in common sizes. You might find them at big home improvement stores. They are the cheapest option. But your cabinets might not be standard sizes.
• Semi-Custom Sizes: You order these doors, and they are made to your size from a set list of styles and materials. This costs more than stock sizes but gives you a better fit. Many online companies sell semi-custom doors.
• Custom Sizes/Styles: If your cabinets are very old or have unusual sizes, or if you want a totally unique look, you will need custom doors. These are the most expensive because they are made just for you.

Most people needing replacement doors will use semi-custom options from a company that makes cabinet doors. This gives a good mix of price and fit.

How Much Does Labor Cost?

Putting on new cabinet doors takes time and skill. If you don’t do it yourself, you will pay for labor cost cabinet door installation. This cost changes based on several things.

What Affects Labor Price?

• Number of Doors: More doors mean more work and a higher total labor cost.
• Type of Hinges: Replacing old doors might mean changing the hinges. Modern concealed (hidden) hinges are common but need careful placement. If the pro has to drill new holes for hinges or handles, it takes longer.
• Condition of Old Cabinets: If the cabinet frames are old or not straight, putting on new doors can be harder. This adds to the time and cost.
• Location: Labor rates are different in different areas. Cities usually have higher labor costs than small towns.
• Who You Hire: A big cabinet company might charge more than a small local handyman or a solo worker. Get quotes from a few places.
• Other Work: Are you only replacing doors, or are you also getting new drawer fronts? New drawer fronts often need new holes drilled for handles and attaching to the drawer box. This adds labor time.

Professionals usually charge either by the hour or a fixed price for the whole job. Hourly rates can be from \$40 to \$100 or more per hour per worker. A small kitchen might take one worker a day or less. A large kitchen could take two workers a couple of days.

For a pro to install doors and maybe drawer fronts in an average kitchen, the labor cost might be anywhere from \$500 to \$2,000 or more. This cost is separate from the cost of the doors themselves.

Factors Changing the Total Price

Let’s bring together all the things that make the total kitchen cabinet door replacement cost change. We’ve talked about materials, style, size, finish, and labor. But there’s more. These are the factors affecting cabinet door replacement price:

• How Many Doors and Drawer Fronts: More doors mean buying more doors and taking more time to install. A small kitchen might have 10-15 doors/drawers, a large one 30-40+. This is the biggest driver of material cost.
• Size of Doors: Larger doors cost more per door than smaller ones.
• Material Choice: As we saw, MDF is cheaper than solid wood. This is a major cost factor.
• Door Style and Finish: Simple styles and basic finishes cost less than complex designs and special paint or stain effects.
• Hardware (Hinges and Handles): New doors often need new hinges. Hinges can cost from \$2 to \$15+ each. If you need new handles or knobs, those also add up. Handles cost from \$3 to \$30+ each. Don’t forget screws. This can easily add a few hundred dollars to the total.
• Who Does the Work: DIY vs. Hiring Pros. This is a huge factor in the final cost.
• Where You Live: Prices for materials and labor change by region.
• Any Unexpected Issues: Sometimes, when old doors come off, you find problems with the cabinet frames that need fixing. This adds cost and time.

DIY Cost of Replacing Cabinet Doors

Can you save money by putting the doors on yourself? Yes, you can save a lot on labor. This is the DIY cost replacing cabinet doors option.

If you do it yourself, you only pay for the doors, hinges (if needed), handles (if needed), and maybe some tools like a drill or screwdriver.

• DIY Savings: You save the \$500 to \$2,000+ that you would pay a pro.
• DIY Costs: You still have to buy the doors, hardware, and any tools.
• DIY Time: It will take you longer than a pro. A small kitchen might take a weekend. A large one could take several weekends, especially if you are painting or staining the doors yourself.
• DIY Skill: Putting on hinges can be tricky. Modern hidden hinges need precise placement. If the hinges are not put on just right, the doors will not hang straight or close properly. Drilling holes for handles needs care too, so they are all in the same spot.
• Potential DIY Problems: If you make a mistake, like drilling a hole in the wrong place on a new door, you might have to buy a new door. This adds to the cost.

For many people, replacing just the doors is a doable DIY project. If you are careful, have basic tools, and can follow instructions (like hinge templates), you can save a lot of money. However, if you are not handy or do not have much free time, hiring a pro might be worth the cost to get the job done right and fast.

Comparing Replacement vs. Refacing

Sometimes people think about replacing cabinet doors and also about refacing their cabinets. What’s the difference, and how does the cost compare? This is the cabinet door replacement vs resurfacing cost question. Refacing is also called resurfacing.

• Replacing Cabinet Doors: You keep the cabinet boxes (the main structure). You take off the old doors and drawer fronts. You put on new doors and drawer fronts. You usually keep the old cabinet frames, but you might paint, stain, or put a new thin cover (veneer) on them to match the new doors.
• Refacing (Resurfacing) Kitchen Cabinets: This is a bigger job than just replacing doors. You still keep the cabinet boxes. But now, you cover the front of the cabinet boxes with a new material (like wood veneer or laminate) to change their color and look. You also get all new doors and drawer fronts to match this new covering on the frames. You usually get new hinges and hardware too.

Cost to Reface Kitchen Cabinets

Refacing costs more than just replacing the doors. Why? Because you are not just changing the doors. You are changing the look of the cabinet boxes too.

• Refacing Cost: Refacing an average kitchen usually costs between \$4,000 and \$10,000.
• Why It Costs More:
  • Materials: You need material (veneer or laminate) to cover all the front parts of the cabinet boxes, not just the doors.
  • Labor: Covering the frames is a skilled job. It takes longer and is more complex than just hanging new doors. Pros need to measure, cut, and stick the new material onto the old cabinet frames neatly.

Here’s a simple way to look at the cost comparison:

Option	What You Change	Estimated Cost (Average Kitchen)
Replace Cabinet Doors	New doors, new drawer fronts (sometimes cover frames)	\$1,000 – \$5,000
Reface Cabinet Cabinets	New doors, new drawer fronts, cover cabinet frames	\$4,000 – \$10,000
Replace All Cabinets	Tear out old boxes, put in all new boxes and doors	\$10,000 – \$30,000+

As you can see, replacing doors is the cheapest way to change the look. Refacing is the middle option. Getting all new cabinets is the most expensive.

Refacing is a good choice if your cabinet boxes are in good shape but you want a completely new color or wood type look for the whole kitchen, not just the doors. Replacing doors is best if you like the color of your cabinet frames or plan to paint them yourself, and you mainly want to update the door style or material.

Getting Cost Estimates

To know the real cost for your kitchen, you need to get prices.

1. Count Everything: Count the total number of doors and drawer fronts you need to replace. Write down their sizes.
2. Choose Material and Style: Look at pictures. Decide what material (MDF, wood, etc.) and style (flat, shaker, raised panel) you want. Think about the finish (painted, stained).
3. Get Quotes for Doors: Look at online companies that sell replacement cabinet doors. Enter the sizes and options you want to get prices. This gives you the material cost.
4. Decide on Labor: Will you do it yourself (DIY cost replacing cabinet doors)? Or will you hire someone?
5. Get Labor Quotes: If hiring, ask local handymen or cabinet installers for quotes for the installation part only. Be clear you already have or will buy the doors.
6. Add Hardware: Figure in the cost for new hinges and handles if needed.

Add the cost of the doors, labor (if hiring), and hardware together to get your likely total kitchen cabinet door replacement cost.

Example Cost Breakdowns

Let’s look at some made-up examples for an average kitchen with about 20 doors and 5 drawer fronts (25 total pieces).

Example 1: Basic DIY Project

• Doors: 25 basic MDF slab doors, unfinished – \$25/door average = \$625
• Hardware: 25 sets of simple concealed hinges @ \$4/hinge set = \$100. 25 simple pulls @ \$5/pull = \$125. Total hardware = \$225.
• Finishing Supplies: Paint, primer, brushes, etc. = \$100 – \$200 (if you paint yourself)
• Labor: DIY = \$0
• Total Estimated DIY Cost: \$950 – \$1050

This shows a possible lowest average cost replace kitchen cupboard doors if you do all the work and pick cheap materials.

Example 2: Mid-Range Project with Hired Help

• Doors: 25 MDF Shaker style doors, factory painted – \$60/door average = \$1,500
• Hardware: 25 sets of quality concealed hinges @ \$8/hinge set = \$200. 25 mid-range pulls @ \$10/pull = \$250. Total hardware = \$450.
• Labor: Hire a pro to remove old doors and put on new ones (including setting up hinges and pulls) – \$800 – \$1,500
• Total Estimated Mid-Range Cost: \$2,750 – \$3,450

This is closer to the average cost replace kitchen cupboard doors range we talked about earlier.

Example 3: High-End Project with Hired Help

• Doors: 25 Solid Maple Raised Panel doors, custom stained finish – \$180/door average = \$4,500
• Hardware: 25 sets of high-quality soft-close hinges @ \$12/hinge set = \$300. 25 designer pulls @ \$25/pull = \$625. Total hardware = \$925.
• Labor: Hire an experienced pro for careful removal and installation – \$1,200 – \$2,000+
• Total Estimated High-End Cost: \$6,625 – \$7,425+

These examples show how much the kitchen cabinet door replacement cost can change based on your choices. The price difference between the basic DIY project and the high-end one is huge!

Steps to Replacing Cabinet Doors (Briefly)

Just to give you an idea of what’s involved, here are the basic steps:

1. Remove Old Doors: Take off the old doors and drawer fronts. Keep the hinges and hardware if you plan to reuse them.
2. Measure Carefully: Measure each door opening. This is key to ordering the right size new doors. Measure carefully!
3. Order New Doors: Pick your material, style, color/finish, and hinges (if needed). Order from your chosen supplier.
4. Prep Cabinet Frames (Optional): If you want to change the color of the cabinet frames, now is the time to clean, sand, prime, and paint or stain them to match the new doors.
5. Attach Hinges: Screw the new hinges onto the new doors. This is often the trickiest part for DIYers. Use a template if you can.
6. Hang Doors: Attach the doors (with hinges) to the cabinet frames. Adjust the hinges so the doors hang straight and close well.
7. Install Drawer Fronts: Attach the new drawer fronts to the drawer boxes.
8. Install Hardware: Add the handles or knobs to the doors and drawer fronts.

Can You Save Money? Yes!

Here are ways to lower the kitchen cabinet door replacement cost:

• DIY Labor: Doing the work yourself saves a lot.
• Choose Cheaper Materials: MDF and Thermofoil are less expensive than solid wood.
• Pick Simple Styles: Flat panel doors cost less than raised or detailed ones.
• Buy Unfinished Doors: Paint or stain them yourself instead of paying for a factory finish.
• Reuse Old Hardware: If your old hinges and handles are in good shape and work with the new doors, use them again.
• Shop Around: Get quotes from different door suppliers and installers (if hiring). Prices vary.
• Buy During Sales: Sometimes suppliers have sales.
• Keep it Simple: Don’t add extra moldings or fancy finishes if you are on a tight budget.

Pros and Cons of Replacing Just Doors

Let’s look at the good and bad points of only changing the doors.

Good Points (Pros):

• Lower Cost: Much cheaper than getting all new cabinets.
• Faster: The job is usually done much faster than a full kitchen remodel or even refacing.
• Less Mess: Less dust and disruption than tearing out old cabinets.
• New Look: Gives your kitchen a fresh, updated style without changing the layout.
• DIY Possible: It is a project many people can do themselves.

Bad Points (Cons):

• Cabinet Boxes Stay the Same: If your cabinet boxes are old, falling apart, or in a bad layout, replacing doors won’t fix that.
• Matching Frames: You might need to paint or cover the old cabinet frames to match the new doors, which adds work. If you don’t, the color might look off.
• Limited Changes: You can’t change the number or size of cabinets. You can only update the look of the fronts.
• Potential Problems: Old cabinet frames might not be square, making new doors hard to fit right.

Replacing doors is a great middle-ground option when a full kitchen remodel is too much, but you need a change.

Summary of Costs

To recap the average cost replace kitchen cupboard doors, the price tag depends mostly on:

• The number of doors and drawers.
• The material and style of the new doors.
• The type and number of hinges and handles.
• Whether you do the work yourself or hire a pro.
• Your location.

A very rough range for the kitchen cabinet door replacement cost is \$1,000 to \$5,000 for materials and labor for an average kitchen, but it can go lower with DIY and cheaper materials, or much higher with premium choices and complex installations.

Remember to measure carefully, get quotes, and think about if you want to do the work yourself or pay a pro. This will help you figure out the likely cost for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions people ask about replacing cabinet doors.

h4 How long does it take to replace kitchen cabinet doors?

If you hire a pro, it usually takes 1-3 days for an average kitchen. If you do it yourself, plan for at least a weekend, maybe longer if you are also painting the cabinet frames or the doors themselves.

h4 Do I need new hinges when replacing cabinet doors?

Often, yes. New doors usually work best with new hinges, especially if you are changing from old style hinges to modern concealed hinges. New hinges offer better adjustment and a cleaner look. Make sure the hinges match the way the doors attach to your cabinet frames.

h4 Can I just replace some of the doors, not all?

You could, but it might look strange unless the doors you are keeping are exactly the same style and color as the new ones you are adding. Most people replace all doors and drawer fronts at once for a consistent look.

h4 Is it cheaper to paint my old cabinet doors or replace them?

Painting your old doors is usually cheaper than replacing them, assuming the old doors are in good condition. Painting materials might cost a few hundred dollars. However, painting is a lot of work and needs good skill to look smooth and last. If your old doors are damaged or you want a totally different style, replacing is a better option even if it costs more upfront.

h4 How do I find someone to install the new doors?

You can look for cabinet installers, kitchen remodelers, or even skilled handymen in your area. Ask friends for recommendations or search online. Get a few quotes to compare prices and experience.

h4 Where can I buy replacement cabinet doors?

You can buy them online from companies that make doors to order, at large home improvement stores (though choices might be limited to stock sizes/styles), or from local cabinet shops.

h4 Does replacing cabinet doors add value to my home?

Yes, updating kitchen cabinets can improve the look and feel of your kitchen, which can make your home more attractive to buyers and potentially add value, especially compared to kitchens with very old or damaged cabinets. It’s a cost-effective update compared to a full kitchen gut job.

Hopefully, this helps you figure out how much it might cost to give your kitchen a fresh new look just by changing the doors!