How Much To Change Kitchen Cupboard Doors: Cost Breakdown

Changing kitchen cupboard doors updates your kitchen’s look without a full remodel. The cost to change kitchen cupboard doors varies a lot. It can range from a few hundred pounds for a small DIY job with basic materials to several thousand pounds for a large kitchen with custom doors and professional fitting. Factors like the size of your kitchen, the type of material you choose for the new doors, whether you do it yourself or hire someone, and if you replace just the doors or reface the whole cabinet frame all change the final price. We will look into these costs to help you plan your project.

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Deciphering ‘Changing Kitchen Cupboard Doors’

When people talk about changing kitchen cupboard doors, they usually mean one of two main things:

• Replacing just the doors: This is the simplest way to update the look. You keep the old cabinet boxes (the frame and inside shelves) but swap out the doors and drawer fronts. This is often called replacing kitchen cabinet doors only.
• Cabinet refacing: This goes a step further. You replace the doors and drawer fronts, but you also cover the outside of the existing cabinet boxes with a new material (like veneer or laminate) that matches the new doors. This makes the whole cabinet unit look brand new. This is known as cabinet refacing or kitchen cabinet resurfacing.

Both options are much cheaper than a full kitchen renovation where you rip out and replace all the old cabinets. They give your kitchen a fresh look without the mess, time, and high cost of a complete gut job.

What Influences the Cost?

Many things change the cost to change kitchen cupboard doors. Think of it like buying a car – you can get a basic model or one with all the extras, and the price changes a lot. Here are the main factors:

H4 Type of Material

The material the new doors are made from is a big cost factor. Simple materials cost less than fancy ones.

• Melamine/Laminate: These are budget-friendly options. They are durable and easy to clean. They come in many colors and simple styles.
• Vinyl Wrapped (MDF): MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is covered in a layer of vinyl. This allows for more shapes and styles than melamine. It’s a popular middle-ground choice.
• Painted MDF: MDF doors can be painted any color. This offers huge flexibility. The cost depends on the finish and paint quality.
• Solid Wood: Wood doors like oak, maple, cherry, or pine cost more. The type of wood affects the price. Solid wood offers a classic look and can be painted or stained.
• Wood Veneer: A thin layer of real wood is put over a cheaper core (like MDF). This gives the look of solid wood at a lower price.
• High Gloss/Acrylic: These modern materials give a very shiny, sleek look. They are often more expensive than basic options.
• Glass Inserts: Doors with glass panels cost more than solid doors.

H4 Style and Design

Simple, flat-panel doors cost less than doors with lots of details, like raised panels or carvings (Shaker style, traditional designs). Custom sizes or unusual shapes also increase the price.

H4 Number and Size of Doors

This is simple: more doors mean more material and more work. Larger doors also use more material and can cost more.

H4 New Hardware

Do you need new hinges? What about handles or knobs?

• Hinges: You might need new hinges, especially if your old ones are worn or you want soft-close features. Soft-close hinges cost more than standard ones.
• Handles/Knobs: The style and material of handles or knobs vary a lot in price, from cheap basic options to expensive designer ones.

H4 Labour Costs vs. DIY

This is a huge difference in the total kitchen cabinet door replacement cost.

• DIY: If you replace the doors yourself, you only pay for the materials and tools. This is the cheapest way.
• Professional Installation: Hiring someone to measure, order, deliver, and fit the doors adds labour costs. This can make up a large part of the total price. Professional kitchen cabinet door installation cost varies by location and the complexity of the job.

H4 Location

Where you live affects labour costs. Big cities or areas with a high cost of living usually have higher labour rates than smaller towns.

H4 Condition of Current Cabinets

If your existing cabinet boxes are not straight, are damaged, or the hinges don’t fit correctly, it can add to the cost. The installer might need extra time to fix problems.

H4 Extra Work

Are you also replacing drawer fronts? Adding new trim or molding? Replacing end panels on cabinets? Doing cabinet refacing (covering the frames)? All these add to the cost beyond just replacing the doors.

Cost Breakdown by Method

Let’s look at the different ways to change your kitchen cupboard doors and their typical costs. This helps show the average cost to change kitchen doors.

H4 Replacing Just Doors and Drawer Fronts

This is the most common way to get a new look on a budget. You keep the old cabinet boxes and just swap the parts that show from the front. This covers the cost to replace kitchen cupboard doors and the replacing kitchen cabinet doors only price.

• Materials: The cost here depends mainly on the material and style you choose.

  • Melamine/Laminate: £20 – £50 per door/drawer front
  • Vinyl Wrapped (MDF): £30 – £70 per door/drawer front
  • Painted MDF: £40 – £100+ per door/drawer front
  • Wood Veneer: £50 – £120+ per door/drawer front
  • Solid Wood: £60 – £150+ per door/drawer front
  • High Gloss/Acrylic: £50 – £120+ per door/drawer front
  • Glass Insert Doors: £70 – £200+ per door

  Note: These are rough estimates for a standard size door. Custom sizes, fancy details, and high-end finishes will be more.

• Hardware (Hinges & Handles):

  • Standard Hinges: £2 – £5 each
  • Soft-Close Hinges: £5 – £15 each
  • Handles/Knobs: £2 – £50+ each (huge range!)

• Labour: If you hire someone, the cost will depend on the number of doors and drawers, how easy they are to replace, and the installer’s rate.

  • Professional Fitting: £200 – £800+ for a small to average kitchen. This can vary greatly.

• Total Estimated Cost for Replacing Doors Only:

  • DIY (Small Kitchen, Basic Doors): £200 – £600 (materials only)
  • DIY (Average Kitchen, Mid-Range Doors): £500 – £1500 (materials only)
  • DIY (Large Kitchen, High-End Doors): £1000 – £3000+ (materials only)
  • Hired Professional (Small Kitchen, Basic Doors): £400 – £1500 (materials + labour)
  • Hired Professional (Average Kitchen, Mid-Range Doors): £1000 – £3000 (materials + labour)
  • Hired Professional (Large Kitchen, High-End Doors): £2000 – £6000+ (materials + labour)

These figures give a general idea of the cost of new kitchen cabinet doors and the total price for this method.

H4 Cabinet Refacing (Resurfacing)

Refacing is more involved than just replacing doors. It includes replacing doors/drawer fronts AND covering the cabinet frames. This gives a more complete transformation. This covers the cabinet refacing cost and kitchen cabinet resurfacing cost.

• Process:

  1. All old doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are removed.
  2. A new surface (usually a veneer or laminate) is glued onto the exposed face frames of the cabinets.
  3. New doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and hardware are installed.
  4. New end panels, kick plates (plinths), and trim are often added to match.

• Materials: This includes the cost of new doors/drawer fronts (similar to replacing only) plus the cost of the veneer or laminate for the frames, and matching panels/trim. The veneer/laminate material cost is added here.

• Labour: Refacing is much more labour-intensive than just hanging new doors. It requires skill to properly prepare the surfaces and apply the new veneer smoothly.

  • Professional Refacing Labour: £800 – £2000+ for an average kitchen. This is on top of material costs.

• Total Estimated Cost for Cabinet Refacing:

  • Small Kitchen: £1000 – £3000+
  • Average Kitchen: £2000 – £7000+
  • Large Kitchen: £4000 – £10,000+ (or even more for high-end materials)

Refacing is more expensive than just replacing doors but still significantly cheaper than a full kitchen replacement, which can easily cost £8,000 to £25,000+.

H3 Comparing DIY vs. Professional

Let’s look closer at DIY kitchen cabinet door replacement versus paying for professional kitchen cabinet door installation cost.

H4 Doing It Yourself (DIY)

• Pros:

  • Saves a lot on labour costs. You only pay for materials, tools, and maybe hinge drilling services.
  • You can work at your own speed.
  • Gives a sense of accomplishment.

• Cons:

  • Requires time, patience, and some basic DIY skills.
  • Measuring correctly is crucial. Mistakes can be costly if you order the wrong size doors.
  • Drilling hinge holes accurately can be tricky without special jigs. Many door suppliers can pre-drill for you.
  • Hanging the doors straight and aligning them perfectly takes practice.
  • If you’re refacing, applying veneer smoothly is difficult and needs practice.

• Cost: Only material cost, starting from a few hundred pounds for a small kitchen.

H4 Hiring a Professional

• Pros:

  • Saves you time and effort.
  • Professionals have the right tools and experience for a good finish.
  • They handle measuring and ordering, reducing the risk of errors.
  • They can often spot and fix issues with the existing cabinets.
  • Less stress and disruption for you.

• Cons:

  • Significantly increases the total cost due to labour fees.
  • You need to find a reliable and skilled installer.

• Cost: Materials + Labour. Labour can easily add £200 to £2000+ depending on the job size and complexity.

If you are only replacing doors and are comfortable using a drill and spirit level, DIY is a good option, especially if your supplier pre-drills the hinge holes. If you are refacing, or if your cabinets are old or tricky, hiring a pro is usually a better idea for a quality result.

H3 Grasping the Factors for an Accurate Estimate

Getting a real idea of the average cost to change kitchen doors for your home needs you to consider all the factors for your specific kitchen.

Let’s break down the questions you need to ask yourself:

• How many doors and drawers do I need? Count them all. Measure their sizes (width and height).
• What material and style do I want? Have a look at options. Do you want cheap laminate, popular vinyl wrap, paintable MDF, or real wood? Simple flat panel or something with more detail?
• Do I need new hinges? Are the old ones fine? Do I want soft-close?
• Do I need new handles/knobs? What style and material?
• Am I only replacing doors/drawers, or do I want to reface the frames too?
• Am I doing this myself or hiring someone?
• Are my current cabinet boxes in good shape? Are they level?
• Do I need extra panels for the sides of cabinets, plinths (kick plates), or trim?

Once you have these details, you can start getting quotes from suppliers for the doors and materials, and from fitters for the labour.

H3 Getting Quotes for Your Project

Whether you are replacing doors or refacing, getting quotes is key to knowing the actual cost to update kitchen cabinet doors.

H4 Quotes for Materials (Doors, etc.)

• Contact several kitchen door suppliers. Many companies sell doors and drawer fronts online or have showrooms.
• Give them your list of door and drawer sizes, the material, style, and colour you want.
• Ask about hinges – do their doors come pre-drilled? Can they supply hinges?
• Ask about edge banding quality (how the edges of the doors are finished).
• Get quotes for plinths, end panels, and trim if you need them.
• Compare prices for the exact same items from different suppliers.

H4 Quotes for Labour (If Hiring)

• Ask for quotes from local kitchen fitters or carpenters experienced in door replacement or refacing.
• Show them your kitchen (photos are a good start, but a site visit is best).
• Explain exactly what you want done (replace doors only vs. reface).
• Be clear about who is supplying the materials – you or them. Most installers prefer you to supply the doors so you get exactly what you want, but some might offer a supply-and-fit service.
• Ask for a detailed quote showing the cost of labour and what is included (e.g., removing old doors, fitting new ones, fitting hinges, fitting handles).
• Check if they have insurance and ask for references or examples of their work.

Getting at least three quotes for both materials and labour (if needed) is a good idea. This helps you see the typical kitchen cabinet door replacement cost in your area and avoid paying too much.

H3 Exploring Different Door Materials and Their Costs

Let’s look a bit more closely at the different materials you can choose for your new doors and how they affect the cost of new kitchen cabinet doors.

H4 Melamine and Laminate Doors

• Look: Basic, flat surface. Available in many plain colors and some simple wood-effect prints.
• Feel: Smooth, hard plastic-like surface.
• Durability: Good resistance to scratches and moisture. Easy to clean. Can chip on edges if hit hard.
• Cost: Lowest price. Very budget-friendly.
• Best for: Rental properties, utility rooms, or if you need a very low-cost update.

H4 Vinyl Wrapped (MDF) Doors

• Look: Can be flat, or have routed patterns (like shaker style, or grooved lines). Comes in many colors and wood effects. The vinyl coating wraps around the edges.
• Feel: Smooth surface. You might feel the wrapped edge on the back.
• Durability: Generally good resistance to moisture and chips. However, the vinyl can sometimes peel or bubble over time if exposed to high heat (like near an oven or kettle) or steam.
• Cost: Mid-range price. More than melamine, less than solid wood or painted.
• Best for: Most family kitchens. Offers good value and many style choices.

H4 Painted MDF Doors

• Look: Can be flat or have routed patterns. Offers the widest range of colors as they can be painted any shade. The paint finish can be matt, satin, or gloss.
• Feel: Smooth painted surface. Quality varies with the paint finish.
• Durability: Durability depends heavily on the quality of the MDF and the paint finish. High-quality paint is durable and easy to clean. Chips can show the MDF below. Not as resistant to knocks as vinyl or laminate.
• Cost: Mid to high-range price. Can be similar to or more than vinyl wrap, depending on the finish. Custom colors cost extra.
• Best for: If you want a specific color not available in vinyl wrap, or a painted look. Good for achieving a custom style.

H4 Wood Veneer Doors

• Look: Looks like real wood, as it is real wood. Can have natural grain patterns. Can be stained or lacquered.
• Feel: Feels like real wood, though the core is usually MDF or particleboard.
• Durability: Durable like solid wood, but can be scratched or dented. Can be repaired or re-finished. Susceptible to moisture if not sealed well.
• Cost: High-range price. More than vinyl or painted MDF, less than solid wood.
• Best for: If you want the look and feel of real wood at a lower cost than solid wood.

H4 Solid Wood Doors

• Look: Natural wood grain and colour. Can be stained to enhance the grain or painted. Offers a classic, timeless look. Available in different wood types (oak, pine, maple, cherry).
• Feel: Feels like solid wood.
• Durability: Very durable and can last for decades. Can be repaired, sanded, and re-finished multiple times. Can react to moisture and temperature changes (expand/contract).
• Cost: Highest price. The type of wood greatly changes the cost (oak and maple are more expensive than pine).
• Best for: Traditional or classic style kitchens. If you want a long-lasting, high-quality material that can be changed over time.

H4 High Gloss / Acrylic Doors

• Look: Very smooth, reflective surface. Modern and sleek. Often in bold colours or white/cream.
• Feel: Very smooth, sometimes feels like glass.
• Durability: Generally durable and easy to clean. Can show fingerprints easily. Scratches can be more visible on a high-gloss surface.
• Cost: High-range price. Similar to wood veneer or solid wood, sometimes more.
• Best for: Modern or minimalist kitchens. If you want a high-impact, shiny look.

Your choice of material will be a main driver of the kitchen cabinet door replacement cost.

H3 Fathoming Additional Costs

Beyond the basic doors and labour, think about these extra costs that can add up to the total cost to update kitchen cabinet doors.

• Delivery Fees: How will the doors get to your home? Check delivery costs from online suppliers.
• Disposal of Old Doors: You’ll need to get rid of the old doors and drawer fronts. This might cost money depending on local waste rules.
• Fixing Cabinet Boxes: If your existing cabinet boxes need small repairs before new doors can go on, this adds time and cost.
• Matching Panels and Trim: To make the kitchen look finished, you often need new panels for the exposed sides of cabinets, plinths along the bottom, and decorative trim (like cornices or light pelmets) that match the new doors. These are extra costs.
• New Worktops or Splashbacks: While not part of changing doors, people often update worktops or splashbacks at the same time. This is a big extra cost.
• Painting Cabinet Frames (for Door Replacement only): If you only replace the doors and your old cabinet frames are a different color, you might want to paint the frames to match or go with the new doors. This is a DIY job for most, but adds time and cost for paint and materials. This is not needed if you are refacing.

H3 Budgeting and Saving Money

Changing kitchen doors is a good way to save money compared to a full new kitchen. But you can save even more.

• DIY: As mentioned, fitting the doors yourself is the biggest saving.
• Choose Cheaper Materials: Melamine, laminate, or basic vinyl wrapped doors are much cheaper than wood.
• Keep Your Hinges and Handles: If your current hinges work fine and you like your handles, reuse them. This saves money, especially if you have a lot of doors or like expensive handles.
• Standard Sizes: Ordering standard size doors is cheaper than custom sizes.
• Simple Style: Flat panel doors cost less than detailed styles.
• Compare Suppliers: Get quotes for materials from different places. Prices vary.
• Look for Sales: Sometimes door suppliers have sales.
• Only Replace What’s Visible: Just replace the doors and drawer fronts. Don’t reface or add extra panels unless you really need to.
• Check Waste Centres: Your local recycling centre might take old kitchen units for free or a low cost.

H3 Is it Worth the Cost?

Replacing kitchen cupboard doors or refacing cabinets is often a very smart money choice compared to a full kitchen replacement.

• Cost Savings: It’s typically half the price or less than a new kitchen.
• Less Disruption: The kitchen is usable sooner than during a full renovation.
• Environmentally Friendly: You are reusing the existing cabinet boxes, sending less waste to landfill.
• Quick Update: It can be done relatively quickly, often in just a few days for refacing, or even a single day for door replacement.

If your existing cabinet boxes are strong and in good condition, replacing doors or refacing is definitely worth considering. It gives you the look of a new kitchen at a much lower kitchen cabinet door replacement cost or cabinet refacing cost.

H3 Table of Estimated Costs

This table gives a rough idea of the average cost to change kitchen doors based on the method and size of the kitchen. These are estimates and can vary a lot based on material choice and location.

Method	Small Kitchen (approx 10-15 doors/drawers)	Average Kitchen (approx 15-25 doors/drawers)	Large Kitchen (approx 25-40+ doors/drawers)
Replace Doors Only (DIY)	£200 – £600	£500 – £1500	£1000 – £3000+
Replace Doors Only (Pro)	£400 – £1500	£1000 – £3000	£2000 – £6000+
Cabinet Refacing (Pro)	£1000 – £3000+	£2000 – £7000+	£4000 – £10,000+

Note: These costs are estimates and include materials for basic/mid-range options plus labour for professional fitting.

H3 Frequently Asked Questions

H4 How long does it take to change kitchen cupboard doors?

Replacing doors only can often be done in a day or two, even by a professional for an average kitchen. If you are doing it yourself, it might take a weekend or a few evenings. Cabinet refacing takes longer, usually 2-5 days depending on the size and complexity.

H4 Can I replace my kitchen doors myself?

Yes, DIY kitchen cabinet door replacement is a common project. It requires basic tools like a screwdriver or drill, a spirit level, and careful measuring. Many door suppliers offer to pre-drill hinge holes which makes it much easier. Refacing the frames yourself is much harder and needs more skill.

H4 Does replacing doors add value to my home?

Yes, updating the kitchen is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Replacing old, tired kitchen doors with new ones makes the kitchen look fresh and modern without the high cost of a full renovation. This can make your house more attractive to buyers.

H4 How do I measure for new kitchen cupboard doors?

Measure the back of your existing doors. Measure the width first, then the height, in millimeters for accuracy. Measure each door separately as they might not all be the exact same size. Note which side the hinges are on if you want hinge holes pre-drilled. If you don’t have old doors, you need to measure the cabinet opening and add overlap (usually 15mm all around, but check with your supplier).

H4 What is the difference between door replacement and refacing?

Replacing doors means you only swap the door and drawer fronts. The cabinet frames stay as they are. Refacing means you swap the doors/drawer fronts and cover the visible parts of the cabinet frames with a new material (like veneer) to match the new doors. Refacing costs more but gives a more complete ‘new kitchen’ look.

H4 Are new hinges included when I buy new doors?

Usually no. You buy hinges separately. You might be able to reuse your old hinges if they fit the new doors and are in good condition, but many people choose to buy new ones, often upgrading to soft-close.

H3 In Conclusion

Changing kitchen cupboard doors is a smart and cost-effective way to give your kitchen a new lease of life. The cost to change kitchen cupboard doors varies a lot, mainly based on whether you replace just the doors or do cabinet refacing, the materials you choose, the size of your kitchen, and if you do the work yourself or hire a professional.

Replacing doors only is the cheapest option, perfect for a quick style update. Cabinet refacing costs more but provides a more complete transformation, making old cabinets look new. Doing the work yourself saves money but requires time and effort. Hiring a professional costs more but gives peace of mind and a high-quality finish.

By figuring out your needs, getting detailed quotes for materials and labour, and considering the different options, you can plan your project and understand the likely kitchen cabinet door replacement cost for your home. It’s a big step towards a fresh kitchen without the cost and mess of a full remodel.