Changing cabinet doors is a cost-effective and transformative way to give your kitchen, bathroom, or any cabinetry in your home a fresh new look. Whether you’re looking to update the style, repair damage, or simply want a change in color, learning how to change cabinet doors can revitalize your living spaces.
This article will guide you through the essential steps and considerations for this DIY project. From measuring and selecting the right doors to removing old ones, installing new ones, and ensuring a professional finish, we’ll cover all you need to know to successfully replace cabinet doors.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to breathe new life into your cabinets, creating a customized and aesthetically pleasing environment that perfectly suits your taste and decor preferences.
Assessing the Current Cabinet Layout and Design
Before diving into the process of changing cabinet doors, it is important to take a step back and assess the current layout and design of your cabinets. This will help you determine if replacing the doors is necessary, as well as give you an idea of what type of replacement doors would best suit your space.
Start by examining the style and functionality of your current cabinets. Are they outdated or no longer fitting with your desired aesthetic? Are the doors damaged or not functioning properly? Consider if replacing just the doors or the entire cabinet system would be more beneficial and cost-effective.
Next, take measurements of your cabinets to ensure you are purchasing replacement doors in the correct size. It is also important to consider the material and color of your current cabinets when choosing new doors. You want to make sure the replacement doors will match and complement your existing cabinets.
Additionally, think about the overall layout of your kitchen or space where the cabinets are located. Are there any design elements or features that you want to highlight or downplay with your new cabinet doors? This will help guide you in selecting a style and finish for the replacement doors.
10 Methods How to Change Cabinet Doors
1. Refinishing
Refinishing is one of the most popular methods for changing cabinet doors. This involves sanding and staining the existing doors in order to give them a new look. Depending on the type of wood used, you may need to use a special type of stain or sealant in order to protect the wood from moisture and damage. Additionally, you may want to apply a clear coat of polyurethane in order to give the doors a glossy finish.
2. Replacing
Replacing your cabinet doors is another option if you want to completely change their look and feel. When replacing your cabinet doors, it’s important to make sure that they match the existing cabinets and are properly sized for them. Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you want your new cabinet doors to be made from wood, metal, or laminate materials.
3. Painting
Painting is also an effective way to change the look of your cabinet doors without having to replace them entirely. When painting your cabinet doors, it’s important that you use a high-quality paint designed specifically for cabinets in order to ensure that it will last for years without chipping or fading. Additionally, you should always use primer before applying paint in order to ensure that it adheres properly and looks its best when finished.
4. Adding Molding
Adding molding is another great way to update your cabinet doors without having to replace them entirely. Molding can be used around the edges of the door in order to create a unique design or add some extra character to plain cabinets. Additionally, molding can also be used around glass panels in order to create an elegant frame for them and give them more depth and dimensionality than before.
5. Installing Glass Panels
Installing glass panels into your existing cabinet doors is another great way to make them look more modern and stylish without having to replace them entirely. Adding glass panels will allow natural light into your kitchen while still providing some privacy as well as making it easier for you to see what items are stored inside each cabinet door without having to open each one individually.
6. Adding Hardware
Adding hardware such as knobs or handles is another easy way to update your cabinet doors without having to replace them entirely. There are many different types of hardware available so you can choose something that fits with the overall style of your kitchen while still giving it a fresh new look at the same time.
Additionally, adding hardware can also make opening and closing cabinets much easier than before as well as helping keep everything organized inside each one too!
7. Applying Wallpaper
Applying wallpaper is another great way to update old or boring-looking cabinets quickly and easily without having to replace them entirely. Wallpaper comes in all sorts of patterns and colors so there’s sure to be something out there that fits with any style kitchen. Plus, applying wallpaper only takes minutes, so this is perfect if you’re looking for an easy yet effective way to change up how your cabinets look!
8. Re-staining
Re-staining is another great option if you want to change up how dark or light-colored wood looks on your cabinets. This involves using either lighter or darker stains depending on what kind of effect looking achieve, although it’s important that do some research beforehand to find out what type of stain would best suit the type of wood used on cabinets. Once done, the re-staining process can help give older-looking cabinets a completely new life!
9. Adding Trim
Adding trim around the edges of each door can help break up monotony plain-looking cabinets while also giving a bit more depth and dimensionality. Trim comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes so there’s sure something out there fit with whatever kind of style a kitchen has, plus adding trim is usually a very simple, straightforward process!
10. Veneering
Veneering involves applying a thin layer of veneer over the existing surface area, which is perfect if you want to completely transform the way your cabinets look without having to replace them entirely.
Veneers come in various types of finishes, so no what you’re looking for, there’s sure something is out there that’ll provide an instant upgrade and change the whole look of any kitchen! Overall, changing cabinet doors can be a fun and creative project that can completely transform the look of your space.
Things to Consider When Changing Cabinet Doors
If you’re planning to give your kitchen a makeover, changing the cabinet doors can be an easy way to spruce up the space. However, before you start this project, there are a few things that you should consider.
Material of the Cabinet Doors
The material of the cabinet doors is an important factor to consider when choosing new ones. The most common materials are wood, laminate, and thermofoil. Wood is a classic and durable choice, but it can be more expensive. Laminate is budget-friendly and comes in a variety of styles, but it may not last as long as wood. Thermofoil is a type of plastic that mimics the look of wood, but it’s less durable.
Style of the Cabinet Doors
The style of your cabinet doors can significantly impact the overall look of your kitchen. The most popular styles are raised panel, recessed panel, and slab doors. Raised panel doors have a frame around the central panel, while recessed panels have a flat center with an inset frame. Slab doors are completely flat and offer a more modern look.
Hardware and Hinges
When changing your cabinet doors, you should also consider updating the hardware and hinges. This can be a great way to give your cabinets a fresh new look without having to replace them entirely. Make sure to choose hardware that complements the style of your new cabinet doors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Cabinet Doors
When it comes to changing cabinet doors, there are some common mistakes that people tend to make. These mistakes can not only lead to delays and additional expenses, but they can also affect the overall outcome of your project. To ensure a smooth and successful cabinet door replacement, it’s important to be aware of these potential pitfalls and take steps to avoid them.
Not Taking Proper Measurements
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when changing cabinet doors is not taking accurate measurements. This can result in ordering the wrong size doors or having gaps and uneven spacing once they are installed. To avoid this mistake, always measure your cabinets carefully before ordering new doors. Take into account any trim or molding around the cabinets, as well as the thickness of the doors themselves.
Not Considering the Style and Material of the Existing Cabinets
Another mistake to avoid is not considering the style and material of your existing cabinets when choosing replacement doors. If you have traditional wood cabinets, for example, it may not look cohesive to install modern, high-gloss doors. Make sure to choose doors that complement the style and material of your current cabinets for a more cohesive and visually appealing result.
Not Hiring a Professional Installer
While changing cabinet doors may seem like a simple task, it can actually be quite complex. Hiring a professional installer can not only save you time and effort, but it can also ensure that the doors are installed correctly. If you choose to install the doors yourself, make sure to carefully follow any instructions and seek help if needed.
Conclusion
In summary, updating the look of your kitchen by changing cabinet doors is an easy and fun way to add a personal touch. Furthermore, it’s also cost effective and can be completed in a weekend! Working with a professional or DIY-ing with some basic tools can help you get the job done.
Whatever route you choose, take careful measurements, invest in quality materials and finish, and always read the instructions carefully. Get creative and have fun designing your new custom doors for your dream kitchen! So why not make this upgrade today and transform the look of your kitchen once and for all? There’s no time like the present to begin exploring how to change cabinet doors.
