Jane’s choice: UPGRADED DOORS

Getting a smart kitchen needn’t be pricey – just switch up your doors and fascias

ew doors and fascias can provide a quick and affordable refresh. Jane’s replacement doors were made to measure by a carpenter, but lots of off-the-peg designs are available.

Are all kitchens suitable for door replacement?

Check your existing carcasses are in good condition first. It is a false economy to fit new doors to cupboards that are on their last legs – anything under eight years’ old should be a safe bet but check for structural damage, particularly around the sink area.

How do I order the right door sizes?

The easiest way to replace doors like-forlike is to measure what’s in situ. Measure from the back, as this is always the squarest part of the door/drawer front. Measure the height first and then the width, in millimetres. Generally a door front is 5mm less in height than the cabinet and 4mm less in width, so if your cabinet is 720mm high (not including legs) x 500mm wide the door front size would be 715mm high x 496mm wide.

What if my cabinets are not standard sizes?

Just like complete kitchens, replacement doors are available in off-the-peg (standard sizes) and made-to-measure formats. Some companies offer both options. Expect to pay more for made-to-measure as it’s more labour-intensive to make doors in one-off sizes. And you’ll need to wait a little longer for delivery, too.

Will the hinges line up?

Whether you are drilling the hinge holes in your new doors yourself, or ordering pre-drilled doors, you will need to measure carefully. With your existing doors still on, measure from the top edge of the door to the centre of the top hinge hole for the top hinge position. Then measure up from the bottom edge of the door to the centre of the bottom hinge hole for the bottom hinge position. Do measure each door as hinge positions can vary, and be sure to note if the hinges are on the left or right!

Who will fit them?

A simple like-for-like project is definitely within the skill-set of anyone who can handle an electric screwdriver. Don’t be afraid to ask your supplier for advice.

‘UPGRADING YOUR KITCHEN WITH NEW FRONTS LETS YOU GET A NEW LOOK WITHOUT HAVING TO REDO THE WHOLE KITCHEN’

RUTH CORBETT,