Replacing Cabinet Doors vs. New Cabinets: Update Your Kitchen for Less

New kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive parts of a remodel. But in most kitchens the cabinet boxes are still perfectly good. What looks dated are the doors and drawer fronts. Replacing just those can give you a whole new kitchen look for a fraction of the price.

Is your kitchen a good fit?

Replacing doors works best when:

  • The cabinet boxes are solid, square and not water damaged.
  • You like the layout and don't need to move cabinets around.
  • The doors are the main thing you don't like (an old style, cracked paint, or worn finish).

If the boxes are falling apart or you're changing the layout, new cabinets make more sense.

Doors only, or full refacing?

  • New doors and drawer fronts only: paint the existing face frames and boxes to match, then hang the new doors. This is the most affordable option and very DIY-friendly.
  • Full refacing: also covers the cabinet frames and exposed sides with new veneer or panels. More work, but every surface is new.

Since our doors are made to be painted, many customers paint their existing frames the same color as the new doors for a seamless look.

How it works with us

  1. Measure every existing door and drawer front. Follow our measuring guide.
  2. Pick a style, like Shaker, Slab or Slim Shaker. Our style guide can help.
  3. Enter your sizes in the door builder and see the price instantly. Have a list in Excel? Upload it.
  4. Choose your finish: raw, sanded or primed.
  5. Add hinge boring so the new doors are ready for your hinges.
  6. Pick up free in Crestwood, Kentucky, or we email you a shipping quote within one business day.

Tips for a smooth project

  • Upgrading to soft-close hinges at the same time is easy. Hidden European hinges use the 35mm cup holes we drill.
  • Number every door with painter's tape before you take it off, and use those numbers as labels on your order.
  • New knobs and pulls finish the look. We don't drill for them, so you can place them exactly where you want.

Ready to see what new doors would cost? Enter your sizes for an instant price. No account needed.

Back to blog