Replacing the kitchen doors can be a cost effective way of giving your kitchen a face lift and saving on the disruption of a full kitchen strip out. But it’s not suitable for every kitchen and there are some things you should check out before going down this route.
What "Just The Doors" Actually Means
By replacing just the kitchen doors you can keep the sound cabinets and give your kitchen a complete ‘make over’ by fitting new fronts, hinges and handles to the existing cabinets. The shelves, the drawer runners and all the internal fittings can all remain as they are. Occasionally it is also worth considering the replacement of the drawer fronts and end panels to give a complete ‘new kitchen look’. These are usually replaced at the same time as the door fronts to give the complete look.
When It Works Well
Cabinets of sound construction, of standard size and recently fitted in popular retailer kitchens with solid frames and standard widths (around 500-600mm) can be easily updated with new doors. Fresh doors can often be fitted with only minor trim adjustment to the original frames which are often of a simple flat chipboard construction. Kitchens from the last decade or so are particularly suitable for update with new doors.
Warning Signs To Check First
Please check your cabinet frames for signs of water damage – swellings, bubbles and soft areas, especially under the sink. Also, test the frames for movement – gently push the corners and check for any give. If your old kitchen is from a discontinued range, it may be difficult to obtain exact size matches for new doors, and drawer front replacements, so please take your time to measure carefully.
Getting The Measurements Right
We use a site visit to carry out all the necessary measuring. We take precise measurements of the height and width of each door opening and whether they are to be inset or overlaid doors. We also measure the position of the existing hinge holes, if you wish to re-use them. Most standard kitchen cabinets have 35mm or 26mm hinge cups. Getting this measurement wrong means that we would have to drill new holes to fit or use hinge adapter plates.
Matching The Rest Of The Kitchen
It’s also worth bearing in mind that swapping the doors for your kitchen will mean that the new fronts may not match the colour of your work surfaces. This is why it’s also wise to consider whether or not you might also like to replace the end panels, plinth and cornice as well as the doors. Replacing these will cost less than new work surfaces but can make a big difference to the overall look of your kitchen. It’s also worth remembering that any integrated appliances, such as a fridge or dishwasher, will also need to be replaced with new fronts to match the rest of your kitchen.
Hinges, Soft-Close And Fit
Soft-close hinges are generally supplied as standard on most suppliers’ door products but need to be compatible with the cabinet depth. It’s a good idea to check with the supplier beforehand to ensure the correct items are ordered as some models are designed for deeper cabinets. When it comes to installation, providing the person undertaking the work is competent, it is a relatively straightforward job. However, it’s always worth checking to see if they have completed a similar job before and possibly checking to see if they are a registered member of a recognised trade scheme such as CheckaTrader or TrustaTrader.
Material And Finish Choices
The most common material used for Replacement Kitchen Doors is painted MDF. The doors can be supplied in a wide range of colours and can be finished in a satin or matt spray coat. The cost of a set of replacement kitchen doors can start from around £60 per door for a standard size door and can cost up to £150 per door for larger doors. Vinyl wrap (also referred to as kitchen foil) is another alternative to painted MDF doors. Vinyl wrap kitchen doors are generally cheaper than MDF doors with prices starting from as low as £40 for a standard size door. The cost can rise to as much as £90 per door depending on the size of the door and the design. Vinyl wrap is supplied in a wide range of wood grain and solid colours. Another option is for you to choose real wood veneer kitchen doors. Real wood veneer doors are generally more expensive than MDF and kitchen foil doors, with prices starting from around £100 per door for a standard size door and can cost up to £250 or more for larger doors. Many of the suppliers listed on this website will have their replacement kitchen doors tested against British and international standards for furniture and joinery. Also, products are tested for safety and quality to ensure that they will last for a long time and the finish and hinges will hold well.
Cost And Time Against A Full Refit
You may pay anywhere from £5,000 to £10,000+ for a full kitchen refit, depending on the size of your kitchen and the finishes you choose. Replacing your kitchen doors will cost anywhere between £1,500 and £4,000 (plus fitting) for the same sized kitchen and can be done within a couple of days while your kitchen is empty. Yes, it’s worth spending a little more to replace the whole frame if it is beginning to fail.
As with any home improvement work it is worth reading up on your consumer rights before committing to a person’s services. A good, trustworthy tradesperson is worth their weight in gold, and will ensure that your kitchen is fitted to a good quality finish, which will look like new when completed.
