Best Place to Order Cabinet Doors: The Ultimate Guide
You love your kitchen’s layout, and the cabinet boxes are still in great shape. The problem? The doors are dated, damaged, or simply don’t match the aesthetic you envision for your home. This is a common dilemma for homeowners—the desire for a fresh look without the staggering cost and disruption of a full kitchen demolition and replacement.
Cabinet refacing, which involves replacing only the doors and drawer fronts, is a fantastic solution. But this leads to a critical question: what is the best place to order cabinet doors? The internet is flooded with options, and it’s difficult to know who to trust. Choosing the wrong supplier can lead to measurement nightmares, poor quality materials, and a finish that chips or fades within a year, wasting both your money and time.
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Why Just Replacing Doors is a Smart Home Upgrade
Before diving into where to buy, it’s essential to understand why this project is so appealing. The primary driver is cost. A full cabinet replacement can range from $5,000 to over $20,000, while refacing often costs 30-50% less. You save on materials, demolition, and installation labor, as the cabinet boxes remain in place.
Beyond savings, it’s a much faster and less intrusive project. A professional refacing can often be completed in just a few days, compared to the weeks or even months a full remodel can take. For the savvy DIYer, ordering doors online and installing them yourself offers maximum control and savings.
Decoding Your Options: Types of Cabinet Door Suppliers
Finding the right supplier depends on your budget, timeline, and desire for customization. There are three main categories of vendors, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences is the first step toward making a confident purchase.
Each type of supplier caters to a different kind of customer, from the budget-conscious DIYer to the homeowner seeking a truly bespoke, high-end finish. Carefully considering these factors will guide you to the perfect source for your project.
| Supplier Type | Best For | Price Range | Customization | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online-Only Specialists | DIYers & those seeking wide selection | $$ – $$$ | High (custom sizes to 1/16″) | 2-6 Weeks |
| Big Box Stores | Convenience & in-person support | $$ – $$$$ | Moderate (standard & some semi-custom) | 4-10 Weeks |
| Local Cabinet Makers | Unique designs & premium quality | $$$$ – $$$$$ | Very High (fully custom) | 6-16+ Weeks |
Online-Only Specialists
Companies that operate exclusively online are often the best place to order cabinet doors for value and selection. These manufacturers sell directly to the public, cutting out the middleman. They offer an extensive range of styles, materials, and finishes, with most products made to your exact size specifications.
Many of these specialists provide detailed online tutorials and measurement guides to help you through the process. Customer service is typically handled via phone or email. This option is ideal for homeowners who are comfortable with measuring and ordering online and are looking for the best possible price on custom-sized doors.
Big Box Retailers
Stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s offer in-house cabinet lines and special-order programs. The primary advantage here is the ability to see some samples in person and speak with a kitchen designer at the store. This can provide peace of mind, especially for those new to home improvement projects.
However, the selection might be more limited than online specialists, and the cost can be higher. Lead times can also be longer. This is a solid choice if you value face-to-face service and prefer to handle your entire project through a single, well-known retailer.
Local Cabinet Makers
For truly custom work, nothing beats a local craftsman. A local woodworker can create doors in any style, from any wood species, with unique details that online retailers cannot offer. This is the premium option for high-end renovations or for homeowners with specific, non-standard requirements.
This level of customization comes at a higher price and typically involves the longest lead times. However, for those seeking unparalleled quality and a one-of-a-kind look, a local cabinet maker is the ultimate choice.
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Supplier
Once you know which type of supplier fits your needs, it’s time to evaluate specific companies. Focus on these critical factors to ensure you receive a high-quality product that will stand the test of time.
Material and Construction Quality
The material of your cabinet door is the single most important factor in its durability and appearance. The two main choices are solid wood and Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF). Solid wood offers natural beauty and is easily repairable, but it can expand and contract with humidity changes. This can cause cracks in the paint at the joints of the door frame.
MDF is an engineered wood product prized for its stability. It provides a perfectly smooth surface that is ideal for painted finishes, as it resists the cracking that can affect solid wood. Many high-end doors use a combination: a solid wood frame with an MDF center panel to get the best of both worlds. Reputable suppliers like those found on Conestoga Cabinets reviews often detail their construction methods, showcasing their commitment to quality.
Measurement Guides and Support
The biggest fear for anyone ordering doors online is making a measurement error. A top-tier supplier will offer comprehensive, easy-to-follow guides and videos on how to measure for new doors, including accounting for different hinge types and overlays. Some companies even have customer service reps who will double-check your measurements and order details with you over the phone before production begins.
Finishing Options and Quality
Cabinet doors can be ordered in several ways: unfinished (raw), primed, or professionally painted/finished. Ordering unfinished doors is the most budget-friendly option, but achieving a factory-quality finish yourself is extremely difficult. A professional finish from the manufacturer will be more durable and flawless.
Look for suppliers that use high-quality, catalyzed conversion varnish, which is much tougher than standard latex paint. Also, inquire about their finishing process; a multi-step process involving sanding between coats is a sign of a quality finish.
The Pro Secret No One Talks About: Material Stability
While many focus on style, the real long-term value lies in material stability. Wood moves. It’s a natural product that responds to changes in temperature and humidity. For stained finishes where the wood grain is the star, this is perfectly acceptable. But for painted finishes, this movement can be a fatal flaw.
This is where premium MDF or hybrid doors (solid wood frames with MDF panels) truly shine. They provide the stability needed to ensure that a smooth, painted finish remains flawless for years. An expert supplier understands this and will guide you to the right material for your chosen finish and climate, a level of detail often missing from budget-oriented sellers.
Is Refacing Always the Right Choice?
Cabinet refacing is a powerful tool, but it’s not a universal solution. It works best when your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and your kitchen layout functions well. If your cabinets are falling apart or you dream of adding an island, you may need a full replacement.
When considering a full remodel, you’ll encounter a different set of choices. The Fabuwood vs. KraftMaid debate, for example, highlights the trade-offs between import and domestic cabinet lines, focusing on overall construction, features, and warranty. Understanding the cost-benefit analysis between refacing and replacing is key to making a sound financial decision for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure for new cabinet doors?
To measure for new cabinet doors, it’s easiest to measure your existing doors if you are happy with the fit. Measure the width and height of the back of the door to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. If you are measuring the cabinet opening, you will need to add the desired overlay measurement to the height and width.
What are the most common types of cabinet doors?
The most common types of cabinet doors are raised panel and recessed panel (also known as shaker style). Raised panel doors have a center panel that is higher than the surrounding frame, creating a more traditional look. Recessed panel doors feature a flat center panel, offering a cleaner, more contemporary appearance. Other popular styles include slab (a completely flat door), and arched doors.
How much do new cabinet doors typically cost?
The cost of new cabinet doors can vary widely depending on the material, style, and size. You can expect to pay anywhere from around $30 to over $150 per door. Factors like the wood species, finish, and any special customizations will affect the final price.
What is the average lead time for ordering cabinet doors?
Lead times for cabinet doors can range from a couple of weeks to several weeks. Unfinished doors typically ship faster, often within 10-15 business days. Finished or painted doors will take longer, generally between 4 to 8 weeks, due to the extra steps of sanding, painting, and drying.
Can I order cabinet doors with hinge boring?
Yes, many online suppliers offer the option to have your cabinet doors pre-drilled for hinges. This service, often called hinge boring, can save you time and ensure accurate installation. You will typically need to specify the hinge placement when you place your order.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing the best place to order cabinet doors comes down to balancing cost, convenience, and quality. For most homeowners, online direct-to-consumer manufacturers offer the best combination of custom sizing, style selection, and value. They provide a professional-grade product at a price that is accessible to the public.
Take the time to order samples. Read online reviews not just on the company website but on third-party forums as well. A little extra research will ensure your kitchen transformation is a resounding success, giving you a look you’ll love for years to come.
