Kitchen Door Replacement vs. Buying a New Kitchen

The Appeal of Door Replacement Services

Door replacement companies market their service as a way to achieve a ‘new kitchen’ without the cost and disruption of a full refit. The idea is simple: instead of removing your existing units, you swap out the doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes the worktops, giving the kitchen a fresh look while keeping the structure intact.

For many, this seems like an attractive option—especially if they want to update their kitchen quickly and with minimal hassle.

Advantages of Door Replacement Services

• Faster Installation – A door replacement job can usually be completed within a day or two, compared to a full kitchen refit, which typically takes longer.
• Less Disruption – Since the main structure of the kitchen remains in place, there’s no need for plumbing or electrical work, making it a cleaner, less intrusive process.
• Lower Upfront Cost Than a High-Street Kitchen – Replacing doors is often cheaper than buying a full kitchen from a premium showroom or a well-known high-street brand, where you’ll be paying for brand markups, showrooms, and sales commissions.
• Eco-Friendly Benefits – Reusing kitchen carcasses means less waste, which can make door replacements a more sustainable choice if the underlying units are still in good condition.

While these benefits make door replacement services appealing, it's important to weigh them against the actual costs and long-term value of the investment.

The Limitations of Door Replacement Services

While door replacements work well in some situations, they aren’t always as cost-effective as they seem. Many homeowners find that the price difference between replacement kitchen doors and a full new kitchen—especially when buying online—is surprisingly small.

Kitchen Door Replacement Costs

Although door replacements are advertised as a budget-friendly option, the final bill can sometimes be higher than expected.

• Hidden Extras – Many companies charge extra for additional work, such as replacing hinges, drawer boxes, or side panels to match the new doors. These costs can quickly add up.
• Franchise Fees and Overheads – Many door replacement businesses are part of a franchise model, meaning they have additional costs built into their pricing structure. This can make them more expensive than expected compared to direct-to-consumer alternatives.
• Price vs. Perceived Savings – A full door replacement service, including fitting and minor extras, can typically cost between £3,000 - £6,000 depending on kitchen size and style.

At this price point, it’s still significantly cheaper than buying a full new kitchen from a premium independent supplier or a big-name high-street kitchen showroom, where prices often start from £8,000 - £15,000 or more, even for mid-range ranges.

However, if you buy a new kitchen directly from an online kitchen supplier, the price difference shrinks dramatically.

Many direct suppliers offer complete kitchens (including cabinets, doors, and fittings) for as little as £3,500 - £7,000, making them comparable in price to a door replacement service—but with brand-new units included.

Not Always the Best Long-Term Eco-Friendly Solution

One of the biggest selling points of door replacement services is their eco-friendly appeal—since reusing units reduces waste. However, this argument depends on the condition of the existing kitchen.

• If units need replacing within a few years, waste isn’t actually reduced – If your cabinets aren’t in good condition, you may find yourself needing a full replacement sooner than expected, meaning more materials go to landfill in the long run.
• A full kitchen replacement with high-quality materials can be the more sustainable choice – If you invest in durable, long-lasting units, you’ll reduce the need for multiple facelifts over time.

While replacing doors reduces waste in the short term, many kitchens that undergo a facelift still end up needing full replacement within 3-5 years, meaning the overall environmental benefit is often overstated.

Key Takeaways

• Door replacement services remain a cheaper alternative to buying a new kitchen from high-street retailers and premium showrooms.
• However, when compared to buying a full kitchen direct from an online supplier, the cost of replacing doors is often similar, making a full replacement the better long-term value.
• Hidden costs like franchise fees, installation charges, and necessary upgrades can drive up the price of replacement doors, sometimes making them less of a bargain than they first appear.
• A new kitchen lasts significantly longer, meaning better long-term value.
• Existing units may already be at the end of their lifespan, making door replacements a short-term fix rather than a real upgrade.
• The eco-friendly argument isn’t as strong as it seems, as many kitchens with replaced doors still need full replacement within a few years.

For those who want the absolute cheapest refresh, door replacements may still be a valid option. However, for homeowners willing to invest just a little more, buying a new kitchen online instead of through premium showrooms can offer the best balance of affordability, durability, and long-term savings.

Why Buying a New Kitchen Can Offer Better Value

While replacing kitchen doors may seem like an easy way to achieve a fresh look, there are several reasons why investing in a brand-new kitchen is often the better option in the long run.

A full kitchen replacement allows you to address structural issues, improve storage, and fully customise your space—all while getting better value for money compared to a door replacement that might only last a few years.

Cost vs. Value: A Closer Look

A common belief is that door replacement services are significantly cheaper than buying a new kitchen. This is true when comparing them to high-street kitchen showrooms and premium independent retailers, where full kitchen prices can start from £8,000 - £15,000 or more.

However, when compared to buying direct from an online kitchen supplier, the price difference is often minimal.

Door Replacement: What You’re Paying For

Door replacement services charge for more than just the doors themselves. Many homeowners don’t realise the hidden costs involved:

• Franchise Fees – Many door replacement companies operate as franchises, meaning a percentage of every sale goes to the franchisor, adding to the overall cost.
• Labour and Installation Costs – Unlike buying a new kitchen for self-installation or hiring an independent fitter, door replacement services include labour in the final price, often at a premium.
• Additional Costs for Extras – If your kitchen needs new hinges, upgraded drawer runners, or matching side panels, these are usually charged as extras, increasing the final bill.

A full kitchen door replacement, including fitting and minor upgrades, can typically cost between £3,000 - £6,000.

New Kitchen vs. Door Replacement: Which Offers Better Value in the Long Run?

If you’re shopping at high-end retailers or premium kitchen studios, a brand-new kitchen could easily cost £10,000 or more, making door replacements seem like a bargain.

However, if you buy direct from an online kitchen supplier, prices for a fully fitted new kitchen can start from as little as £3,500 - £7,000—which is comparable to the cost of a full door replacement service but with brand-new units included.

• No Franchise Fees – Buying direct means you’re paying for the kitchen itself, not extra business costs.
• Customisable Options – A new kitchen allows you to redesign the space, improve storage, and select from a much wider range of finishes and door styles.
• Better Durability – A new kitchen comes with stronger carcasses, modern hinges, soft-close drawers, and higher-quality materials, making it a long-term investment rather than a temporary refresh.

When considering that a door replacement may only extend the kitchen’s life by 3-5 years, while a new kitchen can last 15-20 years, the cost per year of use is often lower with a full replacement.

More Than Just a Facelift: The Benefits of a New Kitchen

A kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a functional space that should work for your lifestyle. If your current kitchen has storage limitations, awkward layouts, or outdated fittings, simply replacing the doors won’t solve these problems.

Full Control Over Layout & Storage

One of the biggest drawbacks of a door replacement is that it locks you into your existing layout. A new kitchen allows you to:

• Optimise the space to suit your needs, whether that means adding more storage, opening up the layout, or improving accessibility.
• Integrate modern storage solutions, such as pull-out larders, deep drawers, corner carousels, and built-in organisers—all of which aren’t possible with a simple door swap.
• Choose from a much wider range of finishes and styles, rather than being restricted by the original unit sizes and structure.

Improved Durability & Build Quality

New kitchens are built with modern materials and high-quality construction methods, offering:

• Stronger carcasses that provide better stability and longevity.
• High-quality hinges, runners, and soft-close mechanisms that make everyday use smoother and more durable.
• Improved moisture resistance, helping to prevent swelling, warping, or degradation over time—something older carcasses may already be struggling with.

If your existing kitchen units are 10-15 years old, replacing doors might only buy a few more years before structural issues arise, whereas a new kitchen ensures everything is built to last.

Long-Term Sustainability

Door replacement services promote themselves as an eco-friendly alternative because they reuse existing units rather than sending them to landfill. While this can be beneficial, it only works if the existing units are structurally sound.

• If the kitchen carcasses are already nearing the end of their lifespan, replacing just the doors only delays the inevitable—leading to a full kitchen replacement within a few years.
• A high-quality, fully replaced kitchen can last 15-20 years, reducing the need for multiple facelifts and the waste that comes with them.
• Modern kitchen suppliers often use responsibly sourced materials, and many offer fully recyclable units and doors, making a well-planned new kitchen an equally sustainable option.

While replacing doors reduces waste in the short term, many kitchens that undergo a facelift still end up needing full replacement within 3-5 years, meaning the overall environmental benefit is often overstated.

Final Verdict: Which Option is Right for You?

When a Door Replacement Makes Sense

• Your kitchen carcasses are in excellent condition, with plenty of life left.
• You like your current layout and only want to update the appearance.
• You need a quick refresh with minimal disruption.
• You’re on a budget but not considering online kitchen suppliers—as door replacement is often cheaper than high-end retailers.

When a New Kitchen is the Better Investment

• Your kitchen is already quite old and showing signs of structural wear.
• You want to improve storage, functionality, or layout—not just the look.
• You’re looking for better long-term value rather than a short-term fix.
• The cost of a door replacement isn’t significantly cheaper than a full kitchen replacement when buying direct from an online supplier.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

There’s no single right answer—it depends on your kitchen’s condition, your budget, and your long-term plans.

• If you need a quick refresh and your kitchen is still in great shape, a door replacement could work well.
• If you’re considering spending £3,000 - £6,000 on a door replacement, it's worth comparing prices from direct online kitchen suppliers, as you may find a full new kitchen is achievable for a similar price.

Whichever route you take, it’s worth comparing the full costs, weighing up the benefits, and ensuring you’re making a decision that suits your needs—both now and in the years to come.

Summary of Key Points

• Replacing kitchen doors is a cheaper alternative to buying from high-end kitchen retailers or premium independent suppliers.
• However, when compared to buying a full kitchen direct from an online supplier, the price difference is often minimal.
• If carcasses are still in great condition and you’re happy with your kitchen layout, a door replacement can be a cost-effective, low-disruption option.
• If your kitchen is aging, lacks functionality, or needs major upgrades, a full replacement from an online supplier is often the best investment.

If you’re considering a kitchen upgrade, it’s worth exploring all options. You may find that buying a new kitchen direct from an online supplier provides better value, longer durability, and more flexibility for a price not much higher than replacing doors alone.