How Much Do Replacement Cabinet Doors Cost?

Replacing old, worn-out cabinet doors can make a huge difference in updating the look of your kitchen or bathroom. However, before undertaking a cabinet door replacement project, it’s important to have a budget in mind. The cost of replacement cabinet doors can vary widely depending on the material, style, and quality you choose. Here’s an in-depth look at the factors that influence replacement cabinet door costs and what you can expect to pay.

What Impacts the Cost of Replacement Cabinet Doors?

Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for new cabinet doors to give your space a facelift:

Cabinet Door Material

The material you choose for your new doors will have a significant effect on the total cost. Here are some of the most popular cabinet door materials and their typical price ranges:

  • Thermofoil: $40 – $100 per door. Made from medium density fiberboard (MDF) covered in a durable plastic laminate. Budget-friendly option.
  • Vinyl: $80 – $200 per door. PVC plastic provides a realistic wood look. Scratch-resistant.
  • Engineered wood: $100 – $250 per door. MDF or plywood with veneers. Affordable, versatile.
  • Solid wood: $250 – $800 per door. Premium quality hardwoods like oak, cherry or maple. Most expensive option.
  • Glass: $100 – $1,000+ per door. Adds visibility and light. Cost varies based on glass type.

Door Style

The style and design of the cabinet doors will affect your bottom line as well. More intricate door fronts or specialty shapes often cost more:

  • Flat panel: $50 – $250. Simple slab door construction, economical choice.
  • Raised panel: $100 – $600. Classic inset panel style requires expert carpentry.
  • Shaker: $70 – $320. Clean, minimalist look with recessed center panel.
  • Cathedral: $80 – $400. Arched top doors, often made of engineered wood.
  • Sliding barn door: $300+. Rustic slider style, hardware costs extra.

Door Size

Larger cabinet doors naturally require more materials and labor to construct. Replacing doors on standard kitchen cabinets might run you:

  • 15-18 inch doors: $50 – $250 per door
  • 18-24 inch doors: $75 – $350 per door
  • Larger pantry doors: $150+ per door

For bathrooms, smaller vanity door sizes like:

  • 12-15 inch doors: $60 – $180 per door

Custom vs. Stock

Custom-made cabinet doors are built to your exact specifications, allowing for total design flexibility. Custom doors typically cost $125-500+ per door depending on materials and details. Stock cabinet door replacements ordered in standard sizes offer more budget-friendly pricing.

Quantity Needed

The total number of doors you need to replace will determine the overall project investment. Buying in bulk can sometimes lower the per-door cost. Expect pricing around:

  • 10-20 doors: $700 – $2,000
  • 20-40 doors: $1,500 – $4,000
  • 40+ doors: $3,000+

Additional Factors

Other details that can increase your total replacement door costs include:

  • Detailed distressing or finishes: $20-$100 per door upgrade
  • Multi-step paint colors: $50-$150 per door upgrade
  • Thicker solid wood material: $50-$350 per door upgrade
  • Custom finishing and trim details
  • Fancy hardware upgrades
  • Increased installation labor time

Average Cost to Replace Cabinet Doors

Given all the potential variables, it’s hard to pin down an “average” cost for cabinet door replacement. But here are some ballpark figures to work from:

  • Low end: $50 – $150 per door using affordable materials like thermofoil or vinyl, smaller stock sizes, and DIY installation.
  • Mid-range: $150 – $250+ per door for slab-style engineered wood doors, medium sizes, professional installation.
  • High end: $350+ per door for larger solid wood raised panel doors, custom everything, hiring contractors.

For a full kitchen, plan to invest $3,000-$5,000 for a mid-range reface with installation. That range jumps to $7,000-$15,000+ for larger luxury kitchens with premium custom doors throughout.

Bathroom vanity door replacements come in more affordable, typically $500-$2,000 depending on size and details.

Cost to Reface Cabinet Boxes vs. Full Replacement

Replacing just the visible doors and drawer fronts can transform the look of your cabinets for much less than the cost of a full cabinet replacement. If your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing the doors is a smart budget choice.

On average, expect to pay about 40-60% less for a cabinet door refacing project vs. a full tear-out and replacement remodel. Refacing saves significantly on demolition, carpentry and installation work.

Here’s a typical price comparison for kitchens:

  • Door refacing for 10 linear feet: $1,500-$3,500
  • Full cabinet replacement for 10 linear feet: $5,000-$8,000

Hiring a Contractor vs. DIY

You can save over 50% on your replacement cabinet door costs by taking on the project as a DIY job rather than hiring a professional remodeling contractor. Precision measurements and installations take skill, but changing out doors and hinges is very doable for a motivated DIYer.

Professional installation averages $150-$300 per cabinet door, compared to DIY pricing of $50-$150 per door. Consider your skills and time commitment before deciding.

How Long Does It Take to Replace Cabinet Doors?

The time required to replace your cabinet doors depends on the scope of the project and who is completing the work.

If you’re hiring out the installation, expect:

  • Professional replacement of 10-20 doors: 3-5 days
  • Contractor refacing of an entire small kitchen: 1-2 weeks

Doing it yourself for the first time, plan for:

  • 5-10 doors: 2 full weekends
  • 20+ doors: 4+ weekends

Working slowly and carefully is key for a beautiful end result. Rushing the job can lead to mistakes and poor alignment.

Replacement Cabinet Door Costs by Material

Let’s take a more detailed look at what you can expect to pay for some of the most popular replacement cabinet door material options:

Thermofoil Cabinet Doors

  • Pros: Most affordable option. Durable, easy-to-clean laminated finish. Wide range of colors and patterns.
  • Cons: Prone to chipping at edges. Not as realistic-looking as wood.
  • Cost: Starts around $40 per door, up to $120 for larger or specialty sizes

Thermofoil replacement doors offer dramatic visual impact for a fraction of the cost of real wood. The laminate finish resists scrapes, stains and moisture. An excellent budget choice for rentals, vacation homes or quick DIY upgrades.

Vinyl Cabinet Doors

  • Pros: Mimics painted wood look. Scratch and scuff-resistant. Stays looking new.
  • Cons: Not as customizable as real wood. Minimal style and color options.
  • Cost: $80 – $250 per door. More affordable than real wood.

Vinyl cabinet doors are ideal if you want the look of painted wood without the upkeep. Easy to clean and super durable. Limited color range but inexpensive, making vinyl a practical choice.

Engineered Wood Cabinet Doors

  • Pros: Affordable but looks like real wood. Consistent quality. Customizable with stains/paints.
  • Cons: Not as high-end as solid wood doors. Won’t last forever.
  • Cost: $125 – $300 per door. Veneer upgrades increase price.

Doors made from engineered wood like MDF with laminate veneers combine durability, customization options and realistic wood looks at accessible price points. Easy to install, repaint or refinish down the road.

Solid Wood Cabinet Doors

  • Pros: Highest quality material. Can be sanded, stained, painted. Natural beauty of real wood.
  • Cons: Most expensive option. Requires more maintenance over time.
  • Cost: $250 – $600+ per door. Thicker wood means higher prices.

For a premium upgrade, choose doors crafted from solid oak, hickory, cherry, maple or other quality hardwoods. Investment in real wood pays off with unparalleled beauty and longevity.

Glass Cabinet Doors

  • Pros: Allows display space. Light and visibility. Wide style selection.
  • Cons: Easily smudged. Not as durable. Higher cost.
  • Cost: $150 – $600+ per door. Varies by glass type and style.

Doors with tempered glass inserts, beveled glass, or full glass fronts open up rooms and display collections while adding a touch of class. Special handling and cleaning required.

Saving on Replacement Cabinet Door Installation

Installing new doors on your own saves significant cost compared to hiring a professional. Follow these tips for a successful DIY cabinet door replacement project:

  • Carefully remove old doors and hinges to prevent cabinet damage.
  • Take precise measurements of each opening and door for proper sizing and alignment.
  • Buy doors unpainted/unfinished to save cost, then paint or stain yourself after hanging.
  • Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect surrounding surfaces from drips and spills.
  • Allow adequate drying time for paints/stains to cure fully before re-installation.
  • Attach new hinges in exact same location to ensure proper door function.
  • Start with just a few doors to get the hang of the process before tackling the whole kitchen.
  • Watch online tutorials to pick up tips and tricks before getting started.

While hiring a pro to install new doors for you is easiest, with patience and precision, DIY replacement and painting of cabinet doors can give you a fresh new look for half the cost.

Common Questions About Replacement Cabinet Door Costs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the costs of switching up your dated cabinet doors for a kitchen or bath makeover:

How much should I budget for new kitchen cabinet doors?

For an average 10×10 kitchen, expect to spend $2,500-$4,000 for new cabinet door replacement, including materials and professional installation. Luxury kitchens or full custom doors could be $6,000-$15,000.

Is it worth it to replace just the cabinet doors?

If your cabinet boxes and layout are in good shape, then replacing only the doors is an excellent value. New doors can fully transform the look for 40-60% less cost than replacing entire cabinets.

Can I paint my existing cabinet doors instead of replacing?

Painting your doors with a fresh coat of color is the most budget-friendly option, starting at just $50-$150 per door. But painting won’t fix damage, warped doors or outdated styles.

What’s the most affordable material for replacement doors?

Thermofoil doors offer the lowest prices at $40-$120 per door. Vinyl and engineered wood doors are other lower-cost options that emulate the look of wood.

Should I refinish cabinets before installing new doors?

Refinishing your cabinet boxes before installing new doors allows for a cohesive finished look. Expect to pay $200-$500 for professional refinishing.

How do I know what size replacement doors to order?

Carefully measure the height, width and depth of each cabinet opening to determine the precise sizing for replacement doors. Allow 1/8″ – 1/4″ gap on all sides for the doors to open freely.


Replacing worn-out cabinet doors provides a relatively easy and affordable way to update your kitchen or bath with big visual impact. Measure carefully, choose a door style and material in your budget, and either DIY or hire a pro for installation. With some planning and creativity, you can give your space a brand new look and feel for $2,000-$5,000 in many average home kitchens or bathrooms.

Factors That Determine Replacement Cabinet Door Costs

The cost of new cabinet doors depends on several factors. Carefully considering these variables will help you create an accurate budget for your kitchen or bath remodel.

Cabinet Door Material

The material you select for your replacement doors largely determines the per-door price. Consider the pros, cons and costs of each material:

Thermofoil

  • Pros: Most affordable, durable laminate finish
  • Cons: Prone to edge chipping, not as realistic
  • Cost: $40 – $100 per door

Vinyl

  • Pros: Mimics painted wood, scratch-resistant
  • Cons: Limited style/color options
  • Cost: $80 – $200 per door

Engineered Wood

  • Pros: Affordable, looks like real wood
  • Cons: Not as durable as solid wood
  • Cost: $100 – $250 per door

Solid Wood

  • Pros: Highest quality hardwoods
  • Cons: Most expensive option
  • Cost: $250 – $800 per door

Glass

  • Pros: Adds visibility and light
  • Cons: Easily smudged, special handling
  • Cost: $100 – $1,000+ per door

Choose the best material for your budget, design and durability needs.

Door Style

The complexity of door front designs affects pricing:

  • Flat panel: $50 – $250
  • Raised panel: $100 – $600
  • Shaker: $70 – $320
  • Cathedral: $80 – $400
  • Sliding barn door: $300+

Simple slab styles are most economical. Embellished fronts cost more.

Door Size

Larger doors require more materials and construction efforts:

  • 15-18” doors: $50 – $250
  • 18-24” doors: $75 – $350
  • Larger pantry doors: $150+

Measure precisely to determine your size needs.

Custom vs. Stock

Custom doors allow total design flexibility but come at a premium:

  • Custom: $125 – $500+ per door
  • Stock: More budget-friendly

Weigh the benefits of customization vs. cost.

Quantity

Buying replacement doors in bulk can often lower per-door pricing.

Other Factors

Upcharges for specialty finishes, hardware, detailing, installation, etc can increase total cost.

Carefully considering all these factors will allow you to budget accurately.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Cabinet Doors?

So what does it really cost to replace kitchen or bathroom cabinet doors? Here are some typical price ranges:

Average Costs

In general, expect to spend:

  • $50 – $150 per door for low-end materials, smaller sizes, DIY install
  • $150 – $250+ per door for mid-range slab doors, pro installation
  • $350+ per door for larger custom wood doors, premium finishes

Average Kitchen Costs

To reface an average 10×10 kitchen, prices range from:

  • $3,000 – $5,000 for mid-range doors, professional installation
  • $7,000 – $15,000+ for larger high-end kitchens with premium custom doors

Average Bathroom Costs

Bathroom vanity door refacing averages:

  • $500 – $2,000 depending on door size, materials and details

Keep in mind – many variables affect exact costs. Get multiple quotes for your specific project.

Refacing vs. Full Replacement

Replacing doors costs 40-60% less than full cabinet replacement.

For 10 linear feet of kitchen cabinets:

  • Door refacing: $1,500 – $3,500
  • Full cabinet replacement: $5,000 – $8,000

Refacing saves significantly on installation costs.

Hiring a Contractor vs. DIY

You can save 50% or more by installing new doors yourself rather than hiring a contractor.

  • Contractor installation: $150 – $300 per door
  • DIY installation: $50 – $150 per door

Evaluate your skills before deciding on DIY vs. pro installation.

Knowing average pricing helps you plan and budget for a successful cabinet door replacement project.

How Long Does It Take To Replace Cabinet Doors?

The time required to complete your cabinet door replacement depends on the scale of the project and who does the work.

Hiring a Contractor

For professional installation, expect:

  • 10-20 doors: 3-5 days
  • Small kitchen: 1-2 weeks
  • Large kitchen: 3-4 weeks

Experienced contractors work efficiently to reface your cabinets with minimal disruption.

Doing It Yourself

If tackling the project as a DIY job, plan for:

  • 5-10 doors: 2 full weekends
  • 20+ doors: Over 4 weekends

Work slowly and carefully to achieve good results. Rushing leads to mistakes.

Tips for Efficient DIY Installation

Follow these tips for a smooth cabinet door replacement process:

  • Carefully remove existing doors and hinges.
  • Take extremely precise measurements for each door.
  • Buy doors unfinished to save money, then paint/stain after hanging.
  • Protect surrounding surfaces from drips and spills.
  • Let paints and stains fully cure before reinstalling doors.
  • Attach new hinges in exactly the same location.
  • Start with a few doors to practice techniques.
  • Watch online tutorials for guidance.

With patience and care, you can DIY your


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