Replace Kitchen Cabinet Doors: Cost & vs New Kitchen (UK)
Replacing the cabinet doors is the smart-money way to update a kitchen that still works. In 2026, to replace kitchen cabinet doors in the UK costs £1,000-£3,000 fitted for a whole kitchen, against £5,000-£15,000+ for a full new kitchen. Standard doors are £10-£40 each and made-to-measure £40-£120+. This guide compares doors-only with a new kitchen, finishes, and DIY versus a professional fit.
Replace Doors or Fit a New Kitchen?
If the carcasses, worktop and layout still work, new doors transform the look for a fraction of a new kitchen. If the units are damaged or the layout is wrong, a new kitchen is the better spend. Here is how the options compare in 2026.
Doors only vs new kitchen
Replacing doors keeps the carcasses and worktop at £1,000-£3,000 fitted, against £5,000-£15,000+ for a full new kitchen. Choose doors if the layout works.
Off-the-shelf vs made-to-measure
Standard sizes are £10-£40 a door and fit most units; made-to-measure or in-frame styles are £40-£120+ but suit non-standard cabinets.
Vinyl-wrapped vs painted vs solid
Vinyl and foil-wrapped doors are cheapest; sprayed or hand-painted MDF and solid timber cost more and last longer.
DIY vs professional fit
A confident DIYer can swap doors and hinges; a fitter guarantees alignment, soft-close and a tidy finish, usually £1,000-£3,000 for a whole kitchen.
When doors are not enough
If carcasses are swollen, the layout is wrong or worktops are failing, a new kitchen or partial rebuild is the better spend.
Handles, hinges and finishing touches
New handles, soft-close hinges, end panels and a fresh worktop or splashback lift the result well beyond just the doors.
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