Can I replace kitchen doors myself?
Yes, you can - and it's more straightforward than most people expect. Replacing kitchen doors is one of those jobs that sounds like it should be complicated but really isn't. You don't need any specialist tools or experience, and thousands of our customers have done it themselves as a first DIY project. The feedback we hear most often is that it was far simpler than they'd imagined.
Here's a simple guide to how it works.
What tools do you need to replace kitchen doors?
The good news is that you don't need a workshop full of specialist tools. For most kitchen door replacements, here's everything you'll need: a screwdriver, a cordless drill, a tape measure for checking everything lines up, a pencil for marking positions, and a spirit level to make sure your doors hang straight.
That's genuinely it. If your new doors are the same size as your old ones and the hinge holes are in the same position, you're literally unscrewing the old doors and screwing the new ones on. It's one of the most satisfying DIY jobs you'll ever do because the result is so dramatic for so little effort.
How to replace kitchen doors - step by step
The process is simple. Start by removing your existing doors - this is usually just a case of unscrewing two or three screws per hinge. Keep the screws and hinges somewhere safe in case you need to compare them with your new ones.
Next, offer up your new door and check the fit. If you've ordered from KDO, your doors will have been made to your exact measurements, so they should fit precisely. If your existing holes line up with the pre-drilled hinge holes on the new door, simply screw the hinges into place. If the hinge positions are slightly different, you may need to adjust the hinges or drill new pilot holes - a small drill bit and thirty seconds of work per hinge.
Once the door is hung, adjust the hinges until the door sits level, with even gaps all the way around. Most modern hinges have three adjustment screws that let you move the door up, down, in and out - our measuring guide explains how to use these.
Repeat for each door, step back, and admire the transformation. Most people find that a small kitchen takes a morning, and even a larger kitchen is usually done in a day.
Can I replace kitchen drawer fronts myself too?
Drawer fronts are just as easy to replace as doors, and sometimes even easier. Remove the old front, attach the new one in the same position, and you're done. If your drawer runners are gliding smoothly
and the drawer boxes are in good condition, there's no reason to replace anything other than the front panel. It takes just a few minutes per drawer.
What about new handles?
If you're fitting new handles at the same time, our drilling jig makes it easy to position the holes accurately every time. It takes the guesswork out and gives you a professional finish.
When should you hire someone to fit kitchen doors?
We'd always encourage you to give it a go yourself - it really is simpler than it sounds, and the sense of achievement is genuinely satisfying. But there are a few situations where you might prefer to get some help.
If your carcasses are noticeably out of square (common in older houses where things have settled over the years), getting the doors to hang perfectly can require a bit more patience and adjustment. If you're replacing a large number of doors and drawers and you're simply not confident with DIY - that's absolutely fine, too. Getting someone else to do it will still be a fraction of the cost of a full kitchen refit.
Enjoy your new kitchen transformation - we'd love to hear how you get on!
Every door from Kitchen Door Outlet is made to measure in the UK, so it's designed to fit your existing kitchen perfectly. Order free samples to check the colour first, then use our measuring guide to get your sizes right. Browse the full range today - with great value every day, free delivery over £500, and a 6-year guarantee.
- The KDO Team