Replacing old, worn-out kitchen cabinet doors can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. But before starting a kitchen cabinet door replacement project, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost. Below we’ll explore everything that goes into replacement cabinet door costs, so you can create an accurate budget and set realistic expectations.
Factors That Affect Replacement Cabinet Door Costs
Several key factors determine the total cost of new kitchen cabinet doors:
Type of Cabinet Doors
The style and material of the new doors will impact the price. For example:
- Solid wood doors – Most expensive option, but very durable. Cost range of $100-$500+ per door.
- Plywood doors – Made from sheets of wood veneer. Mid-range cost of $50-$200 per door.
- Thermofoil doors – Inexpensive laminate doors for $20-$100 apiece.
- Glass cabinet doors – Adds unique style. Around $100-$300 each.
More ornate door types like inset cabinets or doors with intricate details will be pricier. Simple slab cabinet door styles tend to be the most budget-friendly.
Door Size
Larger doors naturally require more materials and cost more. Standard kitchen cabinet sizes:
- 15” wide standard base cabinet doors
- 30-36” wide single sink base doors
- 12-18” wide wall cabinet doors
On average, expect to pay $50 more for a 36” wide single sink base door compared to a standard 15” door.
Door Finish
The finishing process also affects the cabinet door price:
- Stained or painted doors – Lowest cost around $50-$150. Paint grade ready-to-finish wood is inexpensive.
- Glazed doors – Have a tinted transparent coating for extra depth and dimension. Adds $10-$20 per door.
- Distressed finish – Intentionally worn and weathered look. Adds $20-$30 per door.
The more complex the finish, the higher the price per door. But decorative finishes can help even inexpensive new doors look very high-end.
Custom vs. Stock Doors
Custom cabinet doors made to your exact specifications tend to run $125-$300+ per door. Stock cabinet door replacements ordered in standard sizes offer huge savings, often starting around $20 each.
Semi-custom doors with some customizable features can strike a balance, costing $65-$150 per door.
Number of Doors Needed
The total number of cabinet doors needed for your kitchen determines the final price. Measure carefully to determine exactly how many doors must be replaced. Multiply by the per-door cost to estimate the total project price.
Even small kitchens likely need 15-30 cabinet doors or more. Larger kitchens could require 60+ doors. Ordering in bulk can sometimes qualify you for volume discounts from some cabinet suppliers.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor or carpenter to install new doors typically adds $40-$100 per door in labor costs. But if you’re reasonably handy, DIY replacement can be simple and avoid labor fees.
Delivery Fees
Having cabinet doors shipped to your home adds delivery, shipping, or freight fees. These run $50-$150 on average. In-store pickup can prevent those fees.
Average Replacement Cabinet Door Costs
Now that we’ve looked at the factors affecting the price, what are the typical total project costs for kitchen cabinet door replacements based on real data?
- Budget replacement – $500-$1,500 for a small kitchen. Opt for lower-priced stock or thermofoil doors.
- Mid-range replacement – $2,000-$4,000 for a medium-sized kitchen. Choose mid-range plywood or solid wood doors.
- High-end replacement – $5,000-$10,000+ for a larger luxury kitchen. Use top-quality custom solid wood doors.
You can estimate your own total by multiplying your per-door cost by the number of doors needed. Get free estimates from cabinet companies for the most accurate idea.
Ways to Save Money on Replacement Doors
If your budget is tight, here are great tips for reducing replacement cabinet door costs:
- Choose stock size doors over custom sizing
- Select simple slab style over ornate door designs
- Opt for inexpensive thermofoil or paint-grade wood
- Finish and paint the doors yourself
- Replace only doors on visible cabinets to save doors
- Buy during seasonal sales, coupons, and door promotions
- Provide your own cabinet measurements to avoid measurement fees
- Pick up doors directly from warehouse or retailer to avoid shipping
Even with these savings tactics, you can still enhance kitchen style dramatically with new cabinet door fronts. Prioritize doors on your most visible cabinets for the biggest visual impact.
Factoring in Professional Installation Cost
As mentioned above, you can save substantially by installing replacement cabinet doors as a DIY project. But if you do want to hire a carpenter or kitchen remodeler to do the install, here are average professional installation costs to keep in mind:
- $40 – $70 per door for simple slab style door installation
- $70 – $100+ per door for doors with intricate designs or glass
- $1,000 – $3,000 total for full kitchen of new doors
To ensure an efficient process, remove old doors and prepare the cabinets prior to the carpenter arriving. Get a few quotes to compare rates for professional kitchen cabinet door installation.
Replacement Cabinet Door Cost Calculator
Use this quick cabinet door cost calculator to estimate your total project price:
- Number of doors needed: _ doors
- Cost per door: $_____ (range of $50-$300 per door depending on type)
- Professional install (optional): $_____ ($40-$100 per door)
- Total Project Cost: $_____
This easy formula accounts for the two biggest factors – number of doors and door pricing. Get free quotes online for exact per-door pricing from manufacturers.
How Long Does It Take to Replace Kitchen Cabinet Doors?
If you order replacement cabinet doors that are ready to install right out of the box, the installation timeline is fairly quick:
- DIY replacement: 1 full weekend
- Professional installation: 2 – 5 days
Remove your old cabinet doors first before the new ones arrive, so you’re ready for the new doors to hang immediately. The process involves removing the old doors and hinges, installing new hinges, then hanging the fresh doors and adjusting alignments.
Should I Replace or Refinish Cabinet Doors?
Rather than a full replacement, some homeowners opt to refinish or reface their existing kitchen cabinet doors instead. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Refinishing Cabinet Doors
Process: Sanding, stain/paint, new hardware
Cost: $30 – $100 per door refinished
Pros: Less waste, affordable, quick
Cons: Limited color options, can’t change door style
Replacing Cabinet Doors
Process: Remove old doors, buy new doors, install new doors
Cost: $50 – $300 per door replaced
Pros: New look, vast style options, custom fit
Cons: More expensive, time intensive, waste
So if your current door size and layout is suitable, refinishing can be a more eco-friendly and budget option. But for a whole new style or layout, replacement doors are likely the better route.
5 Beautiful and Budget-Friendly Replacement Cabinet Door Ideas
Looking for kitchen cabinet door replacement inspiration? Here are 5 gorgeous yet affordable options:
1. Simple Shaker Style Doors
Clean, versatile shaker-style doors work with any kitchen style. Opt for inexpensive paint-grade wood and finish them yourself to match your color scheme.
2. Fearless Color Choices
Beyond natural wood tones, vibrant painted doors in hues like navy, green, and red make the cabinets a focal point.
3. Classic White Shaker
For a timeless and bright look, white shaker cabinetry never goes out of style. Use high-gloss for a more modern feel.
4. Stain Grade Shaker Doors
Knotty pine shaker cabinets finished with a rich stain offer rustic farmhouse character on a budget.
5. Retro-Cool Metal Doors
For retro flair, try inexpensive thermofoil doors with metal trim or brushed bronze finishes.
Replacing Just a Few Damaged Cabinet Doors
If you only need to replace one or two damaged cabinet doors, luckily you can buy new doors individually for each specific cabinet size. This allows a perfect match without replacing all doors unnecessarily.
Measure the width, height, and depth of the damaged door to order an identical replacement. This might be needed if doors become:
- Scratched, dented or cracked
- Warped or peeled over time
- Sun-faded on exterior kitchens
- Burned or stained beyond repair
Carefully remove just the problem door and install the replacement using the existing hinges. Use wood filler in existing screw holes. This targeted approach keeps costs down.
Hiring Professional Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement
While a DIY replacement project can certainly save money, hiring kitchen remodeling pros ensures experienced work and convenient installation. Evaluate carpenters, contractors or cabinet specialists based on:
- Reviews and reputation – Read reviews and ask to see past project examples. Choose companies with demonstrated kitchen expertise.
- Quote transparency – Ask for a detailed breakdown of exactly what is covered in their cabinet door installation quote. Avoid unclear or vague pricing.
- Project process – Ask how they handle measurements, ordering doors, installation, clean-up, etc. Define a clear project workflow.
- Quality of materials – Ask what brands and types of replacement doors they use. Make sure they offer decent warranties.
When comparing cabinet installation quotes, value experience and quality customer service in addition to pricing. Beware extraordinarily low bids, as they often result in headaches from corner-cutting.
FAQs About Replacement Kitchen Cabinet Door Costs
To wrap up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors:
How much do semi-custom cabinet doors cost?
Semi-custom doors range from about $65-$150 per door. They offer some customized sizing and options, but not full customization.
Are custom cabinet doors cheaper?
No, custom cabinet doors tend to be more expensive, ranging from $125-$300+ per door. But they allow complete customization.
Is it cheaper to replace cabinet doors or reface cabinets?
Replacement doors run $50-$300 each. Refacing averages $30-$100 per door. So refacing can be a more budget-friendly option in many cases.
Should you replace all kitchen cabinet doors at once?
It’s best for all doors to match, but you can certainly do the project in phases over time if needed. Replace the most visible doors first.
Can you mix cabinet door styles in the same kitchen?
While matching doors creates flow, it’s possible to mix and match a few door styles in the same kitchen successfully. Just aim for some cohesion.
Conclusion
The cost of replacing kitchen cabinet doors runs $50-$300 per door on average based on the door type, size, materials and finishes. Measure your exact door dimensions and door count to estimate total project costs. Consider inexpensive stock cabinet doors and opt for DIY replacement to reduce the price. With some smart planning and budgeting, you can transform the heart of your home with beautiful new cabinet doors that enhance your kitchen style.