How To Prep Existing Cabinets for New Doors

If you're tired of the look or style of your current cabinets, consider investing in new cabinet doors for your old cabinet boxes. This is a cost-effective way to elevate the look and feel of your cabinets for a fraction of the cost of a remodel. However, before you take this approach, you'll want to learn how to clean, repair, and measure for cabinet door replacements. Here's everything you need to know:

Can You Put New Cabinet Doors on Old Cabinets?

Yes, you can attach new cabinet doors to your existing cabinet boxes if the boxes are sturdy and undamaged. This is a quick, innovative way to achieve a refreshed look at an affordable cost. However, before you take this approach, you'll want to fully assess the current cabinet boxes to determine whether they need to be replaced.

Step-by-Step Guide to Placing New Cabinet Doors on Old Cabinets

Ready to get started? Use the guide below to install new kitchen cabinet doors on your existing cabinet boxes. 

Step 1: Inspect the Cabinet Boxes (Before You Measure or Order)

The first step is to assess the cabinet boxes. Check for warping from water damage, swollen particleboard, or loose face frames. These imperfections can prevent your new cabinet doors from fitting perfectly when they arrive. 

You also want to ensure that the cabinet openings are not out of square before ordering new doors. This can lead to uneven gaps and inconsistencies when installing new doors on old cabinets. 

Here's a checklist you can use to guide you through the first step in the process: 

• Check for joint movement 
• Check for swollen or soft wood 
• Ensure the cabinet opening is not out of square
• Assess for water damage
• Check the cabinet boxes positioned next to the dishwasher or sink 

Step 2: Measure and Plan Your Door Overlay

If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, it's time to move on to the measuring phase. Before you proceed, you'll want to determine whether you're investing in face-frame or frameless cabinet doors. 

If the cabinet door has a face frame, measure the overlay relative to the door, not the cabinet box. The overlay is measured from the cabinet box edge for frameless cabinets.

Next, you'll want to determine the overlay. A full overlay is ideal for frameless cabinet doors. It offers a seamless look, making it ideal for modern home designs. Partial overlays are more suited for face-frame cabinet doors and have a more traditional appearance. Whatever overlay you choose, it's best to stay consistent to maintain a harmonious look.

Once the cabinet door type and overlay are determined, you can get accurate measurements for your cabinet door replacements. For help on measuring, explore our guide to measuring cabinet doors for more information. 

Step 3: Remove Old Doors, Hinges & Hardware

When your new doors arrive, remove the old doors, hinges, and hardware from the cabinet boxes. Do this carefully to avoid stripping holes or causing unwanted damage to the cabin door boxes. After removing the door from the box, label the hinge positions with tape or a marker so you know where to reinstall them on the new doors. You'll also want to assess the hinges' integrity and decide whether to keep or replace them. If you decide to replace them, consider upgrading to soft-close hinges or concealed hinges.

Step 4: Make Small Repairs

Even if your cabinet boxes are in mint condition, you may still need to make a few repairs. These repairs should be made before your cabinet door replacements arrive, to ensure a seamless fit. Some repairs you may need to make or check for include: 

• Repair stripped screw holes 
• Tighten any loose or wobbly joints
• Fix and check for any misalignments 

These adjustments will help ensure the doors can be installed without misalignment. 

Step 5: Clean and Prep Surfaces 

The last step before installing new cabinet doors is to clean and prepare the surfaces. Clean the cabinet boxes with a gentle soap and warm water to remove any dirt and grime from the surface. You may also need to use a degreaser on cabinet boxes near the stove. 

Lastly, touch up light scuffs and any noticeable dents, holes, or other damage. This step is especially important if you plan to paint the cabinets to match the cabinet door replacements.  

A Little Prep Makes New Cabinet Doors Look Like a Full Remodel

If your cabinet door boxes are still in good condition, ordering new door replacements is a highly effective alternative to a home remodel. This is a highly effective way to achieve a refreshed look for an affordable price. 

If you're adding cabinets to your existing kitchen, CabinetDoors.com is here to help. We have over 300 styles available in various materials, colors, and wood types. We also have a collection of resources to measure and install your new cabinet doors. 

Explore our collection of cabinet door styles today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 1/3 rule for cabinets?

The 1/3 rule for cabinets is that the cabinet pulls should be placed one-third of the way from the edge of the cabinet or drawer front. This design technique helps you maintain a balanced, proportional look.

How to prep a kitchen for new cabinet doors?

The first step to prep a kitchen for new cabinet doors is to clean the cabinet boxes with warm water and a gentle soap. You'll want to correct any visible hardware holes, dents, or damage. Once the surfaces are cleaned and prepped, you can paint or stain the cabinet boxes to match the new doors.

How to easily update old cabinets?

The quickest and most efficient way to update old cabinets is by investing in cabinet door replacements. Replacements are easy to install and available in a variety of styles.