Makeover Your Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget By Replacing Only the Doors

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated, but you don't have the budget for a full remodel? Replacing just the cabinet doors can make over the look of your kitchen quickly and affordably. With some new doors and hardware, you can give your existing cabinets a fresh facelift.

Read on to learn how replacing only the doors can transform your kitchen's style, tips for choosing new cabinet doors and hardware, steps for installation, and what it costs so you can decide if this budget-friendly DIY is right for your home.

Assessing Your Current Cabinet Boxes

Before selecting new doors, thoroughly examine your existing cabinet boxes, frames, and interiors. Are the underlying cabinets structurally sound without any rot or damage? Make sure they are sturdy enough to handle new hardware and doors. Repair or replace any cabinets that are severely damaged or defective.

Take detailed measurements of cabinet openings to determine what size replacement doors you need. Standard widths are typically 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 inches. Door heights are commonly 24, 30, and 36 inches. Custom sizing may be required if your cabinets are an uncommon size.

Inspect door hinges and drawer glides. Old ones may need to be replaced so doors function properly. Upgrading to soft-close hinges also helps prevent slamming.

Choosing New Replacement Cabinet Doors

One of the biggest decisions will be what style of doors to choose. There are many options like shaker, inset, flat panel, raised panel, glass panel, or sleek slab doors. Shaker style with a recessed center panel or glass doors can give a timeless, updated look.

Materials are another consideration when selecting new cabinet doors. Wood can provide a traditional, natural look but requires more maintenance. Thermofoil and MDF doors with laminate facings are budget-friendly options that hold up well to moisture and take paint evenly for color changes.

Should you paint or stain the new doors? Staining wood doors highlights the natural grain. Painted finishes like white, grey, or navy can feel bright and modern. Primed white thermofoil doors take paint readily. Weigh how much effort you’re willing to put into finishing.

For a semi-custom look, have doors cut 1⁄8 or 1⁄4-inch smaller than the cabinet frame opening. Ordering standard size ready-to-install replacement doors can also simplify installation. Just confirm your exact measurements first before purchasing.

Choosing New Hardware

Replace dated hardware with knobs, pulls, and hinges that complement your new cabinet doors. Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, and chrome are popular finish options. Glass, crystal, or ceramic knobs can add a touch of elegance.

Concealed and soft-close hinges allow doors to open fully and shut slowly. Choose durable, adjustable hinges that fit the overlay or inset style of your new doors. Under cabinet lighting can also enhance the kitchen.

Preparing and Installing New Doors

Removing the old doors and hardware is the first step. Set reusable items like hinges and screws aside for another project. Thoroughly clean inside all cabinets and repair any imperfections like holes and scratches before installing new doors.

Precisely measure and mark hinge positions on both the door fronts and cabinet face frames. Attach hinges using a drill, slowly adding screws to line up the doors. Test opening and closing. Make any alignment adjustments needed.

Next, mount new knobs and pulls with the correct screws for the door material, usually included with the hardware. For a uniform look, center knobs both vertically and horizontally. Reinstall any shelving, drawers, racks or organizers.

Check that doors and drawers open, close, and function properly. Adjust hinges, pulls, or glides as needed so movements are smooth.

Finishing Touches on Your New Doors

New raw wood doors may require priming, painting, or staining for protection and the desired finish. Apply a sealant so paint adheres to doors evenly. Doing any finishing before hanging simplifies the process. Add topcoats to achieve your ideal look.

With fresh doors installed, other easy upgrades can maximize the new kitchen aesthetic. Add under cabinet lighting or change out tile backsplashes for bright new finishes. Introduce color and texture with lining inside glass door cabinets.

Organize storage and maximize space with drawer inserts, Lazy Susans, pull-out shelves, and other smart organizers tailored to your needs. With just the doors replaced, you'll gain a whole new kitchen look!

Cost to Replace Cabinet Doors

For a 10x10 kitchen with 30 cabinet doors, expect costs around:

• $600 - $1,000 for new ready-to-install standard size doors
• $200 - $500 for new hinges, knobs, and hardware
• $100 - $300 for tools, paint/stain, supplies

In total, $900 - $1,800 to redo doors and hardware. Far less than a full $10,000+ cabinet replacement or reface. Installing the doors yourself saves on labor costs too.

While renovating an entire kitchen is complex, refreshing just the doors and hardware is an achievable DIY for many homeowners. With careful measurements, patience, and basic tools, new doors can transform the space.

The process does take time - likely a few days to a week. But the impact is huge for a relatively small investment. Bring new style into your cooking space and enjoy the refreshed look for years to come!