Replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts is an easy, inexpensive way to revitalize your kitchen or bathroom. It can create an all-new look and feel for your space without a complete overhaul. Cabinet refacing might be all it takes to elevate and improve your space. You can even make these changes on your own to save on professional installation costs.
If you plan to install new drawer fronts on your own, you'll need to make sure they line up and stay in place. Proper installation will ensure your cabinet drawer fronts look beautiful and last for many years to come. If you're new to home renovation projects, you may not know where to start. Use this step-by-step guide to make your do-it-yourself drawer front installation a success. We'll provide the instructions and tips you need to make the process simple and easy.
DRAWER FRONT INSTALLATION METHOD THAT WORKS
Several methods are available for installing new drawer fronts, but many professionals agree that using double-sided carpet tape is the quickest, most reliable method. The tape will secure the drawer front to the drawer as you put in the permanent screws. This way, you'll be able to keep the drawer front from slipping out of place. Read on to learn how to use this technique for your drawer front installation.
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR INSTALLING DRAWER FRONTS
Before you can begin the installation process, you'll have to gather all the necessary materials. Here are the tools you'll need for successful drawer front installation:
- Double-sided carpet tape
- A drill
- Drill bits
- Wood screws
- Your chosen hardware pieces
Though not required, you might also benefit from having the following tools:
- A level tool to double-check your alignment
- Adjustable drawer front screws, so you can make small alignment shifts
- Spacers or shims to correct alignment errors
- A woodworking drill jig to keep drilled holes consistent
- Metal corner brackets for easier securing
Be sure to check out the tips and tricks section below for helpful hints and alternate strategies before starting your project. You may have an easier time using specific tools or techniques.
DRAWER FRONT INSTALLATION STEPS
Once you've collected the supplies you need, you can get started on the installation process. Follow the six steps outlined below for the best results. If you find yourself with any questions regarding installation, feel free to contact us for help.
STEP 1: PRE-DRILL HOLES
First, you'll need to pre-drill two holes about 3/4" to 1" from the drawer box's outside edges. Drill from the inside of the drawer box to the outside. This is where the drawer box and drawer front will attach to each other. Be cautious as you pre-drill holes, as the angle, depth and placement are all important.
Be sure to measure the thickness of both the drawer front and drawer box in order to choose the right length of screws. Screws that are too long can poke through and damage your drawer front. In general, most drawer boxes measure 1/2" to 5/8" and most drawer fronts are 3/4" thick. If you're using a Shaker or recess panel drawer front, you'll need to hit the stiles at the right angle. The stiles are the drawer front's vertical frame. You'll want to avoid poking through your drawer front's recess panel, as it sits further back than the rest of the piece.
STEP 2: CUT AND APPLY THE TAPE
Once you've pre-drilled your holes for connection, you'll be ready to apply the double-sided tape. Cut four pieces of the double-sided carpet tape — they need not be the same size, but make sure they're small enough to hide behind the drawer front. Apply the tape pieces to your drawer box's front side, near the outside edges. The tape will keep the drawer front adhered to the cabinet drawer, ensuring a secure hold while you apply the screws. Without tape, your drawer front might slip out of alignment as you drill, resulting in a crooked installation.
STEP 3: DETERMINE AND MARK PROPER ALIGNMENT
It's important to predetermine an even drawer front alignment before you start securing the piece in place. If the alignment is off, the overall visual appeal may suffer and the functionality might decline. If you're refacing multiple drawers, well-matched alignment will make the end result look professional and pleasing to the eye. For proper alignment, you can use several methods.
TIPS FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT
Aligning a drawer front might be tricky, but the following tips can help. You might use spaces or shims on the drawer's bottom. Shims are small, tapered wedges that are important for woodworking projects. They allow for minor tweaks and better precision without perfect initial measurements.
You can also use elements of the cabinet frame to help with your alignment. Most drawer fronts have a 1/2" overlay on the cabinet frame. With a bit of masking tape, you could mark 1/2'' from the edges of the cabinet opening on all four sides of the frame. This can make proper alignment much easier, as you will not have to rely on your eyes alone. Estimating the right alignment is likely to result in an off-center drawer front.
If you have a level, use it on your drawer front's top and side edges. If your alignment is accurate, the level will show a stable reading. This will help you make any minor adjustments for a professional-looking finish.
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STEP 4: SECURE THE DRAWER FRONT
When you feel confident in your alignment, you'll be ready to secure the drawer front. Press it into place, allowing the double-sided tape to adhere to both pieces. For a strong attachment, take two proper-length screws and drill them through the two holes you made in the drawer box. This will solidify the connection so your drawer front will remain fastened long-term. Double-sided tape, on its own, is not strong enough to hold the drawer front forever.
STEP 5: TEST THE DRAWER
Once you've secured and screwed the drawer front in place, give it a test. Open and close the drawer a few times, making sure the alignment is correct and the movement is smooth. It might also help to take a few steps back and look at the drawer from a distance — like you'd do after hanging up a painting to make sure it's straight. You could also use your level tool and double-check the drawer front's level.
If you realize the alignment is not quite right, no worries! All you have to do is remove the screws, readjust the piece and drill again. If you use adjustable screws, you can reuse the same oversized holes rather than drilling a second time. Since you'll see no signs of the screws from the front of the drawer, you can do this a few times if needed. However, you may need to replace the double-sided tape, which might lose some of its adhesion.
STEP 6: ADD THE HARDWARE PIECES
Now you can add the finishing touches, including any hardware pieces. Stylish hardware can redefine the drawer's look, making a subtle yet significant impact on the room's overall style and feel. For instance, rustic hardware can help create a homey, down-to-Earth atmosphere, while shiny brass elements may evoke feelings of luxury and sophistication. Simple, unassuming hardware pieces will allow you to create focal points elsewhere.
As you get ready to add on hardware pieces, be sure to mark down measurements. Write these down so you can make each drawer's hardware symmetrical. Follow any installation instructions specific to each piece. You'll want to test the drawer to make sure the hardware serves its purpose. Keep in mind that readjusting hardware after you place it may be more risky and challenging than readjusting a drawer front. Your first attempt might leave behind a mark. Always triple-check the placement before you secure the hardware in place.
INSTALLATION TIPS AND TRICKS
DIY projects are a little easier if you have some insider information. Here are a few tips and tricks for fixing drawer fronts to drawers. Using these methods can help you get the best possible results.
1. USE A WOODWORKING JIG
Using a woodworking jig can help simplify the installation process. Woodworkers use jigs to improve efficiency and uniformity. Specifically, you'll need a drill jig. A drill jig is a tool that ensures straight, even-depth and well-centered holes by centering and guiding a hand drill. It helps keep results consistent by providing precise measurements, allowing you to control the hole's depth and insertion angle. You'll have an easier time drilling only as deep as necessary, reducing the risk of damaging the drawer front.
All you have to do is attach the jig to the drawer box, slide the drawer front into place and then secure it by drilling the screws. It's still a good idea to use a level, so you can make sure your angles are straight. If you plan to take on any woodworking projects in the future, investing in a tool like a jig can save you time and help create more professional results.
2. USE ADJUSTABLE DRAWER FRONT SCREWS
Adjustable drawer front screws are helpful, as they allow you to make small alignment adjustments. They create oversized holes, so you can loosen them, readjust the drawer front alignment and then re-tighten them. This is especially helpful for woodworking novices, whose first alignment attempts might be a bit off. The ability to reuse the same drill holes reduces the odds of damaging the products.
3. USE METAL CORNER BRACKETS
After you've aligned your drawer front, you might want to install thin metal corner brackets. A corner bracket, as the name implies, secures two pieces at their intersection with its capital "L" shape. With your drawer front aligned, a corner bracket will allow you to secure it into place. You'll insert screws into the backside of the drawer front and the side of the drawer box, connecting them to each other. Make sure your screws are short enough not to poke through the drawer front. You could use a drill jig to help control the screw's depth.
It may take a little trial and error, but once you find the installation method that works best for you, you'll have beautiful drawer fronts to revitalize the look of your kitchen, bathroom or other space. The difference simple drawer fronts can make for interior design might surprise you.
WHY CHOOSE CABINET DOORS 'N' MORE DRAWER FRONTS?
If you're looking to revamp your kitchen or bathroom, consider using replacement parts from Cabinet Doors 'N' More. We offer high-quality, durable, customizable cabinet parts including cabinet doors and drawers, drawer fronts, end panels and shelves. With our selection, you can change a room's look and feel without having to replace entire cabinets.
HOW TO SELECT REPLACEMENT DRAWER FRONTS
If your current drawer fronts have seen better days or conflict with your style preferences, you might think about replacing them. Following the do-it-yourself installation guide above, you can save on professional installation costs. Choose the right drawer fronts for your aesthetic goals and needs by considering the different features you'd prefer, including the material, style and color. Here at Cabinet Doors 'N' More, we offer the following options in those categories:
1. DRAWER FRONT MATERIALS
Different drawer front materials have various merits to keep in mind. You can choose from either solid wood, rigid thermofoil (RTF) or medium density fiberboard (MDF). Solid wood is sturdy, long-lasting and beautiful. You can choose from a variety of wood species, depending on your taste.
RTF is a synthetic material that mimics wood. It's non-porous, so it's durable and stain-resistant. MDF is an engineered wood product that is combined with resin into a dense, strong wood material. It's perfect for painting any color you prefer. Any of these three materials can elevate your existing cabinets.
2. DRAWER FRONT STYLES
You'll also have to consider your style preference for your cabinet drawer fronts. In solid wood, RTF, and MDF options, you can choose from a few different styles:
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Raised panel:You might choose a raised panel drawer front option, which will add a bit of texture to your row of cabinets. Some three-dimensional depth adds a subtle charm.
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Recess panel:The opposite option would be a recess panel drawer front, which adds a bit of depth. The room's lighting will create subtle shadows against the drawer's front in this design.
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Slab:If you'd prefer to draw the eye's attention elsewhere, you might opt for a simple slab drawer front. These are most effective if you have an eye-catching piece of hardware that you'd like to take center stage. Sometimes, less is more.
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3. DRAWER FRONT COLORS
Once you've selected material and style for your fronts to drawer boxes, you'll be able to choose your wood species or color option. Hardwood cabinet drawer fronts come in the following wood species:
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Paint-grade hard maple: If you'd like to customize your drawer fronts with your own paint color, paint-grade maple is the best choice. It comes pre-stained and ready for a coat of paint.
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Red oak: As a light, red-tinted wood species option, red oak can look stunning with an intricate granite countertop.
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Hard maple: A subtle, off-white wood species, hard maple looks striking against darker elements.
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Cherry: For something a little more dramatic, you might choose a deep red cherry option. This rich color is bound to make a room feel warmer.
If you pick an RTF cabinet drawer front, you'll have other color choices to choose from, including:
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White:Simple, elegant and trendy, white cabinet elements have grown popular in recent years. They'll brighten any room, making it feel larger and grander.
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Antique white: Achieving a similar brightening effect, an antique white cabinet drawer front will make a room feel spacious while contributing to an antique furniture motif.
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Stone grey: For a little more depth, you might choose a stone grey option. This light grey color blends well with both darker and lighter elements, neutral tones or otherwise. It's a great choice for any kitchen style.
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Smoke grey:If you prefer the darker end of color choices, consider smoke grey. This deep color will help draw attention to the shine of any metallic hardware elements.
PAIRING YOUR DRAWER FRONTS WITH OTHER NEW CABINET PARTS
If you're doing a total cabinet renovation project, you might need a few other pieces and refacing materials in addition to your cabinet drawer fronts. Here at Cabinet Doors 'N' More, we offer all the cabinet replacement parts you'll need to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom:
1. DRAWER BOXES
To match your drawer fronts, you might also need new drawer boxes. A sturdy, durable dovetail drawer box can improve your furniture's functionality as well as its beauty. You can store any small items you might need to grab. We ship our drawer boxes assembled for no extra charge, so you can cross that off your do-it-yourself list.
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2. DOORS
We also offer a variety of cabinet door options. Odds are, you have a few regular cabinet doors alongside your cabinet drawers. You'll want to be able to choose matching doors for a cohesive, stylish look. You can pair the same material, style, color and wood species as you chose for your drawer fronts. You might also choose a mullion style with a glass panel underneath to showcase your favorite items.
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3. SHELVES
Another element you might upgrade is your cabinet shelves. They're especially important if you choose see-through, mullion-style cabinet doors. You'll want your cabinets' shelves to match your design goals and stay sturdy for as long as possible. Warping shelves might detract from your style choices, and they could also result in fallen, broken items. If you've had your current cabinet shelves for a long time, you might consider replacing them.
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4. END PANELS
Another finishing touch to remember is your cabinets' end panels, which should match their doors or fronts. You can make your entire cabinet unit look brand new with the right end panels in place. You'll be able to stain our unfinished end panels to match your other elements.
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FIND REPLACEMENT CABINET PARTS AT CABINET DOORS 'N' MORE
Nothing is quite as rewarding and exciting as a do-it-yourself renovation project. With this guide, you'll be prepared when it comes time to install your drawer fronts. A few tips and tricks can make the installation much quicker and simpler. Whether you're updating your cabinet drawer fronts, doors, shelves, end panels or a variety of cabinet elements, you'll need high-quality replacement parts.
At Cabinet Doors 'N' More, we make our cabinet replacement parts with durable raw materials and expert construction. We offer a simple online ordering process and a 10-15 business day lead time. Shipping is always free, so you'll find no surprises in your checkout cost, and any orders over $750 qualify for an automatic 10% off. Find your cabinet replacement parts today at Cabinet Doors 'N' More!
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