How Much To Replace Kitchen Cupboard Doors: A Cost Guide

Replacing your kitchen cupboard doors can make your kitchen look new. It saves you money compared to a full kitchen remodel. Many people wonder, “How much to replace kitchen drawer fronts?” Generally, replacing drawer fronts costs less than doors. But the price depends on the same things as doors. You can expect to pay anywhere from £15 to £200 per door or drawer front for new materials. The total kitchen cabinet door replacement cost can be from £200 to £5,000 or more. This wide range depends on many choices you make. This guide will help you see all the costs involved.

Image Source: www.lilyanncabinets.com

Why Replace Just the Doors?

Your kitchen cabinets might be old. But their main parts, called the carcasses, are likely fine. Carcasses are the boxes fixed to your wall. They hold the shelves and drawers. If these boxes are strong and stable, you do not need to replace them.

Replacing only the doors is a smart choice. It saves you time. It saves you money. It also causes less mess. You can get a fresh, new look without tearing out your whole kitchen. This project is much quicker. It lets you use your kitchen again faster.

Average Cost to Replace Cabinet Doors

The average cost to replace cabinet doors can vary a lot. It depends on the door material. It also depends on the style. And it depends on how many doors you need. Most homeowners spend between £500 and £2,500 for new doors and drawer fronts. This cost is for an average-sized kitchen. It includes materials and some basic fittings.

Here is a quick look at average costs per door. These are just for the door itself, not fitting.

Table: Average Door Costs by Material

Material Type	Average Cost Per Door (£)	Notes
Laminate	£15 – £50	Budget-friendly, many colours
MDF (Painted/Wrapped)	£20 – £70	Popular, smooth finish, good value
Vinyl Wrapped	£25 – £80	Durable, moisture resistant
Shaker Style	£30 – £100	Classic, clean lines, versatile
Solid Wood	£50 – £150	Durable, natural look, can be painted
Acrylic	£40 – £120	High gloss, modern, easy to clean
Glass Insert (per door)	£70 – £200	Adds light, often combined with wood/MDF

Remember, these are average new kitchen cupboard door prices. Your actual cost might be higher or lower. It depends on your choices.

Factors Affecting Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement Cost

Many things change the final kitchen cabinet door replacement cost. Knowing these helps you plan your budget. Let’s look at the main ones.

Material Choice

The material you pick for your doors is a big cost factor.
* Laminate: This is the cheapest option. It is made from particle board or MDF. It has a thin, tough layer on top. Laminate comes in many colours and patterns. It can look like wood or stone. It is easy to clean.
* MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard): This is a very common choice. It is made from wood fibres pressed together. MDF doors are smooth. They are good for painting. They do not warp or crack easily. You can get them plain or with a vinyl wrap. Vinyl wrap adds colour and protection.
* Solid Wood: Wood doors are usually the most expensive. They offer a classic, timeless look. Common woods include oak, maple, birch, and cherry. Wood is very strong. It can be sanded and re-finished later. This means they last a long time.
* Acrylic: These doors are very modern. They have a high-gloss, reflective finish. They are made from MDF with an acrylic layer. They are durable and easy to wipe clean. Acrylic doors often cost more than MDF or laminate.
* Glass Inserts: Some doors have a window-like glass panel. This adds light to your kitchen. It can show off items inside. These doors are often more costly. The glass type (clear, frosted, patterned) also affects the price.

Door Style

The style of your doors also changes the price.
* Slab Doors: These are flat, plain doors. They have no panels or designs. They are often the cheapest. They offer a very modern, minimal look.
* Shaker Style Doors: These are very popular. They have a simple frame around a flat middle panel. They fit many kitchen designs. They are usually mid-range in price.
* Raised Panel Doors: These have a raised section in the middle. They add a more traditional or classic look. They often cost more due to their complex design.
* In-frame Doors: These are very traditional. Each door sits within a frame. This style is often found in bespoke, high-end kitchens. They are usually the most expensive.

Finish Type

How your doors are finished affects their look and price.
* Painted: You can paint MDF or wood doors. Factory-painted doors cost more than raw doors. But they offer a perfect, even finish.
* Lacquered: This finish gives a very high-gloss or super-matte look. It is durable and sleek. It often costs more than standard paint.
* Veneer: A thin layer of real wood is glued onto a cheaper core. This gives the look of solid wood at a lower price.

Size and Number of Doors

This is simple. More doors mean higher costs. Larger doors also cost more. It is a good idea to count all your doors and drawer fronts. Measure their sizes. This helps you get an accurate quote. Don’t forget any small doors for corner units or appliance covers. The cost to replace kitchen unit doors is generally the same per door, regardless of the unit type.

Hardware

Hardware includes hinges, handles, and drawer runners.
* Hinges: New doors often come without hinges. You may need to buy new ones. Soft-close hinges are popular. They cost more but stop doors from slamming. Plan for about £2-£5 per hinge. You usually need two hinges per door.
* Handles/Knobs: Handles can cost anywhere from £1 to £50 each. A basic knob is cheap. A designer pull handle costs much more. Think about how many you need. This can add up.

Labour Costs

This is the cost if you hire someone to fit your doors.
* Professional Installation: A tradesperson will charge for their time. Their rates vary by location and skill. This is a big part of the total kitchen door replacement labour cost. More on this later.
* DIY Installation: If you do it yourself, you save on labour. But you need the right tools and skills. You also need time.

Location

Where you live affects costs. Prices for doors and labour are higher in big cities or wealthy areas. Rural areas might have lower prices.

Brand and Supplier

Different companies sell doors at different prices. Some brands are premium. They cost more. Others offer good value. Shopping around helps you find the best deals.

Cost of Replacement Kitchen Doors Only vs. Refacing vs. Full Replacement

When your kitchen needs a refresh, you have choices.
1. Replacement Doors Only: This is what we are focusing on. You keep your existing cabinet boxes. You just change the doors and drawer fronts. This is the quickest and most budget-friendly way to update. The cost of replacement kitchen doors only is usually between £500 and £2,500 for an average kitchen.
2. Refacing (Resurfacing): This is a bigger job than just replacing doors. For refacing, you change the doors. But you also put a new skin or veneer on the outside of your existing cabinet boxes. This makes the whole cabinet look new. It uses your old boxes but changes their look completely. The cost to reface kitchen cabinets is higher. It can range from £1,000 to £8,000 for an average kitchen. It is less costly than a full remodel. But it costs more than just new doors.
3. Full Kitchen Replacement: This means ripping out everything. You remove all old cabinets, worktops, and appliances. Then you put in a whole new kitchen. This is the most expensive and disruptive option. It can cost from £5,000 to £20,000 or even more. This option is for when your old cabinet boxes are truly damaged. Or when you want a completely new layout.

Here is a table to help compare the costs.

Table: Cost Comparison: Doors Only vs. Refacing vs. Full Replace (Average Kitchen)

Option	Average Cost Range (£)	Time to Complete	Disruption Level	Best For
Replacement Doors Only	£500 – £2,500	1-3 days	Low	Quick, budget refresh; good existing boxes.
Cabinet Refacing	£1,000 – £8,000	3-7 days	Medium	New look without full tear-out; good boxes.
Full Kitchen Replacement	£5,000 – £20,000+	1-3 weeks or more	High	Major overhaul; damaged boxes or new layout.

As you can see, replacing doors only is the most cost-effective solution for a cosmetic update.

New Kitchen Cupboard Door Prices by Material

Let’s look closer at the new kitchen cupboard door prices based on material. These prices are for the door panel itself. They do not include hinges or handles.

Laminate Doors

Cost: £15 – £50 per door
Pros: Very affordable. Easy to clean. Comes in many colours and finishes. Can look like wood or stone.
Cons: Can chip or peel over time. Less durable than other materials. Cannot be painted.
Use: Ideal for a budget-friendly update. Good for rental properties or if you plan to change your kitchen again soon.

MDF Doors (Painted or Vinyl Wrapped)

Cost: £20 – £80 per door
Pros: Smooth finish. Stable material, does not warp. Good for painted looks. Vinyl wrapped versions are durable and easy to clean. Many colour choices.
Cons: Can be damaged by water if not sealed well. Not as strong as solid wood. Can sometimes chip if hit hard.
Use: Very popular choice. Offers great value. Perfect for a modern or classic look.

Solid Wood Doors

Cost: £50 – £150 per door
Pros: Very strong and long-lasting. Natural beauty. Can be sanded and re-stained or painted in the future. Adds value to your home.
Cons: Most expensive option. Can expand or shrink with changes in humidity. Requires more care than synthetic materials.
Use: For those who want a premium, lasting finish. Great for traditional or farmhouse kitchens.

Acrylic Doors

Cost: £40 – £120 per door
Pros: High-gloss, sleek finish. Modern look. Very durable and scratch-resistant. Easy to clean.
Cons: Can show fingerprints easily. Some people dislike the very glossy look. Can be pricier than MDF.
Use: Perfect for a modern, minimalist kitchen design.

Glass Insert Doors

Cost: £70 – £200 per door (frame plus glass)
Pros: Adds light and openness. Lets you display items. Can break up solid rows of cabinets.
Cons: More fragile. Contents must be tidy. Higher cost.
Use: Often used for upper cabinets or display areas.

Table: Detailed Material Cost Breakdown (Door Only)

Material Type	Lower End Cost (£)	Mid Range Cost (£)	Higher End Cost (£)
Laminate	15	30	50
MDF (Painted/Wrapped)	20	45	70
Vinyl Wrapped	25	55	80
Shaker Style	30	65	100
Solid Wood	50	100	150
Acrylic	40	80	120
Glass Insert	70	135	200

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement Cost

You can save a lot of money if you do the work yourself. The DIY kitchen cabinet door replacement cost removes the labour charge. This can be a big saving. You only pay for the materials and maybe some basic tools.

What You Save On:

Labour: You do not pay a fitter. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

What You Still Need to Buy:

New Doors and Drawer Fronts: This is your main cost.
Hinges: Often, new doors do not come with hinges. You might need new ones. Make sure they fit your old cabinet boxes. Soft-close hinges are a good upgrade.
Handles/Knobs: These are crucial for the look. Pick ones that match your style.
Tools: You might need a screwdriver set, a drill, a tape measure, and a spirit level. These are common household tools.

Tips for DIY:

Measure Carefully: Measure each door and drawer front twice. Write down all sizes. Get it right to avoid costly mistakes.
Order Correctly: Double-check your order before buying. Make sure you get the right number and sizes.
Watch Videos: Many online videos show how to remove and install doors. They can be very helpful.
Work Safely: Use eye protection. Take your time.
Re-use Where Possible: If your old hinges and handles are fine, you might re-use them. This saves money.

When to Call a Pro:

Complex Jobs: If your cabinets are odd sizes. Or if you want custom doors.
Lack of Tools/Skills: If you do not feel confident with DIY.
Time: If you are busy and want the job done quickly.
Warranty: Professionals often offer a warranty on their work.

For a DIY job, the cost could be as low as £200 for a small kitchen with basic doors. For an average kitchen, it might be £400 to £1,500. This makes it a very budget-friendly way to update.

How Much to Replace Kitchen Drawer Fronts

Replacing kitchen drawer fronts works much like replacing doors. They are usually made from the same materials. The main difference is their size. Drawer fronts are typically smaller than doors. This means they often cost a little less per piece.

Cost per Drawer Front: You can expect to pay from £10 to £70 per drawer front. This depends on the material, size, and style.
Matching: It is vital to get drawer fronts that match your new cupboard doors. Most suppliers sell doors and drawer fronts as a set.
Hinges vs. Runners: Drawer fronts do not use hinges. They use drawer runners or slides. You might need to check if your old runners are still good. If they need replacing, this adds a small cost. Soft-close drawer runners are a nice upgrade. They cost more but make drawers close gently.
Handles: Like doors, drawer fronts need handles or knobs. These are a separate cost.

When you get quotes for new doors, always ask for prices for drawer fronts too. Make sure the quote includes all parts you need.

Kitchen Door Replacement Labour Cost

If you decide not to do the work yourself, you will pay for labour. The kitchen door replacement labour cost varies. It depends on who you hire. It also depends on where you live.

Hourly Rate: Many fitters charge by the hour. Rates can be £25 to £50 per hour.
Day Rate: Some charge by the day. This might be £200 to £400 per day.
Per-Job Rate: For fitting new doors, a fitter might give a fixed price for the whole job. This could be £150 to £500 for an average kitchen. It depends on how many doors there are. It also depends on how complex the job is.

Factors Influencing Labour Cost:

Number of Doors: More doors take longer to fit.
Type of Hinges: Replacing hinges, especially with soft-close ones, can add time. This is because soft-close hinges need precise fitting.
Handle Installation: Drilling new holes for handles adds time. If you use existing holes, it is faster.
Location: Labour rates are higher in areas with a high cost of living.
Fitter’s Experience: Highly experienced fitters might charge more. But they often work faster and better.

What Labour Might Include:

Removing old doors and drawer fronts.
Fitting new doors and drawer fronts.
Attaching new hinges.
Installing new handles (if included in the quote).
Adjusting doors so they hang straight and close well.

Always get at least three quotes from different fitters. Ask for a written quote. Make sure it shows what is included. This helps you compare prices fairly.

Cost to Replace Kitchen Unit Doors

The term “cost to replace kitchen unit doors” is basically the same as replacing kitchen cupboard doors. “Unit” just means the entire cabinet or cupboard. So the same costs and factors apply.

Whether it’s a base unit, a wall unit, or a tall larder unit, the pricing structure is similar. It depends on the size and material of the door.
* Standard Base/Wall Unit Door: These are the most common sizes. They fall within the average price ranges we’ve discussed.
* Tall Larder Unit Door: These are much larger. They will cost more than a standard door due to their size and material needed. A single tall door might cost as much as two standard doors.
* Corner Unit Doors: Some corner units have special doors. They might be bi-fold (two doors joined). Or they might be an angled door. These can sometimes cost a little more due to their design.

Always list every door you need replaced. Note down its exact measurements and its type (standard, tall, corner, drawer front). This will get you an accurate quote for your entire kitchen.

Saving Money on Cabinet Door Replacement

Here are some ways to keep your costs down:

Go DIY for Labour: As discussed, fitting the doors yourself saves a lot.
Choose Affordable Materials: Laminate or standard MDF doors are much cheaper than solid wood or acrylic.
Simple Styles: Slab or Shaker styles are usually more cost-effective than complex designs.
Re-use Hardware: If your old hinges are still good, keep them. This saves money on new hinges. You can also re-use handles if they fit your new look.
Shop Around: Get quotes from different suppliers. Prices can vary a lot.
Look for Sales: Kitchen door suppliers often have sales. Plan your purchase during these times.
Consider Paint: If your existing doors are wood or paintable MDF, you could just paint them. This is the cheapest update. But it needs time and effort. It will not give you new doors.
Only Replace Damaged Doors: If only a few doors are bad, just replace those. Try to match the style and colour of your good doors.

The Process of Replacing Cabinet Doors

Replacing kitchen doors is a straightforward process.

Measure Accurately: Carefully measure the height and width of each door you want to replace. Do this for drawer fronts too. Measure from the very edge of the door. Note down which way the door opens (left or right hinge). This is very important.
Order Your Doors: Once you have your measurements, order your new doors. You can do this online or from a local kitchen supplier. Tell them your material and style choices. Don’t forget hinges and handles if you need new ones.
Remove Old Doors: Use a screwdriver to take off your old doors. Keep the screws and hinges if you plan to re-use them.
Prepare for New Doors: Clean your cabinet boxes. Make sure they are free from dust and grease. If you are changing hinge types, you might need to fill old screw holes. Then drill new ones. Most new doors come pre-drilled for hinges.
Install New Doors: Attach the new hinges to your new doors. Then, carefully line up the hinges with the cabinet box. Screw the doors onto the cabinet boxes. Start with the top screw for each hinge. Then add the bottom ones.
Adjust Doors: Most hinges allow for small adjustments. You can move the door left, right, up, down, or in and out. This helps the doors hang straight. It makes them close properly. Take your time with this step. It makes a big difference to the final look.
Attach Handles: Once the doors are hung, attach your new handles or knobs. Use a template if you need to drill new holes. Make sure they are straight and even.

This process can be done in a weekend for an average kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I just paint my old doors instead of replacing them?

Yes, if your old doors are solid wood or paintable MDF. This is the cheapest way to update. But it is a lot of work. It needs good prep, like sanding and priming. The finish might not be as smooth as a factory-painted door. It will not hide any damage to the old doors.

How long does it take to replace kitchen cupboard doors?

For an average kitchen, a DIYer might take 1 to 2 days. This includes removing old doors and fitting new ones. A professional fitter can often do it in less than a day. Bigger kitchens with many doors might take longer.

Do hinges come with new replacement doors?

Usually, no. Most suppliers sell doors and hinges separately. This lets you choose the hinge type you prefer. Soft-close hinges are a popular upgrade. Always check with your supplier when you order.

What about custom sizes for doors?

Many suppliers offer custom-sized doors. This is good if your kitchen units are not standard sizes. Custom sizes often cost more per door. But it means you do not have to replace the whole cabinet box.

Is it hard to replace kitchen cupboard doors myself?

For most people, it is a straightforward DIY task. You need basic tools and a bit of patience. The hardest part is often getting the doors perfectly aligned. If you are handy and follow instructions, you can do it.

How do I measure my existing doors for replacement?

Measure the height first, then the width. Measure from the very outer edge of the door. Measure each door individually. Do not assume all doors of the same size. Always double-check your measurements.

Replacing kitchen cupboard doors is an excellent way to update your home. It can give you a fresh, new kitchen look without breaking the bank. By choosing wisely and planning ahead, you can achieve a great result.