Shaker Cabinet Door Replacement & Refacing Guide

If your kitchen layout still works but the cabinets look tired, you don't always need a full remodel. Replacing or refacing your cabinet doors is a faster, cheaper way to give your kitchen a whole new look while keeping the cabinet boxes you already have.

This guide explains the difference between door replacement and refacing, what each one involves, and how to decide which is right for your kitchen.

What's the Difference?

• Door Replacement: You keep your existing cabinet boxes and only swap out the doors and drawer fronts for new ones, in a new color or style.
• Refacing: You keep the boxes, replace the doors, and also cover the exposed sides and face frames with a matching veneer, so the whole kitchen looks brand new, not just the doors.

Both options are much less work than tearing out your kitchen and starting over, because the cabinet boxes — and all the plumbing and electrical hookups around them — stay exactly where they are.

When Door Replacement Makes Sense

Door replacement works well if:

• Your cabinet boxes are still in good shape (no water damage, sagging, or broken shelves)
• You just want a new color or door style
• Your budget is tighter than a full remodel

This is also a great option if you simply want to switch from a painted finish to a stained wood look, or the other way around. Our painted vs. stained Shaker guide can help you decide which finish is right for you.

When Refacing Makes More Sense

Refacing is a better choice if your cabinet boxes are in good shape, but the visible sides, face frames, or end panels are scratched, faded, or don't match your new door color. Refacing covers those visible surfaces with a matching veneer so nothing looks mismatched. It costs more than just replacing doors, but far less than a full cabinet replacement.

Steps for a Door Replacement Project

1. Measure every door and drawer front in your kitchen, including height, width, and hinge hole placement.
2. Choose your new color and door style. Order a free door sample first to check the color and finish in your kitchen's lighting.
3. Order new hardware if you're changing the look, since old hardware holes may not line up with a new pull style. Our knobs vs. pulls guide can help you choose.
4. Remove the old doors and hardware carefully, and set the old hinges aside in case you need to match hole placement.
5. Install the new doors and hinges, then adjust each one so the gaps look even.

What About Cost?

Door replacement and refacing almost always cost less than replacing full cabinets, since you're not paying for new boxes, new installation labor for plumbing and electrical, or demolition. The exact savings depend on your kitchen size and how many doors you're replacing. Browse our replacement cabinet doors to see current styles and pricing, or reach out for a free estimate based on your kitchen.

Taking Care of New Doors

Once your new doors are installed, small scratches or dents can still happen over time from daily use. Most small marks are an easy fix — see our scratch and dent repair guide for simple steps you can do at home.

Shop Replacement Cabinet Doors

Ready to update your kitchen? Browse our cabinet door collection, order a free sample, or get a free kitchen design from our team.

Related Guides

• How to Repair Scratches and Dents on Shaker Cabinet Doors
• Painted Shaker vs. Stained Shaker

Frequently Asked Questions

Will new doors fit my old cabinet boxes?

In most cases, yes, as long as you measure carefully and order doors sized to match your existing openings and hinge placement.

Is refacing cheaper than replacing all my cabinets?

Yes. Refacing is almost always less expensive than a full cabinet replacement, since your cabinet boxes and their installation stay in place.

Can I change my hardware at the same time?

Yes, and it's a great time to do it. If your new pulls are a different size than the old ones, you may need to fill and touch up the old holes.