Kitchen doors: A home renovation guide

Cabinets and cupboards can make or break the look of a kitchen – probably your home's most frequented space. While it can cost thousands of dollars to install new bench tops, stoves, range hoods, sinks and tap ware, a new set of kitchen doors offers you arguably the most cost-effective refurbishment around - a new set of kitchen doors may be all you need to give your kitchen a fresh look. This guide offers a few ideas for sprucing up your kitchen or finding the right finishing touch to a complete renovation job.

New kitchen doors, new look & feel

New kitchen doors are a great makeover strategy for your kitchen refurbishment. Changing doors, handles and drawer fronts is an easy task for even the most basic renovation project, and it’s an inexpensive (and quick) way of giving your kitchen a new look.

There are several different types of kitchen door to choose from. These include:

• Laminate doors;
• Vinyl wrapped doors;
• Wooden doors;
• Faux wooden doors;
• High gloss colour and
• Stainless steel

Obviously, the style you choose comes down to personal preference, but you don’t necessary need to choose like for like. You may be able to get away with a totally different type of door in order to update your kitchen’s look, but bear in mind any elements in the kitchen that you do intend to keep – your new doors will need to fit in with these.

Fitting new kitchen doors

If you’re considering changing the doors in your kitchen as part of your very own DIY kitchen refurbishment, here are a few tips.

Measure up

Most kitchen door suppliers offer "standard size" guides for those who wish to reorder kitchen doors to fit their already existing cupboard space. It’s then just as easy as measuring up the old door and ordering the new, as a straight replacement.

On the other hand, some people wish to add or subtract from their existing cabinet space, so if you are planning on installing new cabinets at the same time - ensure sizes are consistent. Most suppliers can offer a professional measuring service for less confident buyers.

Shop around

If money‘s not an issue, you should have no problem ordering the first set of new kitchen doors that you like. However, this may not be the reality, so after measuring the size of doors you need, be sure to shop around to get the right colour and finish for the best price. Browse suppliers on the Internet and then go out to visit some kitchen showrooms - see how ranges and prices differ. Online quotes are usually available for your own comparisons.

Installation

You may fancy yourself as a DIY specialist around the house, but are you up to re-hanging new kitchen doors correctly? There’s little more annoying in the kitchen than an incorrectly installed cupboard door, and some suppliers offer step-by-step guides to putting kitchen doors on and even supply the tools required along with the product.

If you’re not confident that you know what you're doing, it’s best to hire a professional installer. Carpenters and joiners can ensure that your kitchen doors are correctly attached, and would probably take half the time to do it.

New kitchen doors are a great mini refurbishment idea to jazz up your tired old kitchen – you’ll be amazed what a difference they can make.