How to Replace Kitchen Cabinet Doors Without Replacing Cabinets

Replace cabinet doors by measuring existing openings, ordering new doors with matching hinges, removing old doors, and installing the new ones using existing hinge holes or drilling new ones.

  1. Lock In Exact Measurements First. Measure the height and width of each cabinet opening where the door will sit. Measure from the inside edges of the cabinet frame. Write down these measurements along with the location of each door. Also note whether you have full overlay, partial overlay, or inset doors by checking how the current doors sit against the cabinet frame.
  2. Pick Doors That Fit Perfectly. Select doors that match your measurements and desired style. Order them unfinished if you want to paint or stain them yourself, or pre-finished if you want them ready to install. Make sure to specify the correct overlay type and hinge boring if you're keeping existing hinges.
  3. Take Out Old Doors Carefully. Open each door and locate the hinges attached to both the door and cabinet frame. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the hinges to the doors first, then remove the hinges from the cabinet frame if you're replacing them too. Keep old hinges organized if you're reusing them.
  4. Mount Hinges With Precision. If your new doors don't have hinge holes, mark the hinge locations using your old doors as templates. Drill pilot holes and attach the hinges to the new doors using the screws provided. For European hinges, you'll need a 35mm Forstner bit to drill the hinge cups.
  5. Hang Doors and Fine-Tune Fit. Attach the hinged doors to the cabinet frames by screwing the hinges into the existing holes or new holes if needed. Adjust the doors so they align properly and close smoothly. Most modern hinges have adjustment screws that let you fine-tune the door position.
  6. Add Hardware and Polish Details. Mark the handle locations on your new doors using a template or by measuring from your old doors. Drill holes for the handles and attach them with the provided screws. Install any catches, bumpers, or other hardware your doors need.