There is nothing more depressing than working in a kitchen with drab cabinets, especially if you have just replaced something like the flooring or appliances. Maybe you have inherited your grandmother’s fine china and want to display it, or you want to hide those nasty mix-and-match sets a little longer. Whatever style you decide, replacing your cabinet doors can be an easy task with the right tools and a little time.
The first step is to measure the existing cabinet doors and make a note of those sizes. You will also want to measure the existing hinges so that you can minimize the changes to the cabinets themselves. If the hinges and handles are in decent shape, keep them. However, if you’re redoing the entire style of your kitchen, change everything. The handles and hinges can be picked up at the hardware store while you’re there. Just keep in mind that the new hinges should have a similar hole pattern as the old hinges to minimize damage to the cabinets.
Once you have purchased your replacement doors, assemble your tools. Generally, a screwdriver and drill will be good enough for this task. However, you might consider having several extra bits for the drill available since you don’t know if you will need to drive any of the screws into the replacement doors. Additionally, if you are replacing a large quantity of doors, having a drill with a drive bit on it would be a good idea. You don’t want to be twisting your wrist all day if you can avoid it.
The next step will be to remove the existing hardware and cabinet doors. If there is any paint holding you back, use the edge of the screwdriver to scrape it off. After cleaning up the paint, remove the parts you are going to replace. If it’s the whole door assembly, including the hinge, then remove those screws that hold it in place. If you’re keeping the hinges, then just remove the screws that secure the door. Again, if the handles are being reused, remove them and attach to the new doors.
Now, you will want to inspect the screws, hinges and cabinets for wear and tear. Any damage that occurred to the cabinet may require the hinge being relocated or the cabinet being replaced. The screws that are stripped or hinges that are bent or broken can be replaced easily. Using the drill, attach the doors to the hinges before hefting them into place. With another person’s assistance, if necessary, lift the door and align the holes from the hinge to the holes on the cabinet. Using your drill, screw the hinges to the cabinet and test for sturdiness. Once you’re happy with your work, move onto the next one until you’re finished.
Updating your kitchen can be a time-consuming effort but one well worth the trouble. The new kitchen cabinets can breathe life into a dull workspace and make your kitchen the favorite room of the house again.
