How To Change Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Kitchen cabinet doors are available in a variety of styles and colours, they make the space unique as they allow designers and homeowners to add character to a kitchen. When it’s time to install new ones in your client’s home, or for a bigger project, you need to do it the right way to ensure longevity and minimise damage. Today, we will take a look at how to safely change kitchen cabinet doors, the tools you’ll need, and we’ll also share some top tips along the way.

Step 1: Removing the kitchen cabinet door

There are a variety of cabinet hinges that can be used to hold the current door in place, so the exact placement of the screws will vary accordingly. However, start by removing the securing screws found inside of the cabinet so you can move the door away.

Step 2: Identifying the Mortise

The need for a mortise will vary depending on the type of hinge used on the door. For example, concealed cup hinges will need one while flush hinges do not. This should be fairly easy to identify by taking a good look at your current cabinet door.

Step 3: Cutting the Mortise

If necessary, based on the hinge being used in the cabinet, recreate the mortise on your new cabinet door. To do this, simply remove all pieces attached to the old door and line them up carefully, taking note of the width, depth, and height. Measure twice using a tape measure or similar tool to ensure they are in the correct position before making any cuts. There are many drilling jigs available to help mark and drill the holes for hinges in the precise place.

Step 4: Securing the Door to the Hinge

Whether you had to make any cuts, or the hinge simply lies flat, you will now need to secure the hinge into place onto your new door. You can drill guides before heading in with your screw to help ensure you are placing everything exactly where it needs to be. Remember to take care when lining up your measurements as this will save time lost to errors.

Step 5: Adding the Door to the Cabinet

Now, you will need to attach the door to the cabinet using the other side of the hinge. We highly recommend drilling guide holes first and then following it with your screw. Ensure that the door is attached parallel to the floor and level across for the best fit.

Changing the hinges

While the kitchen cabinet door you are replacing, most likely, has a hinge attached to it - it may be time for an upgrade. Explore our range of Soft Close Hinges, Self Closing Hinges, and many more with your clients, or for your manufacturing projects. You can conceal them or use their colours and materials as part of your design. Click here to learn more about the different types of hinges.

High Quality from Häfele

At Häfele, we have a high quality range and a lifetime guarantee on many products across the site. If you are looking for assistance on products or would like to explore our services for your next big one, simply get in touch to see how we can help.