Why Replacing Kitchen Doors Is a Smart Choice
Replacing your kitchen doors is one of the most affordable ways to transform your kitchen without the cost and disruption of a full refit. Whether your existing cabinets are structurally sound but looking tired, or you simply want a fresh new style, swapping the doors can make a dramatic difference.
The key to a successful replacement is getting your measurements right. Order doors that are too small and you'll have unsightly gaps; too large and they won't fit at all. This guide walks you through the process step by step.
What You'll Need
- A steel tape measure (not a fabric one — these can stretch)
- A pencil and notepad
- A spirit level (optional but useful)
Step 1: Measure the Cabinet Opening, Not the Old Door
This is the most important rule: always measure the cabinet opening, not the existing door. Old doors may have been cut down, warped, or incorrectly sized. Measuring the opening gives you the true dimension you need.
Open the cabinet door fully and measure the width of the opening from the inside edge of the frame on one side to the inside edge on the other. Then measure the height from the top of the opening to the bottom.
Step 2: Decide on Your Overlay
Most replacement kitchen doors use an overlay fitting, meaning the door sits over the front of the cabinet frame rather than inside it. A standard overlay is typically 18–20mm on each side, meaning your door will be wider and taller than the opening itself.
For example, if your cabinet opening measures 496mm wide × 696mm high, a standard overlay door would be approximately 496mm + 36mm (18mm each side) = 532mm wide, and 696mm + 36mm = 732mm tall.
Check your existing hinge positions to confirm the overlay your cabinets use before ordering.
Step 3: Account for Gaps Between Doors
If you have two doors side by side on a wide cabinet, you'll need to leave a small gap between them — typically 2–3mm — so they don't rub when opened. Factor this into your width calculation for each door.
Step 4: Measure Every Door Individually
Even in the same kitchen, cabinet openings can vary slightly due to settling, installation tolerances, or previous modifications. Measure every single opening individually rather than assuming they're all the same size.
Create a simple sketch of your kitchen layout and note the measurements for each door. Label them clearly (e.g., "base unit left of sink — 532 × 732mm").
Step 5: Double-Check Before You Order
Measure twice, order once. Go back and re-measure any openings you're unsure about. It's also worth checking that your cabinet frames are square — place a spirit level across the top of the opening to check for any lean.
Ready to Order Your Replacement Doors?
Once you have your measurements, browse our range of Gloss MDF Replacement Kitchen Doors — available made to measure so you get a perfect fit every time. We also offer Handleless Gloss MDF Kitchen Doors for a sleek, contemporary look.
Not sure which style or finish is right for your kitchen? Book a free kitchen consultation with our team and we'll help you choose.