Swap old kitchen cupboard doors for new ones by transferring or fitting hinges, then aligning everything so it closes properly.
KD-01Check sizes and order new doorsMeasure the height and width of each existing door, including any overhang past the cupboard edge. Note the hinge positions (distance from top and bottom edges) so new doors line up with your existing cabinet hinges if you're keeping them. Order doors in the same thickness as the old ones, usually 15mm or 18mm, so hinges still fit correctly.
KD-02Clear the cupboard and remove old doorsEmpty the cupboard so nothing falls out as you work. Support each door with one hand, then unscrew the hinges from the cabinet frame using a screwdriver. Set screws aside somewhere you won't lose them, in case you reuse the same hinges.
KD-03Remove old handles and fill holes if neededUnscrew handles or knobs from the inside of the door. If your new doors have handles in a different position, fill the old screw holes with wood filler and let it dry fully before drilling new ones. Lightly sand any filled holes flush once dry.
KD-04Fit hinges to the new doorsIf you're reusing hinges, screw them into the same marked positions on the new door. If fitting new concealed hinges, drill the hinge cup hole to the size stated on the hinge packaging (usually 35mm) at the correct distance from the door edge, then screw the hinge in place. Keep the door edge square to the drill to avoid an angled cup.
KD-05Mount the new door and align itHold the door in place against the cabinet frame and screw the hinge plates back into their original fixing holes. Close the door and check it sits level and flush with neighbouring doors. Most concealed hinges have small adjustment screws to shift the door left-right, up-down, and in-out — use these to get a neat, even gap all round.
KD-06Fit the handlesMark handle positions on the new door, matching the old spacing if you're reusing fixing holes, or measuring fresh if the design has changed. Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the handle screws, then fix the handle from the inside of the door.
KD-07Check every door closes and aligns properlyOpen and close each door a few times, checking it doesn't rub on neighbouring doors or the worktop. Fine-tune the hinge adjustment screws again if needed. Put everything back in the cupboards once you're happy with the fit.
KD-08Tidy up and dispose of old doorsVacuum up any wood dust or filler dust from the work area. Old doors can often be taken to a household waste recycling centre, or offered up for reuse if they're in good condition. Wipe down the new doors with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and dust before standing back to admire the result.