Replacing only the doors and drawer fronts is the lightest version of refacing. The boxes and face frames stay as they are, and new doors are made to the exact sizes of the old ones or to a new overlay. It works when the frames are in good condition and either match the new doors or will be painted to match. It is also the standard fix for peeling thermofoil doors, which cannot be repaired.

  • Doors and drawer fronts measured and made to order
  • Shaker, slab, raised-panel and glass-ready styles
  • MDF, solid wood, wood veneer and thermofoil options
  • New concealed hinges, bored and fitted
  • Frames painted or finished to match where needed

When doors alone are enough

If your frames are painted, or you are happy to have them painted, new doors in a matching painted finish give a result close to a full reface for less. If your frames are stained wood and you want new stained doors, matching an aged finish exactly is difficult, and veneering the frames — a true reface — gives a more uniform result. A contractor can show you both prices.

Measuring and overlay

Doors are ordered to the sixteenth of an inch. The key choice is overlay: how much of the face frame the door covers. Older builder cabinets often have a small overlay, with a lot of frame showing between doors. Moving to a full overlay, where the doors nearly meet, gives a more current look but requires different hinges and careful sizing so doors do not collide. This is the part best left to someone who does it routinely.

Refurbishing the doors you have

Solid wood doors with sound joints can be repaired, sanded and painted or refinished instead of replaced. Loose joints can be re-glued and dents filled. Doors that are warped, split, water-damaged or covered in failing thermofoil are not worth the labor; replacement is cheaper and lasts.

Common cabinet door replacement situations in Charlotte

  • Thermofoil peeling away at door edges near the oven or dishwasher
  • Warped, cracked or water-damaged doors
  • A dated arched or cathedral door style
  • A few doors damaged beyond repair
  • Sagging doors on worn-out exposed hinges

Cabinet Door Replacement FAQs

Can I replace cabinet doors without replacing the cabinets?

Yes. As long as the boxes and face frames are sound and square, new doors and drawer fronts can be made to fit them. It is the most economical way to change door style, and it is the usual remedy when thermofoil doors fail.

How long do replacement doors take?

Made-to-order doors typically take two to six weeks to arrive, depending on material and finish. Installation itself is quick — often a day or two for a kitchen, including hinges and adjustment.

This content is reviewed by the Charlotte Cabinet Refacing editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Cabinet Refacing. Read our editorial standards.