How Much to Replace Kitchen Cabinet Doors?

If your kitchen is starting to look tired, or you’ve simply grown tired of its look, but the units themselves are still in good condition, replacing the cabinet doors could be the smartest update you’ll ever make. It’s one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to transform the look and feel of your space without the expense and disruption of a full kitchen renovation project.

But how much does it actually cost to replace kitchen cupboard doors in the UK? In this guide, we’ll break down typical costs, what affects the price, and how to update kitchen cabinets on a budget with just replacement kitchen cupboard doors.

Why Replace Cabinet Doors Instead of the Whole Kitchen?

Swapping out your kitchen doors, which can be referred to as a “kitchen facelift”, is a great alternative to starting from scratch. As long as your cabinet carcasses (yes, that’s really what the main body of the units is called) are sound and solid, you can simply remove the old fronts and fit new ones in your choice of style and finish.

The benefits of replacement kitchen cabinet doors include:

• Saving thousands compared to a full kitchen replacement

• Takes days or even hours instead of weeks

• Creates far less mess and disruption

• Lets you refresh the style without changing the layout

So, How Much Are Replacement Kitchen Doors?

The cost to replace kitchen cabinet doors varies based on several factors, including the number of doors, the door size, and the finish or material you choose.

Here’s a typical industry average cost guide for different kitchen door types, per door (our prices at The Kitchen Restoration Company will vary from the below, so get in touch to find out more):

1. Budget vinyl-wrapped MDF: From £25 

2. Painted MDF shaker doors: From £45 

3. Gloss or matt slab doors: From £50 

4. Premium woodgrain or handleless styles: From £70

What Affects the Cost of Replacing Cabinet Doors?

When asking “how much are kitchen cupboard doors?”, it’s important to remember that no two kitchens are the same. The final cost will depend on many factors; here are just a few:

1. Size and Layout of Your Kitchen

The number of doors you need is the biggest cost driver. A small galley kitchen might only need 8 to 10 replacement doors, whereas a larger L-shaped or open-plan kitchen with tall larders, curved units or an island could need between 20 and 30, or even more. Lots of drawer fronts or bespoke cupboard shapes will also increase the total cost. 

2. Door Style and Finish

Door styles vary in price depending on material, design, and finish. For example:

• High-gloss and painted finishes: Tend to sit at the higher end of the price range due to their premium appearance and more involved manufacturing process.

• Vinyl-wrapped or laminated doors: Typically more budget-friendly, with excellent durability and a wide colour choice.

• Shaker doors, textured woodgrains, or matte handleless styles: Often fall in the mid-range, offering a stylish look without breaking the bank.

3. Hinges and Hardware

If your existing hinges and handles are still in good condition, reusing them can help keep your costs down. However, if they’re worn, squeaky or rusted, it might be worth upgrading/replacing. 

Standard replacement hinges usually cost between £2 and £5 each, depending on the brand and specification. For a smoother, quieter feel, soft-close hinges or drawer runners are a popular upgrade, though they do add to the overall spend. Handles also vary widely in price, from around £2 for basic designs to £20 or more for premium finishes. 

4. Fitting and Installation

You can save money by measuring and fitting the doors yourself, especially if you're confident with basic tools. Most suppliers (including Kitchen Restoration) provide easy-to-follow fitting guides.

If you’d prefer a professional finish or need help with unusual units, hiring a kitchen door fitter is a good option. Installation typically costs around £200–£400, depending on the number of doors, access, and any extra work like levelling or adjusting carcasses.

Tip: If you want to know how to measure kitchen doors, read our dedicated guide. 

How to Update Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget

Want to give your kitchen a fresh look without overspending? Here are a few practical tips:

Keep the same layout

Avoid the cost of moving plumbing, appliances or units by sticking to your existing kitchen framework. Just replacing the doors will already make a huge difference.

Choose cost-effective materials

Vinyl-wrapped or melamine doors offer excellent value and a wide range of colour and style options. They're durable, easy to clean, and look great, without the premium price tag of real wood.

Reuse existing hardware

If your handles and hinges are still in good condition, keep them. Or simply replace the handles with something more stylish or in keeping with your desired kitchen aesthetic.

Consider part replacement

Don’t need to replace every door? Swap out just the worst offenders, like the most visible fronts or damaged lower cupboards, and leave the rest as is. This option, while not ideal, will do the trick to improve the overall appearance of your kitchen.

Go modular with made-to-measure doors

Kitchen Restoration’s door ranges include styles to suit every budget, and everything is made to measure. That means no waste and no expensive custom cutting.

Need Help Choosing New Kitchen Doors?

Whether you're updating a dated kitchen or preparing to sell your home, new cabinet doors are a clever investment that can transform the look and feel of your kitchen for surprisingly few pounds.

At Kitchen Restoration, we make updating your kitchen easier and more affordable than you might expect. Our replacement kitchen doors come in a wide range of styles, from sleek modern slab doors to classic shakers and rustic woodgrain finishes - all made to fit your existing units.

We also offer expert fitting services for those who prefer to leave the measuring and installation to the pros. Just get in touch with us at 0800 91 77 238, and we’ll have your kitchen looking stunning in no time.