Replacement Kitchen Doors vs New Kitchen: Which Is Right for You?

If your kitchen is starting to look a little tired, you might be wondering whether it's time for a full refit — or whether simply replacing the doors could give you the transformation you're after.

The good news? For most homeowners, replacing kitchen doors is the smarter choice. Here's why.

Cost comparison

A brand new fitted kitchen typically costs between £5,000 and £15,000+, depending on the size of your kitchen and the quality of units. That's before you factor in worktops, appliances, plumbing and electrical work.

Replacement kitchen doors, on the other hand, typically cost between £800 and £3,000 for a full set of made-to-measure doors. That's a fraction of the price for what can be an equally dramatic transformation.

Timescale

A full kitchen refit can take 2-4 weeks from start to finish, during which time your kitchen is essentially out of action. You'll be washing up in the bath and living off takeaways.

Replacing your kitchen doors? Most people complete the job in a single weekend. Many suppliers provide step-by-step video guides to walk you through the process.

Disruption

New kitchens mean ripping out old units, dealing with plumbing and electrics, plastering, tiling, and the inevitable dust that gets absolutely everywhere. It's a major building project.

Door replacement is a simple swap. Your existing carcasses stay in place — you just unscrew the old doors and screw on the new ones. No plumbing, no electrics, no mess.

When a new kitchen makes more sense

There are situations where a full refit is the better option:

• Your kitchen layout doesn't work and you want to reconfigure it
• The carcasses themselves are damaged or warped
• You want to change worktops, appliances and layout at the same time
• You're renovating the whole house anyway

The bottom line

If your kitchen layout works well and the carcasses are in good condition, replacement doors offer incredible value. You get a fresh, modern look at a fraction of the cost, with minimal disruption to your daily life.

Not sure which supplier is right for your budget? Take our quick quiz and we'll match you with the best option.