As a meticulous painting contractor, I’ve helped countless Phoenix Arcadia homeowners transform their kitchens without breaking the bank. One of the most effective ways to refresh your kitchen is by replacing and painting your cabinet doors… with I might add… stunning results. If your existing cabinet doors are damaged, outdated, or just not your style, there’s no need to replace your entire cabinets. Instead, with a process known as cabinet refacing, you can achieve a spectacular, updated look at a fraction of the cost. Let me guide you through the process, step by step, and share why hiring a professional like me might be your best choice for a flawless finish.
Why Replace Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts Instead of Entire Cabinets?
First, let’s talk about why you might want to replace just the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while leaving the existing cabinet frames intact.
Cost-Effectiveness: Full cabinet replacement is very expensive and often unnecessary. With cabinet refacing instead, you can save thousands of dollars while still achieving the look of brand-new cabinetry. For estimating purposes, you can get an average unpainted cabinet door for about $30 to $70 each.
Customize Your Style: Replacing just the doors gives you the freedom to choose a style, material, and finish that better fits your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Eco-Friendly Option: By reusing the existing frames, you reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable renovation process.
When done right, cabinet refacing can make your kitchen look brand new without the hefty price tag. Plus, it’s a project that can be tackled over a few weekends—or completed even faster with the help of a professional.
The Step-by-Step Process for Replacing and Painting Cabinet Doors/Drawer Fronts
Step 1: Assess the Condition of Your Cabinets
Before diving in, inspect your cabinet frames. Are they sturdy and free of major damage? As long as the frames are in good condition, you’re a perfect candidate for cabinet refacing. If the frames are compromised, you may need to address those issues first.
Step 2: Choose Your New Cabinet Door Style
This is where the transformation really begins! The style of your cabinet doors will set the tone for your entire kitchen. Here are some of the most popular cabinet door styles to consider.
Shaker Style
One of the most popular and versatile options, Shaker doors feature a clean, five-piece design with a recessed center panel. Their simple, timeless look works well in both traditional and modern kitchens.
Raised Panel
These doors have a center panel that is slightly raised, adding depth and a touch of elegance. Raised panel doors are perfect for more traditional or formal kitchen styles.
Recessed Panel
Similar to Shaker doors, recessed panel doors have a flat center panel but often include more intricate detailing around the edges. This style strikes a balance between classic and contemporary.
Beadboard
Beadboard-style doors feature vertical grooves (or “beads”) that add texture and a cottage-style charm to your kitchen. They’re a great option if you’re going for a cozy, farmhouse-inspired look.
French (or Mullion) Doors
These decorative doors feature glass inserts with mullions (dividers) that create a classic, elegant design. They’re often used with glass for display cabinets or to showcase beautiful dishware.
Decorative (or Carved) Doors
For a truly unique kitchen, consider decorative cabinet doors with detailed carvings, ornate patterns, or intricate designs. These are great for making a bold statement in traditional or luxury kitchens.
Slab Doors
Sleek and minimalist, slab doors are a single, flat panel with no detailing. They are ideal for modern and contemporary kitchens, offering a clean, streamlined look.
When choosing a style, think about your kitchen’s overall design and how the doors will complement its aesthetic. For example, if you’re aiming for a modern look, slab or Shaker doors might be the way to go. If you’re leaning toward a more traditional design, raised panel or beadboard doors could be a perfect fit. Your choice of hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges) will also play a big role in the overall look.
Step 3: Measure Your Cabinets
Accurate measurements are critical. Measure the width and height of each cabinet box opening. It’s a good idea to double-check your measurements or even triple-check—precision is everything when it comes to ordering replacement doors.
Step 4: Prep the Doors for Painting
Once you have your new cabinet doors, it’s time to prepare them for a fresh coat of paint. Here’s the process:
- Sand the surface to create a smooth base.
- Clean thoroughly to remove grease and dust.
- Apply a high-quality primer to ensure the paint adheres properly.
Step 5: Paint the Doors
Painting is where the magic happens. Choose a durable paint specifically designed for cabinets, like Sherwin-Williams Gallery Series—semi-gloss or satin finishes work best. Using a high-quality brush, roller, or spray gun, apply thin, even coats (at least 2), allowing each coat to dry fully before adding the next. If painting feels overwhelming, this is where a professional painter (like me!) can ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Step 6: Install the New Doors
Once the paint has dried, it’s time to install your new cabinet doors. Carefully align the hinges and hardware, ensuring the doors hang straight and open smoothly. Finish the look with stylish knobs or pulls that complement your design.
Where to Find Replacement Cabinet Doors
If you’re wondering where to source high-quality replacement cabinet doors, here are some options:
Local Suppliers in Phoenix, AZ: Local woodworking shops or cabinet makers can provide custom options that fit your exact measurements.
Online Retailers: Websites like The Cabinet Door Store*, Barker Door, Barker Cabinets, or Home Depot offer customizable doors for cabinet refacing projects, often with a variety of finishes and materials.
Secondhand or DIY Options: For a sustainable approach, check out reclaimed cabinet doors at salvage yards or consider building your own if you have woodworking skills.
Bonus Tip: Why Hiring a Professional is Worth It
This is where I want to emphasize something important: Painting and installing cabinet doors might seem simple, but it’s a detailed process that requires precision. As a meticulous painting contractor, I’ve seen how small mistakes—like uneven paint, poorly aligned doors, or skipped prep steps—can ruin the final result. Here’s why hiring a professional for cabinet refacing is a smart move:
Perfect Paint Finish: Achieving a smooth, durable paint finish takes skill and experience. I use professional-grade tools and techniques to ensure every door looks flawless and factory fresh.
Time-Saving Expertise: Painting and installing cabinet doors can be time-consuming. Hiring a pro means the job gets done faster, allowing you to enjoy your refreshed kitchen sooner.
High Attention to Detail: From measuring to painting to installation, I ensure every aspect of the project is done meticulously, so your cabinets look as good as new. I can even help you with the ordering process.
Stress-Free Process: Let’s face it—kitchen updates can feel overwhelming. By working with a professional, you can relax knowing your project is in capable hands.
Final Paint Strokes:
Replacing and painting your cabinet doors is an excellent way to transform your kitchen without the high cost of full cabinet replacement. With cabinet refacing, you can customize the look of your space, save money, and even help the environment by reusing your existing cabinet frames. Whether you tackle this as a DIY project or hire a professional, the results will be worth it.
If you’re in the Phoenix, AZ area and want a flawless, stress-free kitchen update, I’d love to help! With my meticulous attention to detail, I’ll ensure your cabinet doors look perfect and your kitchen shines like new. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life—your dream kitchen is just a project away!
* I do not receive any remuneration from The Cabinet Door Store. They just do great work. I have used them in the past and received outstanding cabinet doors. They have been easy to work with and have even delivered items earlier than planned.
