How To Match Your Existing Kitchen Cabinet Doors
Matching existing kitchen cabinet doors can be tricky. Learn what to expect, the steps to follow, and how to get started.
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and when everything is in place, it brings warmth and function to your space. But what happens when one of your cabinet doors is damaged, or you need to upgrade a few doors to refresh the look? Finding a perfect match for your existing kitchen cabinet doors can feel overwhelming. Will you be able to match the style? Will the finish look identical? How long will it take, and what will it cost?
At Cutting Edge, we specialize in helping homeowners like you navigate this process. As one of the few Canadian cabinet door suppliers who work directly with homeowners, we assist countless customers each year in finding close matches for their cabinetry. Although suppliers like us can’t match every door, we help you determine what’s possible and guide you through the steps to get the best results.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why matching existing cabinet doors is complex, time-consuming, and expensive
- The five essential steps to take when trying to match your doors
- Red flags to watch for when working with suppliers
- Signs that a company can successfully match your cabinet doors
By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to start your search and know what to expect.
Matching Existing Cabinet Doors Is Complex, Expensive, and Takes Time
Matching your existing kitchen cabinet doors isn’t always as simple as ordering a replacement. It can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring months to complete. Finding a near-exact match can take one to six months, depending on the door style, material, finish, and the number of pieces you need.
Additionally, it can be expensive. Since manufacturers may have changed their designs over time, getting a close match often requires custom work, which can come at a premium. Extra fees for custom finishes ($100+), shipping ($40+), and sourcing materials add to the cost. Typically, matching existing doors costs at least $150+ for the first piece and $50+ per piece after that.
While matching existing cabinet doors is possible, you should expect a detailed and sometimes lengthy process.
5 Steps To Take When Matching Existing Cabinet Doors
Not all cabinet doors require the same approach to matching, but you should follow at least these four steps to improve their chances of success.
1. Take Pictures of Your Existing Cabinet Doors
Before reaching out to suppliers, take clear pictures of your cabinet doors. Ensure you capture:
- Close-up shots showing the grain, finish, and profiles
- A full kitchen shot to show the doors in context
- Images with a measuring tape or ruler for scale
- Edge profiles and hinge placements
The more images you have, the better. Pictures from different angles can help your suppliers choose a better match.
2. Decide What You Need
Once you have your images, determine your needs. Do you need a perfect match for a single door, or would replacing all doors on a small section of cabinetry be a more practical solution? If the affected cabinets are in a separate area, like a pantry or laundry room, replacing all the doors in that section with a coordinating but slightly different style may be an option.
3. Reach Out to Companies That May Be Able to Help
Once you have your images and requirements, contact local cabinet makers, contractors, and cabinet door suppliers. In your initial outreach, send at least one clear picture of an entire door and explain your ideal solution and any alternative options you’d consider.
If a supplier can’t match your doors, ask if they can recommend another company that might. The more professionals you contact, the better your chances of finding the best match for your existing kitchen.
4. Answer Any Questions Your Contacts Have
Be prepared to answer detailed questions. Every detail matters when trying to match an existing door. Some common questions include:
- What material is the door made of? If unsure, your supplier can help determine this.
- Is the door solid wood? This affects pricing and lead time.
- What type of finish is on the door? Stained, painted, or thermofoil finishes each require different matching techniques.
- Are the edges squared or rounded? Some doors have subtle edge details that impact how well they match the existing cabinetry.
- What are the exact dimensions? Even small differences in size can make a new cabinet door noticeably different.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, let your supplier know. They can help you get the details they need.
5. Provide an Existing Cabinet Door
For the best results, you may need to send an actual door to your supplier. This is especially important if you require an exact colour and finish match. When choosing a door to send:
- If replacing a damaged door, send that one. This choice ensures the closest match without the risk of losing a good door.
- Use secure packaging to prevent shipping damage. Replacing a damaged cabinet door is already stressful – avoiding further damage is key.
- Confirm the expected timeline before shipping. Since matching can take months, know how long you’ll be without that door.
Now that you know what steps to take, what do you need to watch out for? How can you tell if a supplier really can help you?
3 Red Flags to Watch For When Matching Existing Cabinet Doors
While many companies genuinely try to help, some red flags suggest a supplier may not be the right choice.
- Your contact becomes unresponsive for days or weeks at a time. If you frequently have to follow up to get responses or your emails go unanswered for weeks, consider working with another company. A lack of communication can indicate disinterest, low priority on your order, or even that the company is unreliable.
- Your contact doesn’t consider the little details. Matching cabinet doors requires attention to detail. If the company you’re speaking with isn’t asking about materials, finishes, or edge profiles, they may not have the expertise to provide a close match. A supplier that doesn’t request specifics may leave you with doors that look noticeably different from your originals.
- Your contact can’t provide a timeline or quote. A reputable supplier should be able to give you an estimate for both cost and completion time before you commit. If a company is unwilling to do this, it could indicate they lack experience matching existing doors.
If you notice these red flags, it’s best to continue your search for a supplier. But on the flip side, some things indicate a supplier is a good option for you.
4 Ways to Tell You’ve Found a Company That Can Match Your Doors
You’ll notice a few key signs if you’re working with the right supplier.
- Your contact guides you through the process with clear explanations. A good supplier will walk you through the entire process, explaining what they need from you and what to expect. If they communicate how matching works, it’s a sign they know what they’re doing.
- Your contact asks you for input and clarification. Although it may feel like a hassle, companies that ask detailed questions about your doors and expectations are more likely to provide a close match.
- Your contact asks you to verify that you’re satisfied with the match. A great supplier will want to confirm that you’re happy before completing the order. Some may send pictures demonstrating the match for your approval before moving forward.
- Your supplier offers to provide a sample for approval. Although this is rare for small orders (less than 10 pieces), some suppliers may offer to send a sample piece of material or finish to verify that it’s a good match before producing your final cabinet door.
Find Companies Who Can Help You Match Your Existing Cabinet Doors
Matching your existing kitchen cabinet doors takes time and attention to detail, but with the right approach, it’s possible to get a close match. By documenting your doors, reaching out to reliable suppliers, answering detailed questions, and providing a sample, you can improve your chances of finding the perfect fit. Understanding red flags and positive signs will also help you avoid costly mistakes.
Now that you know what to expect, you can confidently start your search. The next step is finding the right supplier who can meet your needs. Start by reading this list of the best cabinet door manufacturers in Canada to help you start your search.
