How do I update my kitchen cabinet doors?

Nancy
by Nancy

I want to update my kitchen cabinets. I do not like the old school look of the doors. I wondered if we could order new doors and refinish the boxes?

  14 answers
  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 02, 2018

    Yes! Purchasing new doors and having them installed onto the existing cabinets is called Refacing in the retail and decorating industry. It is a very economical option to getting the look of new cabinets without totally replacing them.


    When you order your new doors, you will also get information and pricing on painting/re-staining (if necessary) any frontal portions of the cabinets that will show. To save money, you can certainly do this yourself.


    The 'new school' look in cabinetry is hidden hinges. If you want to purchase your own knobs and handles, make sure that you have enough on the day of installation. The same person who hangs and adjusts the doors will also drill the holes and put the handles on.

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Sep 02, 2018

    Actually, your cabinets are very handsome. We both know the “elephant” in the room is the white double oven.


    If you’re planning to get rid of the doors anyway, can I suggest you experiment with a less expensive alternative than refacing?

    Strong stainless pulls could very well distract and also make the cabinets look very chic.

    Do a couple of samples by unscrewing your present pulls and using the screw for one end and double-face tape the other end to secure.

    https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/ikea_kitchens/16298/


    Ikea, among others, has very reasonably priced cabinet pulls.


    If you go up to our Proect Search box at top left of this page, type in Paint Wall Oven and consider this option. I’m sure there are pros who would do it for you as well.


    They really are great looking cabinets. So, please, consider other options.

  • I agree with jcraw, maybe you're just tried of looking at em, you could spruce them up a bit without such a big project

  • Bijous Bijous on Sep 02, 2018

    Hi. Buying new doors is always an option. For doors, they run about $35++ USD MDF (manufactured density fiberboard) a piece. Instead invest in under the cabinet lighting (there are plug-ins and battery operated with remote controls, or hard wired), Get a new overhead light and spray paint your knobs and hinges darker oiled bronze. Be sure and seal with at least 3 coats of sealer. Darken the cabinets with a walnut stain and polyurethane in one. Lastly, update your oven. I know it still works, but it's the bride in the room. Wearing white draws the eye right at it. Happy DIY'ing!

  • Archie Archie on Sep 02, 2018

    I agree with the folks above who say you have nice cabinets now.

    New lighting, changed out oven and polished cabinets might make a huge difference.

    If you do change the doors please save the old ones for local craftsmen. They appear to be well made.

  • Jean Thompson Jean Thompson on Sep 02, 2018

    You might be able to refinish the Stove door Fronts... ? but I see that they are Glass so you might not be able to paint them. I like my almond Stove and Fridge.. Hate stainless steel.

    Your Cabinets are Oak... and by adding another piece/pieces of Trim to the doors and staining them you just might save some $$$. Contact local carpenter to get some ideas for the doors.. You could also change the Handles to longer Stainless Steel ones that would sort of mimic the handle on the Fridge or Oven doors..? Remove one door and take it with you to your local Lowes, Home Depot or Menards...and see what is available.

  • CrazyClock CrazyClock on Sep 03, 2018

    Any "before and after" photos for examples? The cabinet doors in that picture are VERY nice with that nice arch detail, and would look fabulous if painted!

  • CrazyClock CrazyClock on Sep 03, 2018

    http://fasipa.com/blog/kitchen-remodeling-safety-tips-you-need-to-know-astounding-tips/


    Similar (different arch style) to your cabinets - great "before and after" photos

  • Jamie Jamie on Nov 03, 2018

    I have the same cabinets.....and I was thinking of a gel stain which keeps the beauty of the wood while doing a little refresh. I am going with java to make them darker. Do get rid of the oven....

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Nov 03, 2018

    I think your doors look quite classic. I would paint them with a chalky paint and a good sealer, I think they will look much better and more updated with paint. I would then add new pulls or knobs to your cabinets. You have great bones for paint!

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Nov 04, 2018

    You can paint them with chalk paint, so you wouldn't have to sand them. You will have to make sure they are cleaned though. I think it could really brighten up your kitchen also with a light, fun color.


  • Dee Dee on Nov 04, 2018

    I like your doors, you can sand them down and restain them which is quicker than painting them and easier to do. Or you can sand them, prime them, paint them etc. to a color of your choice.

    Add new updated knobs and handles.

  • J B Davis J B Davis on Sep 09, 2023

    Moved into 1960 rancher with a pool cue stick cabinet built into a brick wall. The room is used now as a family room. Looking for ideas to update the cabinet and make it functional.

  • Deb K Deb K on Sep 10, 2023

    Hi Nancy, i love chalk paint for this!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktBXOi9_vXo