Home Improvement How-To's: Install Cabinet Doors

Installing new cabinet doors isn't difficult, but plan plenty of time so that the doors hang straight, are evenly spaced, and operate smoothly. Attach the hardware to the door first, then hang the door on the cabinet face frame. You can work on the doors in your
kitchen, but protect them from scratches by using a soft cloth or clamping them in an upright position. When drilling pilot holes for the hinge screws, take care not to drill all the way through the door!

 
SKILL SCALE
Easy
 

TIME REQUIRED
You can replace all the doors and drawer fronts on an 8-foot section of lower cabinets in about 6 hours.
 

TOOLS
Tape measure
Handsaw
Screwdriver
Combination square
Drill with bits
 

MATERIALS
Replacement doors
Hinges
Screws

 
STEPS
 
Step 1 Attach the hinges to the back of the new door, 2 inches from the top and bottom. Use three hinges, evenly spaced, if the door is taller than 30 inches.
 
Step 2
 		 Use masking tape to mark a reference line on the top face frame rail -- this will help you keep the tops of the doors all lined up. The door should be centered over the door opening.
     
Position the door over the opening, aligning the top edge with the tape reference line. Mark one hinge location on the face frame with masking tape.
     
Open up the hinges and position the door against the edge of the face frame so the hinges are aligned with the tape marking the hinge locations. Drill pilot holes in the face frame and anchor the hinges to the face frame with the mounting screws, then remove the masking tape
     
Attach door handles or knobs and any door catch hardware. Follow the manufacturer's directions to install the hardware.