How to Replace Old Cabinet Doors in a Kitchen
Replacing cabinet doors in a kitchen is a fairly easy project that can make a remarkable difference in the look of your kitchen. Measuring carefully and placing the hardware correctly are the hardest parts of the job. Replacing the doors on one eight-foot section of cabinets should take no more than an afternoon, but the job is easier if you have a helper to hold the doors in place while you screw them on. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Replacement doors
- Tape measure
- Hinges
- Pencil
- Drill and 1/16 bits
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Masking tape
- Door hardware
Instructions
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1
Remove the old cabinet doors. Reserve and clean the hardware if you plan to re-use it.
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2
Screw hinges onto the backs of the new doors. Measure two inches from the top and the bottom and drill shallow pilot holes where the screws will be placed. Screw the hinges onto the doors.
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3
Mark a straight line on the cabinet above the opening. You will line the tops of the doors up on this marking, so make sure it's straight and is where you want the tops of the doors to be. Use masking tape to mark the line.
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4
Hold a door in place by lining the top up with the masking tape and the side up with the side of the opening. Mark where the hinges will be attached to the frame of the opening. Drill pilot holes for the screws.
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5
Hang the door by holding the door in place and installing the screws in the pilot holes you drilled on the cabinet.
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6
Repeat these steps until all of the new cabinet doors are hung. Remove the masking tape and install the hardware.
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Tips & Warnings
Doors that are taller than 30 inches should have a third hinge centered between the top and bottom hinges. Make sure you attach the hinges to the side of the door opposite the door handle. Paint the new doors before you hang them. Make sure each door is lined up properly before you drill holes or attach screws.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Augie Schwer/Flickr.com
