Why Replacing Cabinet Doors Is Better Than a Full Remodel

Just because your current cabinet doors are outdated or show signs of wear and tear doesn't mean you have to commit to a full home renovation. Home renovation projects are expensive and time-consuming. You would have to dedicate weeks, or potentially months, to complete the project, and your kitchen would likely be unusable during that time.

If you don't have the time or money to commit to a full remodel, just replace the cabinet doors instead. Cabinet door replacement is one of the easiest ways to refresh your kitchen without changing the existing cabinet boxes. Replacement cabinet doors are custom-crafted from high-quality materials and available in a variety of traditional and modern styles. In this article, we'll teach you how to achieve a kitchen remodel without replacing the cabinets and why replacement cabinet doors are often the smarter investment.

Cabinet Door Replacement vs. Full Kitchen Remodel: What's the Difference?

A full kitchen cabinet remodel involves replacing existing cabinetry, countertops, flooring, or appliances, or all of the above. The process is time-consuming and requires major construction. Depending on the size of the remodel, you may also need to hire a contractor to handle the timeline and installation process. 

With cabinet door replacements, the current cabinetry and layout remain the same, but the cabinet doors are replaced. During the process, homeowners may also replace the drawer fronts and the cabinet. This is a more straightforward approach that can still provide a dramatic transformation. 

Cabinet Door Replacement	Full Kitchen Cabinet Remodel
Lower overall cost	Higher investment
Existing cabinet boxes remain	Cabinet boxes are replaced
Faster project timeline	Longer construction timeline
Minimal disruption	Major construction
DIY-friendly for many homeowners	Often requires contractors

When Existing Cabinet Boxes Can Be Reused

If the cabinet boxes don't show any major signs of wear and tear, and you currently like the layout of your kitchen, cabinet door replacements are a good alternative to a full remodel. Before ordering custom-built cabinet doors, inspect your cabinet boxes for moisture damage, warping, or loose construction to ensure they're still in good condition. 

Why Replace Cabinet Doors Instead of a Full Kitchen Cabinet Remodel 

There are many advantages to choosing cabinet door replacement over a full kitchen cabinet remodel. Here's what you can look forward to if you decide to take this approach:

Save Thousands Compared to a Full Kitchen Cabinet Remodel

A full kitchen cabinet remodel is a significant investment. Even if you have a set budget, unexpected plumbing, electrical, or structural issues can quickly increase costs.  

With cabinet door replacement, you're replacing only the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, not the cabinet boxes, making it much easier to plan your budget. For many homeowners, cabinet door replacement is one of the most affordable ways to update the appearance of a kitchen.

Complete Your Kitchen Cabinet Renovation Faster

Replacement cabinet doors are the quickest and most streamlined way to completely transform your kitchen. If you order finished cabinet doors, you can install them the same day. Unfinished cabinet doors will require 3 to 7 days of DIY work, but it's still quicker than a 1 to 2 months kitchen cabinet renovation project. 

Avoid the Mess and Stress of Major Construction

A full kitchen cabinet remodel can be stressful for your whole family. There may be days when your kitchen isn't usable, making meal preparation difficult. Major remodeling projects also create dust, debris, and construction noise.

Cabinet door replacement, on the other hand, allows homeowners to update the look of their kitchen with far less disruption.

Achieve a Remodeled Look Without Rebuilding the Entire Kitchen

If you already like the current layout in your kitchen and don't plan to move the cabinets around, replacement doors are likely a better approach. And with cabinet door refacing, you won't need to rebuild or move appliances and cabinets. It's quick, streamlined, and hassle-free.

Is Cabinet Door Replacement Right for Your Kitchen?

If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and your current kitchen layout still meets your needs, cabinet door replacement may be the right choice. Rather than investing in an entirely new kitchen cabinet remodel, many homeowners can dramatically improve the appearance of their kitchen by ordering custom-built cabinet doors and matching drawer fronts. This approach provides the updated look of remodeled kitchen cabinets while avoiding the cost and disruption of replacing the cabinet boxes.

How Cabinet Door Replacement Can Transform Your Kitchen

Just because you're only ordering replacements doesn't mean you can't completely transform your space. With this approach, you can revive the look of your kitchen without entirely remodeling your kitchen cabinets. Here's how:

Update Outdated Cabinet Styles

Switching from a traditional aesthetic to a modern design? Ready to transform your kitchen into the cottage interior of your dreams? When you replace cabinet doors, you can switch to new cabinet door styles that better complement  your design preferences. 

Refresh Your Kitchen With New Colors and Finishes

Cabinet door replacements are completely customizable. You can get playful with different painted finishes or maintain a traditional look with different wood species and stains. Whether you prefer a timeless stained wood finish or a clean painted look, you can order cabinet doors that match your design vision.

Upgrade Hardware for an Even Bigger Impact

When installing replacement cabinet doors, consider upgrading the existing hardware as well. A great modern upgrade that will help extend the longevity of your current cabinets is installing soft-close hinges. Soft-close hinges help eliminate noise and increase the lifespan of your cabinet doors. You can also consider switching your outdated bar pulls and door knobs for a more modern style. 

When a Full Kitchen Remodel May Be Necessary

While cabinet door replacement is often the most practical solution, there are situations where a complete kitchen cabinet remodel makes more sense.

Damaged or Poorly Built Cabinet Boxes

Replacement cabinet doors won't fix cabinets that are beyond repair. If your cabinet boxes show signs of water or structural damage, it might be time to plan a full kitchen cabinet remodel. 

You Want to Change the Layout of Your Kitchen

If you're tired of your current kitchen layout or want to switch to an open design, you may want to plan for a full remodel. With a full kitchen cabinet renovation, you can move appliances, reconfigure storage, and completely transform the entire layout and design. 

Multiple Elements Need Updating

If you want to replace the look of your flooring, countertops, and light fixtures, it's better to consider a full kitchen cabinet remodel. This way, you can ensure all design components work together to help you build the kitchen of your dreams. 

Upgrade Your Kitchen for Less With CabinetDoors.com

If you don't have the time or budget for a full kitchen cabinet renovation, you can't go wrong with cabinet door replacements. Replacements are a cost-effective alternative that provides a lasting visual impact.

CabinetDoors.com has been manufacturing custom-built cabinet doors since 1980 and ships throughout the continental United States. As one of the largest cabinet door manufacturers in the western U.S., we build replacement cabinet doors for homeowners, retailers, and cabinet shops, drawing on decades of manufacturing experience.  

Our custom-built cabinet doors and drawer fronts are manufactured to the exact measurements you provide for a seamless fit. Every door style is available in multiple wood species and a variety of finish options, making it easy to order cabinet doors that complement your home's style.

Ready to replace cabinet doors without investing in a full kitchen cabinet remodel? Shop our cabinet doors today.

FAQs

Will replacing cabinet doors make my kitchen look remodeled?

Yes, cabinet door replacement can completely transform the look and feel of a space for a fraction of the cost of replacing the cabinet boxes. 

How do you remodel kitchen cabinets?

One of the easiest ways to remodel kitchen cabinets is by replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. If you decide to fully remodel the cabinetry, consider working with a contractor to help you finalize a layout, explore new cabinet box materials, and discuss electrical or plumbing work.

Is cabinet door replacement worth it?

If your cabinet boxes are still in good condition, cabinet door replacement is one of the most cost-effective ways to update your kitchen's appearance. It allows homeowners to achieve the look of remodeled kitchen cabinets without the expense and disruption of replacing the cabinet boxes.

What is the most expensive part of redoing a kitchen?

Replacing cabinet boxes is typically one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel. Most homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to$ $1,200 per linear foot to replace the cabinet boxes. You'll also need to consider the cost of labor, countertops, flooring, appliances, plumbing, and electrical/gas line work.