Replacement Kitchen Doors: Planning Your Refresh

Replacement kitchen doors let you change the fronts of cabinets you already own. A successful refresh starts with checking what is worth keeping, then choosing the right sizes, finish and fitting details.

When does replacing the fronts make sense?

Start with the cabinet boxes. Check that they are secure, square and free from damage that affects their strength or the way the doors fit. Open each drawer and check its runners. Look at the hinges and mounting plates as well as the visible fronts.

If the cabinets are sound and the layout works for you, new doors and drawer fronts can change much of the appearance without replacing every unit. If the boxes are damaged or you need a different layout, investigate those issues before ordering new fronts.

Make a complete front-by-front list

Number each door and drawer on a simple sketch of the kitchen. Measure the existing front edge to edge, recording height, width and quantity in millimetres. Similar-looking fronts are not always the same size. Do not use the cabinet opening measurement or subtract the fitting gaps twice.

Record hinge side from the rear and the distances to the hinge-cup centres. Check any tall doors, appliance fronts and unusual hinge layouts with your fitter or with Frontly before placing an order. Our measuring guide explains the standard drilling measurements.

Choose a style that works across the room

A traditional Shaker door has a defined framed outline. Skinny Shaker gives a slimmer version of that detail. Bevelled Shaker adds an angled inner edge, while slab fronts have a plain face. Compare your actual sizes in the preview, particularly on small cupboards and shallow drawers.

Budget for the whole job

The fronts are one part of the cost. Include handles, replacement hinges if required, finishing materials or a painter's labour, fitting, delivery and any changes to visible end panels or plinths. Reusing serviceable parts can simplify the job, but check compatibility rather than assuming every existing component will fit.

The Frontly builder gives a price for each size and finish, so you can build a realistic door list before committing. Online prices are for the selected fronts; planning the rest of the job remains important.

Allow time for finishing and installation

Online doors are supplied unfinished or primed. Primed doors still need a final decorative finish. Ask about current production and delivery timing before booking a fitter, and include time for the chosen paint system to dry and cure.

Build your replacement-door order, or send Frontly your questions before ordering.