Can I reface kitchen cabinet doors myself? Yes, you can absolutely reface kitchen cabinet doors yourself. Refacing is a popular way to update your kitchen without the high cost and long timeline of a full remodel. This guide will show you exactly how to approach refacing kitchen cabinets yourself.
Deciphering Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
Refacing kitchen cabinets means keeping the existing cabinet boxes (the carcasses) but replacing the visible outer parts. This typically involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts. Sometimes, it also includes applying a new finish or veneer to the visible sides of the boxes. It is a major cosmetic upgrade.
Refacing vs. Remodeling vs. Refinishing
It is helpful to know the differences between these options.
| Method | What It Involves | Typical Cost Savings (vs. New Cabinets) | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refacing | New doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes new hardware and side panels. | Moderate to High (30%–50%) | Moderate |
| Remodeling | Complete tear-out and installation of entirely new cabinets. | None | High |
| Refinishing | Cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting kitchen cabinet doors or applying a new stain/finish to the existing doors. | High (Up to 70%) | Varies, often intensive labor |
Refacing is often the best way to update kitchen cabinets when the existing boxes are solid and in good shape.
Phase 1: Planning Your Cabinet Refacing Project
Good planning saves time and money. Do not skip these steps!
Assessing Your Current Cabinets
First, look closely at what you have. Solid wood cabinets are great candidates for refacing. If your boxes are made of particleboard or very thin plywood, kitchen cabinet door replacement might be a better, though sometimes trickier, option, as you need a sturdy base to attach new doors.
- Check the inside of the cabinet boxes. Are they sturdy?
- Do the boxes sit level? Minor leveling can be done later, but major sinking requires repair first.
- Note the style: Are they frameless (European style) or framed (traditional face frame)? This affects how you measure and install new doors.
Measuring for New Doors and Drawer Fronts
Accurate measurement is the most critical step in kitchen cabinet door replacement. Errors here mean new doors will not fit.
Measuring Face Frame Cabinets
For cabinets with a visible frame around the opening:
- Measure the overall face frame dimensions: Measure the height and width of the wooden frame surrounding the door opening. This is the door size you need if you want full overlay doors (where the door covers the entire frame).
- Measure the opening: Measure the height and width of the actual opening itself. This is needed for partial overlay doors (where the door only covers part of the frame).
Measuring Frameless Cabinets
For cabinets with no visible frame:
- Measure the box: Measure the exact height and width of the cabinet box side you see when the door is open. Your new door will cover this dimension entirely (full overlay).
Tip: Always measure three places for height and width (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest measurement. Add a standard reveal (usually 1/8 inch) if needed, though most manufacturers account for this when you give them the box opening size.
Selecting Your New Components
You have three main choices for the new look:
- New Doors Only: Keep your existing drawer fronts and just order new doors.
- Doors and Drawer Fronts: Order matching new doors and drawer fronts.
- Full Overlay System: Order new doors and drawer fronts, and apply a matching veneer or laminate to the exposed cabinet box sides.
If you choose to paint, you might opt for refinishing kitchen cabinet doors instead of replacing them entirely, though new doors often provide a cleaner, more modern look.
Phase 2: Preparing for Installation
Once your new doors arrive, it is time to get the old boxes ready.
Removing Old Doors and Hardware
Take careful, numbered photos before starting. This helps you remember how hinges were oriented.
- Label Everything: Use painter’s tape and a marker. Label the door (e.g., “Base Cabinet Door, Bottom Left”) and the corresponding hinge locations.
- Detach Hinges: If you have face-frame cabinets, the hinges are usually screwed directly to the frame face. For frameless cabinets, the hinges mount inside the box. Keep all screws organized with their corresponding door.
- Remove Drawer Fronts: Drawer fronts are usually attached from the inside of the drawer box with two or four screws. Remove these carefully.
Cleaning and Surface Preparation
If you are keeping the existing cabinet boxes visible, they must be pristine for the new look to adhere well. This is especially true if you plan to apply a cabinet door veneer application to the sides.
- Clean Thoroughly: Use a degreaser (like TSP substitute) to remove all grease and grime. Kitchen grease is sticky and prevents adhesion.
- Repair Damage: Fill any large holes or deep scratches in the wood or laminate surfaces of the box using wood filler or epoxy. Let it dry completely.
- Sanding (If Necessary): If the existing box surface is glossy or damaged, a light scuff sanding (using 150-grit sandpaper) is necessary to give the primer something to grip onto. Wipe off all dust with a tack cloth.
Phase 3: Applying Finishes to Exposed Box Sides
If your new doors are a different style or color than your current box sides, applying a new finish to the sides is crucial for a seamless look. This transforms the look far better than simple kitchen cabinet door replacement alone.
Option A: Painting the Boxes
If you choose this path, consider it an advanced part of refacing kitchen cabinets yourself. Painting cabinets requires patience.
Essential Tools for Cabinet Refacing (Painting)
- High-quality primer (stain-blocking, bonding primer recommended)
- Cabinet-grade paint (usually a durable enamel or urethane)
- Paint sprayer (highly recommended for a smooth finish)
- Good quality brushes and rollers for cutting in tight spots
Painting Process
- Prime: Apply one or two coats of primer. Primer locks down old finishes and prevents bleed-through.
- Paint: Apply thin, even coats of your topcoat paint. Thick coats sag and look unprofessional. Allow full drying time between coats. Most cabinet jobs require two to three coats for deep color and durability.
Option B: Applying Veneer or Laminate
This is often faster than painting and gives a very professional result if done correctly.
Cabinet Door Veneer Application to Boxes
If you bought doors with a wood grain finish, you must apply a matching product to the cabinet sides. Look for self-adhesive vinyl wraps or thin wood veneers designed for cabinetry.
- Measure and Cut: Measure the sides of the cabinet box precisely. Cut the veneer slightly larger than needed (about 1 inch excess on all sides).
- Application: Peel a small section of the backing. Align the veneer carefully against the edge of the cabinet box. Slowly peel the backing while smoothing the veneer down with a plastic squeegee or credit card. Work from the center outward to push out air bubbles.
- Trimming: Once adhered, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to trim the excess veneer flush with the edges of the cabinet box.
Phase 4: Installing New Doors and Drawer Fronts
This is where the transformation really takes shape. The type of hinge dictates the installation method.
Hinge Types and Installation
Modern cabinetry almost exclusively uses European-style concealed hinges. These hinges mount onto a mounting plate screwed inside the cabinet box.
Hinge Installation Steps
- Install Mounting Plates: Screw the mounting plates onto the inside of the cabinet box walls where the old hinges were located. Use your reference photos to ensure correct placement.
- Attach Hinges to Doors: The hinge cup usually snaps into a pre-drilled hole in the back of the new door. If the holes aren’t pre-drilled, you will need a Forstner bit and a jig to drill the 35mm cup holes accurately.
- Mount Doors: Clip the doors onto the mounted plates. This is often a simple push or click mechanism, depending on the brand.
Kitchen Cabinet Door Overlay Instructions
The beauty of European hinges is their adjustability. Once the door is clipped on, you can adjust it three ways using the screws on the hinge arm:
- Side to Side (Horizontal): Adjusts the gap (reveal) between adjacent doors.
- In and Out (Depth): Adjusts how tightly the door sits against the cabinet face.
- Up and Down (Vertical): Adjusts the door height relative to the box.
Take your time adjusting these screws until all doors line up perfectly, achieving an even gap around every edge. This step is crucial for a professional finish, whether you opted for kitchen cabinet door replacement or full refacing.
Installing Drawer Fronts
Drawer fronts usually attach differently than doors.
- Hardware Placement: Decide where your new handles or pulls will go. Mark the center points on the new drawer fronts.
- Attaching the Front: Position the new drawer front onto the existing drawer box (the part that slides in and out). Make sure the alignment is perfect relative to the doors.
- Securing: From inside the drawer box, drive screws through the drawer box frame into the back of the new drawer front. Use long screws that go deep enough to hold securely but do not poke through the finished front.
Phase 5: Final Touches and Hardware
The last step completes the updated look.
Updating Hardware
New handles and knobs drastically change the feel of the kitchen.
- Match the Style: If you went modern with slab doors, choose sleek bar pulls. If you kept a shaker style, perhaps classic cup pulls work best.
- Measure Carefully: Use the holes from the old hardware if possible. If you are moving holes or installing on brand new drawer fronts, use a hardware jig for perfect alignment. Drill slowly and cleanly.
Considering New Shelving or Inserts
While you are already doing deep work, consider if the insides of your cabinets need help. New drawer organizers, pull-out shelves, or lazy Susans can maximize the utility of your newly refreshed space.
Advanced Topic: Refinishing Kitchen Cabinet Doors vs. Replacement
Sometimes, replacing the entire door slab is overkill, especially if the door style is currently popular or custom. Refinishing kitchen cabinet doors might be the more economical path if the doors are structurally sound but just outdated in color.
Detailed Steps for Refinishing Cabinet Doors
This process requires meticulous preparation, much like preparing surfaces for a cabinet door veneer application, but instead of sticking something on, you are preparing the surface for paint or stain.
- Remove Doors and Hardware: As detailed above.
- Stripping (If Needed): If the existing finish is oil-based or severely damaged, you might need chemical stripper followed by scraping. This is messy and requires good ventilation.
- Sanding: This is the most important step. Start with medium-grit (120-grit) to smooth imperfections. Finish with fine-grit (180 or 220-grit) to create a smooth surface for paint adhesion.
- Priming: Use an excellent bonding primer. Never skip primer when painting kitchen cabinet doors, especially if you are going from dark wood to light paint.
- Painting/Staining: Apply thin, even coats. A sprayer yields the best factory-like finish, but a high-quality foam roller can work well for flat panel doors.
Table comparing Refinishing vs. Replacement
| Feature | Refinishing Doors | Kitchen Cabinet Door Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low (mostly materials and labor time) | Moderate (cost of new doors) |
| Time Commitment | High (due to drying/curing times) | Lower (once doors arrive) |
| Style Change Potential | Limited to the existing door profile | Unlimited (can change from raised panel to slab) |
| Durability | Dependent entirely on prep work quality | Generally higher, especially with high-quality materials |
Gathering the Right Equipment: Essential Tools for Cabinet Refacing
Having the right gear makes the job faster and safer.
Basic Refacing Toolkit
- Measuring Tapes and Squares: For accurate measurements and ensuring 90-degree angles.
- Power Drill/Driver: Essential for removing old hinges and installing new ones. Use clutch settings to avoid stripping screws.
- Screwdriver Sets: Phillips and flathead tips for various hardware.
- Utility Knife/Razor: For trimming veneer or putty knives for scraping.
- Painter’s Tape and Markers: For clear labeling.
- Clean Rags and Degreaser: For surface prep.
Specialized Tools (If Painting or Veneering)
- Cabinet Hinge Jig: If you are drilling new hinge cups, a jig ensures they are all perfectly placed.
- Orbital Sander: Necessary for efficient sanding of large flat areas on the cabinet boxes.
- HVLP Paint Sprayer: If you are painting kitchen cabinet doors, this tool separates amateurs from pros by providing an even coat.
- Heat Gun (for Vinyl/Veneer): Helps soften adhesive for easier application and trimming of wraps.
Maintaining Your Newly Refaced Kitchen
Your effort deserves protection! Properly maintained refaced cabinets will last for years.
Cleaning Guidelines
Avoid harsh chemicals. A mild solution of dish soap and water is usually sufficient for daily cleaning. Strong solvents or abrasive scrubbers can damage the new finish or peel off self-adhesive veneers.
Checking Adjustments
Over time, humidity changes can cause doors to shift slightly. Every six months or so, check the adjustment screws on your European hinges. A quick quarter-turn on the right screw can bring a sagging door back into perfect alignment. This small maintenance keeps the look sharp long after your DIY cabinet door resurfacing project is complete.
If you are pleased with the structural integrity of your existing boxes, refacing offers a fantastic middle ground—a major aesthetic upgrade without the cost barrier of a full overhaul. It is truly one of the most effective ways to achieve a dream kitchen look on a realistic budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does refacing include replacing the actual cabinet boxes?
A: No. Refacing specifically means keeping the existing cabinet boxes (carcasses) and only replacing the visible exterior elements like doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes applying veneer to the exposed sides.
Q: How long does the entire refacing process usually take?
A: For an experienced DIYer, ordering and installing can take one to two weekends. If you are doing the painting or veneer application yourself, add significant time for curing and drying, potentially extending the project to several weeks of part-time work.
Q: Can I change my door style when refacing (e.g., from raised panel to flat slab)?
A: Yes, this is one of the main benefits. As long as the new doors match the required overlay dimensions for your existing cabinet boxes, you can completely change the door style, which drastically updates the kitchen appearance.
Q: What is the best type of paint for painting kitchen cabinet doors?
A: For maximum durability, people often use specialized cabinet coatings like self-leveling alkyd enamels or durable waterborne urethane paints. These offer a hard finish that resists chipping better than standard wall paint.
Q: If I measure wrong, can I get new doors quickly?
A: Custom door manufacturers require several weeks for production. If you make a measurement error, you will need to reorder the incorrect door, leading to delays. Always double-check your measurements, or consider purchasing a door template kit if available.