How To Measure For Replacement Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Replacing kitchen cabinet doors can be a great way to give your kitchen a quick and easy update. However, before you start shopping for new doors, it’s important to measure your existing cabinets to ensure that you get the right size and style.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Remove the Old Doors

Before you can measure for your new doors, you’ll need to remove the old ones. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the doors in place, and then gently pull the doors off the hinges.

Step 2: Measure the Width and Height of the Cabinet Opening

Using a tape measure, measure the width and height of the cabinet opening where the door was installed. Be sure to measure from the inside of the cabinet frame, rather than the outside edges.

Step 3: Measure the Thickness of the Cabinet Frame

Measure the thickness of the cabinet frame to ensure that your new doors will fit snugly. This is especially important if you’re purchasing inset cabinet doors, which fit inside the cabinet frame rather than over it.

Step 4: Determine the Overlay

Overlay refers to the amount of the cabinet frame that is covered by the door. There are three common overlay styles:

• Full Overlay: The door completely covers the cabinet frame, leaving only a small gap between doors.
• Partial Overlay: The door covers only part of the cabinet frame, leaving a larger gap between doors.
• Inset: The door fits inside the cabinet frame, with no overlay.

Determine the overlay style of your current doors and use this to select your new doors.

Step 5: Choose Your New Doors

Once you have all of your measurements, it’s time to choose your new doors. There are many styles and materials to choose from, so take your time and select doors that fit your style and budget.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Measure twice to ensure accuracy.
2. Consider upgrading to soft close hinges for a quieter kitchen.
3. Choose a style that complements your existing cabinet boxes.
4. Consider upgrading to glass or frosted glass doors to add visual interest.
5. Don’t forget to measure the height and width of any drawers that need new fronts.
6. Consider using a professional installer for a seamless look.
7. Choose a material that fits your lifestyle – for example, solid wood is durable but may require more maintenance than laminate.
8. Don’t forget to measure the thickness of the cabinet frame.
9. Consider adding new hardware to complete the look.
10. Order samples before making a final decision to ensure that you’re happy with the color and finish.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Quick and easy way to update your kitchen.
• Cost-effective compared to a full kitchen remodel.
• Wide variety of styles and materials to choose from.
• Can be a DIY project for those with some experience.

Cons:

• May not be able to replace doors with unique or custom sizes.
• May need to replace hinges and other hardware to ensure a proper fit.
• Some materials may require more maintenance than others.
• May not solve underlying issues with the cabinet boxes or layout.

Personal Review and Suggestion

I recently replaced my kitchen cabinet doors and was very happy with the results. I chose a simple shaker style in a light wood finish, which complemented my existing cabinet boxes nicely. I also upgraded to soft close hinges, which has made a big difference in the noise level in my kitchen. I found measuring to be fairly easy, but I did have to order a few samples before making my final decision.

Question & Answer

Q: How do I know if I need full overlay or partial overlay doors?

A: Measure the distance between the edge of the cabinet frame and the edge of the door when it’s closed. If the gap is less than 1/2 inch, you likely have full overlay doors. If the gap is larger than 1/2 inch, you likely have partial overlay doors.

FAQs

Q: Can I replace just one or two cabinet doors?

A: Yes, you can replace as many or as few doors as you like. Just be sure to measure each individual opening and order the correct size for each door.

Q: Do I need to remove the entire cabinet to replace the doors?

A: No, you only need to remove the doors themselves to measure for new ones. However, if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you may want to hire a professional installer to ensure a proper fit.