If your current cabinets are structurally sound but look worn or outdated, cabinet door replacement is a great option to refresh a kitchen or workspace. Changing the cabinet doors and upgrading the hardware while keeping the existing cabinet boxes in place allows you to update the look without the cost of a full cabinet replacement.
Cabinet door replacement costs typically range from $4,000 and $6,000 or greater for a medium to large kitchen, but the actual cost depends on the type of wood you choose, the door style, the finish, and any custom details added to the project. In this guide, you’ll learn how much cabinet doors cost and the steps involved in the cabinet door installation process.
Cabinet door replacement refers to removing the existing cabinet doors and replacing them with new ones while keeping the cabinet box in place. While this sounds simple, it takes planning, time, and skill to complete the job properly. It is, however, much more efficient and cost-effective than replacing the entire cabinet, which requires removing the cabinet boxes and installing brand new ones.
Cabinet door replacement is only an option if the cabinet boxes are in good condition and structurally stable. If they’re damaged, then a full cabinet replacement is the best option.
The main factors that affect the cost to replace cabinet doors are the cabinet material and door complexity, along with the finish options and any hardware upgrades. Hardwoods typically cost more than engineered hardwood or MDF cabinet doors. Simple styles keep costs down, as will basic hardware. Choosing to upgrade to concealed hinges adds to the total but also results in doors that function more smoothly.
To get the most accurate price, request a quote from the cabinet manufacturer. Eagle Woodworking offers an easy-to-use online quote system where you can input the type of cabinet door, measurements, and quantity, and you’ll receive a clear cost estimate.
Cabinet door pricing depends on the material you choose. Cabinet doors typically cost between $15 and $80, but can reach $200 or more depending on the material and size. The finest-grade hardwoods will fall on the higher end of the cost spectrum because of their superior aesthetics and durability, while paint-grade woods will be at the lower end. MDF and engineered hardwood will be the most affordable options, though they won’t be as durable as hardwoods.
Cabinet door wood types also vary in their grain pattern. Maple, for instance, has a smooth grain pattern that makes it well-suited for paint or stain, while oak’s pronounced grain works best with stain.
The cabinet door cost is also directly related to how detailed the door style and profile are. Style details like a Shaker or raised panel cabinet door affect the amount of time it takes to machine and assemble the door. The more time it takes, the more it will cost. The edge profile also affects machining time, and more complex profiles raise the cost of the door.
Another design factor to consider is whether you want inset versus overlay doors. Inset doors cost more than overlay doors because they require more precision to build and install, so they fit perfectly in the cabinet frame. Overlay and partial overlay doors offer more flexibility during construction and are faster to install.
Cabinet doors can be unfinished, but some companies also offer paint or stain services. At Eagle Woodworking, we build unfinished doors and offer the option for a single or double coat of primer. Painted cabinet doors cost, on average, 10% to 15% more than stained doors because the finish requires additional labor and multiple coats of paint. Unfinished doors will be the least expensive, but you’ll have to finish them yourself or find a local finisher, which adds to the labor and timeline requirements. There are generally plenty of small companies providing finish services in most local areas.
Installing cabinet doors may take some trial and error, but once you get the hang of it, the process speeds up. While installing cabinet doors can be a DIY job, it’s important to plan ahead because the full timeline spans over a few weeks when you account for measuring, ordering, receiving, and installing the doors.
To install cabinet doors, you should be comfortable using a screw gun and drill bits to achieve the best results. Before beginning, remove items from the cabinets and choose a spot for the old doors after removal.
Cabinet door installation includes four main steps, starting with taking accurate measurements and ordering the doors. The next steps are removing the old doors and preparing the cabinet boxes. The last step is installing the cabinet doors and hardware and using the hinge’s alignment screws to make any adjustments.
Follow this cabinet door installation guide for a clear overview of each step.
Before you begin, gather your tools and materials. These include:
Tools:
Materials:
Before removing every door, you need to measure the cabinet doors and order the new ones. Using the existing doors, record the measurements for the order. If you’re changing the door style or the overlay, remove the existing door and measure the cabinet opening. Choose hardware that corresponds to the desired overlay style. Eagle Woodworking’s lead time is 1–2 weeks, which gives you time to tackle the next two steps.
To preserve the existing cabinet box, carefully remove the old doors by unscrewing the hinges. If you plan to reuse the hardware, remove it from the doors and set it aside for installation on the new doors.
If the cabinet doors have a reveal that shows the face frame or cabinet box, then you’ll need to either repaint the cabinet boxes to match the new doors or apply veneer that matches the new door stain. Before you install the veneer, clean the face frame with TSP or denatured alcohol. Use rubber gloves and a face mask for this step to avoid breathing in cleaning supplies fumes.
Fill in holes with wood filler and allow it to dry. Lightly sand the finish and wipe it clean. This will help the veneer or paint adhere better.
Before you install the doors on the cabinet box, you need to install the hinges. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to drill the hinge cup in the right position on the cabinet doors. Some manufacturers predrill these holes, but for others, you’ll have to follow the hinge boring instructions. Place the hinge in position, predrill the screw holes, and then secure the hinge with the provided screws.
When that’s finished, install the cabinet side of the hinge and attach the two hinge pieces together.
Use your tape measure to check the reveal around each door and make adjustments using the alignment screws on the hinge. Open and close the doors a few times to check for any issues. Once the hinge screws are tightened and the doors operate smoothly, you’re done.
A full cabinet replacement can be a major part of any remodeling project. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average cost for a mid-range major kitchen remodel is nearly $80,000, but typically returns less than 50% of that cost at resale.
Cabinet door replacement, on the other hand, can be as low as $2,000 and $2,500 for a small kitchen and can rise to $10,000 on the higher end. Even with professional installation, custom cabinet door pricing can still come in lower than removing the existing cabinets and replacing them with new ones.
Cabinet door styles, panel types and materials are all factors in the overall cost of cabinet door replacement.
Types of cabinet doors include:
Center panel style plays a meaningful role in both the visual direction and the overall cost of cabinetry. Flat panel cabinet doors are currently the more popular option, aligning with contemporary and transitional design trends. Because of their widespread appeal, flat panel cabinets are more likely to maintain their value over time, making them a safer long-term investment from both a design and resale perspective.
Raised panel cabinet doors offer a more traditional aesthetic, but they come with important cost considerations—particularly for stained finishes. Raised center panels require solid wood construction, which eliminates the ability to substitute more stable and cost-effective veneer materials. As a result, stained raised-panel doors typically carry a higher price point driven by material requirements rather than design complexity alone.
As you compare materials, keep your budget and project needs in mind. When it comes to cabinet pricing, the material used in the door—especially the center panel—has a significant impact on both cost and long-term performance. While many homeowners assume solid wood automatically signals higher quality, that belief often leads to unnecessary expense and, in some cases, reduced durability.
For painted cabinet doors, MDF center panels are the industry standard, even when the surrounding frame is hardwood. MDF does not expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity, which makes it far less prone to cracking through the paint over time. It also delivers a smoother finish and comes at a lower cost than solid wood, making it both a durable and budget-conscious choice.
For stained cabinetry, veneer panels are commonly used as an alternative to solid wood. Veneer provides the look of real wood while being more stable and more affordable. Because it experiences less movement than solid wood, it tends to hold up better over time. Veneer is typically limited to flat center panels, but for many designs, it offers an ideal balance of appearance, performance, and cost.
Solid wood center panels are the most expensive option and often the least stable. Natural expansion and contraction can lead to warping or cracking, particularly in stained applications. While solid wood is sometimes perceived as the highest-quality choice, it is primarily necessary only for raised center panels on stained doors. In those cases, the higher cost is driven by design requirements rather than improved durability.
Ultimately, cabinet materials play a major role in determining overall cost. MDF and veneer panels frequently outperform solid wood in stability and value, helping control budgets while delivering better long-term results. Making informed material choices allows homeowners to invest in what truly matters—rather than paying more for materials that do not necessarily perform better.
|
Material |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Maple |
Highly durable and works well with paint or stain |
Doesn’t work as well with dark stain |
|
Oak |
Classic bold wood grain. Widely available. Resists wear |
At the higher end of the cost range. Can appear dated in some kitchen designs |
|
Cherry |
Naturally patinas over time for a beautiful aged look |
Not as durable as other hardwoods and is more prone to dents and scratches |
|
Walnut |
Deep rich tones that create a dramatic look |
One of the most expensive hardwoods |
|
Poplar |
Ideal for painted finishes |
Not as durable as other options and inconsistent wood coloring |
|
MDF |
Ideal for painted finishes and budget projects |
Doesn’t offer the aesthetics that natural hardwood does |
While installing cabinet doors can be a DIY job, the process involves multiple steps and can be time-consuming. Professional cabinet door replacement is a good option for homeowners who don’t have the time or the tools to complete the job.
Professional installers are experienced at taking accurate measurements, reducing ordering mistakes. They can also offer design guidance to help you choose the right type of cabinet door, wood species, hinges, and door pulls. Professional cabinet door installation is often faster than DIY installation, so you can get back to using your space quickly. Eagle Woodworking’s professional-grade craftsmanship gives you the advantage of consistent quality and allows you to achieve the exact fit.
To finalize your cabinet door replacement plan, consider your budget and project goals. These factors will help guide your material, door style, and finish selections. Take a look at your project timeline to decide when you’ll need to have the cabinet doors at the site and ready to install. Work backward from that date to order the doors and any other materials, like hardware and paint or stain. Factoring in these lead times helps the project run smoothly.
Custom cabinet doors breathe new life into a kitchen, bathroom, custom built-in, or workspace without the cost and mess of full cabinet replacement. Made to fit your specifications, custom doors are a great option for projects of any size. If you need professional support, contact Eagle Woodworking to learn about our custom cabinet doors and manufacturing process and to discuss your project and timeline.
Each step of the cabinet door installation process usually takes between one and three days, but these days are divided between the first steps (measuring and ordering) and the later steps (installing the doors and hardware). Lead time for cabinet doors from Eagle Woodworking is between 1 and 2 weeks, which is faster than the industry standard for custom doors.
In between the time that you measure the doors and they arrive, you can prep the cabinet boxes by cleaning them and either painting or applying a wood veneer to the face frames. After the doors are installed, you can spend a couple of hours adjusting the doors for an even reveal and to make sure they don’t rub on each other or the face frame.
If your existing hinges are in good condition, you can potentially reuse them. The same goes for the door pulls. But if the hinges or hardware have visible wear or damage, then it makes more sense to upgrade the hardware along with the new doors.
Eagle Woodworking’s standard lead time is 1–2 weeks for custom cabinet doors. These lead times may be extended if there are mistakes on the order. To confirm scheduling, you can speak with a representative from Eagle Woodworking.