Fitting new cupboard doors is one of the simplest ways to refresh the look of your bedroom or kitchen. The good news? You don’t need years of DIY experience to get it right. With the right preparation and a straightforward step-by-step approach, you can achieve a polished, professional finish without calling in a joiner.
If you’ve been wondering how to install cupboard doors, this guide will walk you through the process. We’ll cover everything from preparing your tools to hanging the doors and adding the finishing touches. You’ll see just how manageable it is to tackle the job yourself.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started, gather a few essential tools. Having everything close at hand will make the process smoother and save time mid-project. You’ll need:
- - Measuring tape
- - Screwdriver or drill with suitable bits
- - Pencil
- - Spirit level
- - Small hammer (optional, for minor adjustments)
- - Masking tape (for marking positions without damaging surfaces)
Along with these basics, you’ll require hinges and handles to complete the installation. You can order everything you need, including accessories such as hinges, handles, and screws, directly from Doors Sincerely Ltd. When you purchase cupboard doors with hinges, we can even pre-drill the hinge holes for you, making installation far quicker and easier.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Cupboard Doors
Step 1: Measuring Up
The key to a smooth installation is accurate measuring. Cupboard doors that are slightly too big or too small can leave uneven gaps or prevent the door from closing properly.
Using a tape measure, measure the height and width of your cupboard openings carefully. Always measure twice to be sure and write down each measurement clearly before ordering.
If you’d like more guidance on getting this stage right, our detailed guide on how to measure for wardrobe doors will take you through the process step by step. Take your time, accurate measuring now means far less hassle when it comes to fitting your new doors.
Step 2: Preparing Your Cupboard
Before attaching your new doors, take a moment to prepare the cupboard itself.
- 1. Remove the old doors and unscrew the existing hinges if you intend to update them
- 2. Check the cupboard frame for any loose screws, chips, or damage.
- 3. Fill small holes with wood filler if needed and allow it to dry.
- 4. Wipe down the surface so it’s clean and dust-free.
This quick preparation ensures your new doors sit flush and secure. A clean, level base is essential for a neat result.
Step 3: Fitting the Hinges
Cupboard doors typically use concealed hinges, which are both practical and discreet.
- - If you ordered your doors with hinge drilling, you’ll notice round recesses already in place. This saves a big chunk of time and guarantees accuracy.
- - Position each hinge into its recess and fix it with screws.
- - Attach the mounting plate to the cupboard carcass, lining it up at the correct height.
Start with the top hinge, then move to the bottom. For tall doors, a third or fourth hole adds stability. Tighten the screws securely.
Step 4: Hanging the Doors
With hinges fitted, you’re ready to hang the doors.
- 1. Hold the door in position against the cupboard carcass.
- 2. Align the hinges with their mounting plates.
- 3. Clip the hinge onto the mounting plate.
Don’t worry if things look a little uneven at first. Concealed hinges are designed so that doors can be adjusted vertically and horizontally so you can tweak the alignment afterwards.
Step 5: Adding Handles and Finishing Touches
Handles are the final touch that complete the look. Here’s how to fit them neatly:
- - Measure and mark the position for each handle, using a pencil or masking tape.
- - Drill a hole in the door for the handle screw.
- - Insert the handle screws through the door and tighten until secure.
You’ll find plenty of stylish handle options in our accessories section, so you can match your handles to your chosen cupboard door style.
Once handles are in place, step back and admire your handiwork.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Don’t worry if things aren’t perfect the first time. Most minor issues are easy to fix:
- - Doors not level? Adjust the hinge vertcialy slightly until they align.
- - Uneven gaps? Adjust the hinges horizontally with a simple adjustment.
- - Closing Action - With the Blum range of hinges and drawers with soft close doors and drawers close with effortless ease.
The beauty of modern cupboard hinges is that they’re designed to be adjustable. A few small tweaks can make all the difference.
Why Buy Cupboard Doors from Doors Sincerely
Knowing how to install cupboard doors is only half the story. Choosing the right supplier makes the job far easier from start to finish.
At Doors Sincerely, you’ll find:
- - A huge choice of wardrobe doors and kitchen doors in styles and finishes to suit every home.
- - Made-to-measure options with quick UK delivery, usually within two weeks.
- - Pre-drilled hinge holes when hinges are ordered, saving time and effort.
- - Everything you need in one place, from doors to handles, hinges, and panels.
- - Friendly, family-run service from a team who know the products inside out.
We’ve been supplying cupboard doors across the UK and Ireland since 2008, and we pride ourselves on making the process as straightforward as possible for every customer.
Conclusion
Installing new cupboard doors may feel daunting at first, but as you’ve seen, the process is straightforward when broken down into simple steps. From preparing your tools and measuring carefully, to fitting hinges, hanging the doors, and adding handles, you can achieve a professional finish without needing specialist skills.
Ready to get started? Explore our wide range of styles and see how easy it is to give your cupboards a fresh new look.