A kitchen update does not have to start with tearing out your cabinets. If the cabinet boxes are still sturdy, you may be able to keep them in place and update the parts people see most often.
The best option depends on what you want to change. If you want to know how to update kitchen cabinets on a budget, start by defining the project's goal. Do you want a new color, a new style, a better fit or a smaller refresh? Once you have a clear vision, it's easier to choose the update that makes the most sense for your home, budget and timeline.
START BY CHECKING YOUR CABINET BOXES
Before you choose an update, look at the cabinet boxes. These are the main cabinet frames that stay attached to the wall. If they are still sturdy, level and useful for your layout, you may be able to update your old kitchen cabinets without replacing them. The boxes may still be strong, even if the doors or drawer fronts look dated. In this case, updating the visible parts can give the kitchen a cleaner look without removing the full cabinet system.
The same idea applies if you want to update laminate kitchen cabinets without replacing them. Take a look at what still works and what needs to change. If the boxes are in good shape, you can refresh the kitchen with new cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hardware, paint or molding.
CABINET REFACING VS. REPLACEMENT
Deciding between cabinet refacing and replacement comes down to how much of the cabinet system you need to change. Refacing keeps the cabinet boxes in place and updates the visible parts, such as the doors and drawer fronts. Replacement removes the full cabinet system and starts over with new cabinets.
Kitchen cabinet refacing can be a practical choice if you like the layout and the cabinet boxes are still in good shape. Refacing lets you change the look of the kitchen without taking on the larger scope of a full cabinet replacement. The refacing process can include ordering replacement doors and drawer fronts to update the look while keeping your existing cabinet boxes.
Full replacement may make more sense when the cabinet boxes are damaged, poorly laid out or no longer meet your storage needs, though this option requires working with a full cabinet supplier or contractor.
WHAT AFFECTS CABINET REFACING COST?
Your final cabinet refacing cost depends on the project details, including how many doors and drawer fronts you need, which styles and materials you choose and whether you plan to handle installation yourself.
Refacing can reduce the project scope compared to replacing the full cabinet system. To plan your budget, count the number of doors and drawer fronts in your kitchen. Then think about whether you want new hardware and how much of the installation you want to handle yourself.
When planning to reface kitchen cabinets, careful measuring is one of the most important steps. Using a cabinet measurement calculator can help you check your sizes before placing an order.
REPLACE YOUR CABINET DOORS AND DRAWER FRONTS
Replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts is one of the biggest visual updates you can make without replacing the full cabinet system. The cabinet boxes stay in place while you update the most visible components.
This option can help when current doors are hard to match, do not fit well or no longer match your style. New doors and drawer fronts are made to your measurements, so you do not have to work around standard stock sizes. Some cabinet doors can also come with hinge boring already in place, which can make installation easier.
For homeowners who want a larger change without a full remodel, DIY cabinet refacing can be a good option. You can also review this DIY cabinet refacing guide before you start.
CHOOSE A DOOR STYLE THAT FITS YOUR SPACE
The style you choose has a big impact on how updated your kitchen feels. Shaker doors can create a clean, classic look. Slab or flat-front doors can feel more modern. Raised panel doors can add more detail to a traditional space.
Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Start with your home's style. Simple door profiles can make the room feel cleaner, while more ornate options can make it feel more traditional. You can also compare cabinet door styles before you order.
SWAP OUT YOUR CABINET HARDWARE
New cabinet hardware can be one of the quickest updates to try. Changing old knobs, pulls or hinges can make cabinets feel more current without changing the doors themselves.
Before you shop, measure the spacing between the existing holes. That can help your new hardware line up without extra drilling or patching. If you're replacing cabinet doors at the same time, make sure the doors and new hardware match so the refresh looks cohesive. You can also review cabinet hardware trends for style ideas.
PAINT YOUR CABINETS FOR A NEW COLOR
Painting can be a budget-friendly way to change your cabinet color. It can work well if your current doors are still in good shape and you only want a new finish. The basic process usually includes cleaning, light sanding, priming and painting.
Paint changes the color, but it does not change the door shape, style or profile. If your doors still fit your style, painting may be enough. For a bigger style change, replacing the doors and drawer fronts may be a better fit. You can also review kitchen updates for inspiration to compare other ways to refresh the space.
PAINTING VS. REFACING CABINETS
The decision to paint vs. reface cabinets depends on what you want to change. Painting can update the color of your cabinets. Refacing can create a bigger visual change because it updates the doors and drawer fronts themselves.
If your current doors still match your style, painting may be the right choice. Doors that look dated, damaged or too worn to refresh with paint make refacing the better option. Considering brand-new doors? You can compare solid wood, MDF and RTF cabinet door materials.
ADD MOLDING TO FLAT-FRONT DOORS
Kitchens with flat-front or slab doors can benefit from panel molding to create a more detailed look without buying new doors. This can be a budget-friendly DIY option for those comfortable with measuring, cutting, attaching and painting trim.
Molding works best when the existing doors are still in good condition, and the added trim fits the style you want. For a cleaner update with less hands-on work, ordering replacement cabinet doors in your preferred style may be a better fit.
GET STARTED WITH CABINET DOORS ’N’ MORE
Cabinet Doors ’N’ More makes it simple to update the most visible parts of your cabinets. You can order custom-made cabinet doors and drawer fronts to your measurements, then keep your existing cabinet boxes in place.
Orders ship free with no minimums, and most pieces are ready in about 15 business days. Orders of $500 or more automatically receive 10% off at checkout, and qualified military personnel receive a 10% military discount.
