How to Hang Kitchen Cupboard Doors

If your kitchen cupboards are worn or just plain ugly, one way to update them is to replace the cupboard doors. New cupboard doors are relatively inexpensive, and unlike entire cabinets can be installed easily by the average homeowner. Measure your cabinet door openings carefully and then order the doors from a reputable source. Once your cupboard doors arrive, then you can hang them up and enjoy your kitchen's new look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Cupboard doors
• Hinges
• Pencil
• Drill
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Masking tape
• Level

1. Position the hinges two inches from the top and bottom edges of each cabinet door. Mark the holes for the screws and set the hinges aside.

2. Drill pilot holes for the screws, being careful not to drill all the way through the door. Attach the hinges.

3. Hold a door up to the first cabinet opening and center it. Mark the screw holes for the top and bottom hinges.

4. Drill pilot holes in the cabinet facing for the screws and loosely attach the hinges to the cabinet. Adjust the door so that it is centered and level. Tighten the screws.

5. Place masking tape along the top edge of the door and extend it above every other cabinet opening in the line. Use a level to make sure the masking tape is perfectly even.

6. Hold a cabinet door up to the next opening and align it with the masking tape. Mark the holes for the screws.

7. Drill pilot holes and attach the hinges. Adjust the door so that it is level and the same height as the previous door, using the masking tape as a guide. Repeat these steps for each cabinet door.

8. Stand back and look at the cabinet doors after they are all installed to check for overall alignment. Make any necessary adjustments.

Tips & Warnings

• Most cabinet doors should be aligned at the top, but in some cases aligning them at the bottom would look best. Let overall aesthetics be your guide. Place a towel underneath the cabinet doors when you drill the pilot holes to protect the front from scratches.

Resources

• Illustrated Instructions for Installing Cupboard Doors