Tag: kitchen renovation

All you need to know about the costs of fitting new kitchen cupboard doors including materials, labour and time frames within New Zealand.

What can you expect from replacing kitchen cupboards

Kitchen cupboard door replacement is a great way to update your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen renovation project!

Our renovation experts have great insights into what the costs for such renovations are, hence this article will give you an idea of costs and price range for replacing kitchen cabinets.

Most kitchens have carcasses (the actual body/frame of the cupboard) that are the same standard sizes, so you can get new doors and drawer fronts, along with kickboards, to give your kitchen a stylish makeover without breaking the bank!

There is a huge difference in prices charged for this job, particularly between small local traders and the larger national companies, so it is even more important to shop around and get a few prices when looking to replace your kitchen cupboard doors.

Many companies will try and sell you a new kitchen rather than just replace doors and drawer fronts, as the profit margins are much higher, but stick to your guns and firmly request quotes for new cupboard doors only, otherwise you could be talked into buying a complete new kitchen!

The estimates you get generally won’t include the cost of new kitchen worktops or flooring, but having these related jobs done at the same time would certainly finish off your updated kitchen nicely! But even just the new cupboard/drawer fronts will give you a kitchen that looks as good as new, as long as you have everything fitted professionally by an experienced kitchen fitter/joiner.

Over the last few years replacement kitchen doors have become a big part of the kitchen remodeling business, many people update their existing kitchens by simply fitting new kitchen doors to the old kitchen cabinets. This is a far cheaper alternative than replacing the old kitchen completely and who even notices that the old cupboards have not been changed anyway? It is also much quicker to replace doors and drawer fronts than to replace the kitchen cabinets. So if your kitchen cabinets are in a good order and you like the layout of your kitchen the way it is, then resurfacing the kitchen cabinets that are already fitted could be a great option.

Kitchen cabinetry Cost Calculator tool
by Little Giant Interiors

The average cost of kitchen cabinet doors in Auckland can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size and layout of the kitchen, the materials used, and the complexity of the design. Try this Cost Calculator tool by Little Giant Interiors.

Kitchen Cabinetry Cost Calculator Tool

Kitchen Cupboard Doors Ideas and Designs

1. Shaker Style Kitchen Cupboard

The most common style for cabinets today is the Shaker-style. The Shaker-style consists of five pieces of flat-panel, creating a frame with four pieces and with a single flat centre panel as the fifth piece. This is a popular trend because of the simple and classic look they offer to either a traditional or contemporary design.

2. Louvered Style Kitchen Cupboard

Louvered kitchen cabinets come with horizontal wooden slats, as well as a hefty price tag. With a design typically seen on windows, furniture pieces, and interior doors, louvered cabinets add a unique style to kitchen cabinetry.

3. Flat-Panel or Slab Style Kitchen Cupboard

Also known as “slab” cabinet doors, flat-panel kitchen cabinet doors are simple but stylish. The flat-panel kitchen cabinet style offers hard lines and minimalist form and lacks any expensive detail. The appearance of the simple flat-panel cabinet makes it a great fit for both contemporary and modern kitchens.

4. Inset Style Kitchen Cupboard

Just as their name suggests, inset-style cabinets are made up of an inset door set inside the cabinet frame instead of outside of the frame like typical cabinet doors. Each door is designed and built using incredibly precise measurements to ensure the wood sits inside the frame and opens and closes correctly.

5. Distressed Style Kitchen Cupboard

Looking for an antique-style kitchen? If so, you’ll probably want to go for distressed cabinets and drawers. Available from most manufacturers, distressed-looking cabinets can come in any door style with the corners rubbed off and other distressing techniques done to create an old feel.

6. Beadboard Style Kitchen Cupboard

Made of rows of vertical planks with indentation or ridges, known as “beads,” between each blank, beadboard cabinetry offers a more dynamic look than some other styles, such as flat kitchen cupboards. The look of the beads gives this style cabinet door texture and makes for a perfect country farmhouse or cottage style kitchen.

7. Thermofoil Style Kitchen Cupboard

Thermofoil kitchen cabinets are molded out of medium-density fiberboard (MDF). This style door is then wrapped in a type of plastic coating and baked under intense heat to be sealed. The process leads to a durable and cost-effective kind of kitchen cabinetry. Usually mass-produced, thermofoil cabinets only come in solid colors and are imitation wood. However, these cabinets are also inexpensive.

8. High Gloss Style Kitchen Cupboards

Gloss acrylic is a newer, cutting edge kitchen design material that is rapidly gaining in popularity due to it’s durable, moisture resistant finish. A bold, simple, stunning kitchen cabinet that has the versatility of offering textured, satin or gloss finishes. Hardwearing and easy to clean, it is an international standard of finish.

Kitchen Cupboard Doors DIY option

Most people with decent DIY skills can change cabinet doors and drawer fronts by themselves as long as they take their time.

If you feel you can’t do this by yourself, simply get in touch a local kitchen fitter or joiner as it will be just one or two day’s work for them with the right tools. The selection of new kitchen doors available to buy today is incredible and still growing – from places like Placemakers, Mitre 10 and ITM. Mitre 10 has quite a large range of kitchen doors you could purchase yourselves and simply find an installer to get it installed for, this would be the cheapest way to get your kitchen doors replacement (not taking into consideration cost of removal and repair work if required).

Whether you prefer contemporary kitchens of traditional kitchens, or anything in-between, you will be able to find replacement cabinet doors and facings to suit. Many companies will supply replacement kitchen doors which are completely blank with no drillings so you can place the handles and hinges exactly where you would like them to be. They also have no hinge holes as many kitchen cabinet manufacturers place their hinges at different heights, so buying doors with the holes already in them will limit you in terms of what type of cabinets they will fit.

Many people have discovered that replacing your entire kitchen, when a makeover looks just as good, does not make much sense. For the majority of people, they will save thousands when compare to the cost of an entire new kitchen, plus there’s less stress and mess with a simple kitchen facelift. No need to empty all of your cupboards, and the entire job rarely takes longer than 1-2 days. On average, by replacing your old kitchen unit doors with new ones you will save at least half the money you would have spent on a comparable new kitchen – and you could potentially save much more as that saving was based on getting new kitchen worktops and sink, oven and hob too! Of course saving all this money is no good if you don’t like the finished product, but you really would be hard pushed to tell once the job is done, the new doors, kick plates and drawer fronts will completely transform the kitchen.

Buying pre-built Kitchen Cabinets from retailers like Mitre 10

When it comes to remodeling or renovating your home, choosing the right cabinets is crucial to creating the perfect look and feel. While custom cabinets may seem like the ideal solution because it is made to fit, they often a bit more expensive compared to buying off the shelf (eg. Mitre10) and longer lead times. On the other hand, prebuilt cabinets in standard sizes are readily available in stores like Mitre10 and can be a more cost-effective and efficient option if it suits your kitchen – but you’ll need to install it, or find an installer to do it.

Prebuilt cabinets from places like Mitre10 is generally more affordable than custom cabinets from manufacturers. They are manufactured in large quantities and come in standard sizes (standard is the keyword here), which means the production cost is lower. These cost savings is passed onto the consumer, making prebuilt cabinets are definately a more budget-friendly option.

However, one of the main disadvantages of prebuilt cabinets is that they may not fit perfectly in your space. Every home is unique, and if you have an irregularly shaped or sized space, prebuilt cabinets may not be the best solution. In this case, custom cabinets that are manufactured to fit your exact measurements may be a better option.

Here are some advantages of getting custom cabinets done from kitchen manufacturers:

1. Personalization: With custom cabinets, you can have complete control over the design and customization of your cabinets. You can choose from a variety of materials, finishes, colors, and hardware options, ensuring that the cabinets are tailored to your specific tastes and needs.
2. Perfect Fit: Custom cabinets are designed and built to fit your space perfectly, ensuring that every inch of your kitchen is utilized efficiently. This means that you won’t have to worry about awkward gaps or wasted space, and your cabinets will look and function exactly as you want them to.
3. High-Quality Materials: Kitchen manufacturers use high-quality materials to construct custom cabinets, ensuring that they are durable and long-lasting. This means that you won’t have to worry about your cabinets wearing out or becoming damaged over time.
4. Expert Installation: When you work with a kitchen manufacturer to install your custom cabinets, you can rest assured that the installation will be done correctly and professionally. This means that you won’t have to worry about any issues arising during or after the installation process.
5. Increased Home Value: Custom cabinets can add significant value to your home, as they are seen as a high-end and desirable feature. If you plan to sell your home in the future, having custom cabinets installed can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
6. Warranty: Most kitchen manufacturers offer warranties on their custom cabinets, which means that you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

Overall, getting custom cabinets done from kitchen manufacturers is a great option for those who want a high-quality and personalized solution for their kitchen. While custom cabinets may be more expensive than prebuilt cabinets, they offer a range of benefits that make them worth the investment.

Ultimately, the decision to choose prebuilt cabinets versus custom cabinets depends on your budget, timeline, and the specific needs of your space. Prebuilt cabinets are a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly and convenient solution, while custom cabinets are ideal for those who require a precise fit and unique design.

The Cost Of Replacing Your Kitchen Cupboard Doors in NZ

The average cost to replace kitchen cupboard doors for a regular-sized kitchen would normally cost around $600+gst in labour from a local fitter.

This price includes waste removal of the old cupboard doors, the fitting of the new cupboard doors, drawers, handles and kickboards, but does not include the costs of the materials. If you decide to receive a quote from a national company prices can be up to $2,500+gst and quite often they tell you that changing cupboard doors isn’t possible without new kitchen carcasses. We suggest asking your local fitter to check if your kitchen carcasses are suitable for new cupboards doors.

The price of the actual cupboard doors themselves can vary greatly depending on size, quality, finish and style. Kitchen drawers tend to be priced at around $60-$90 each, and the cupboard doors at around $90. Kitchen door handles can add up too depending on the quality of handle you choose with prices starting at around $8 each.

Average Cost Of Replacing Kitchen Cupboard Doors NZ

Below are some estimated costs of hiring a tradesmen to replace kitchen cupboards, drawers, handles and kickboards of a standard kitchen.

Need more information?

Take advantage of our FREE Complete Home Renovation Guide (48 pages), whether you’re already renovating or in the process of deciding to renovate, it’s not an easy process, this guide which includes a free 100+ point check list – will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Download Free Renovation Guide (PDF)

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services, Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

Seven years ago when I was choosing countertops for our own kitchen for our Auckland based home, I exhausted myself researching all the choices that were on the market and finally settled on a marble countertop + wood on the island combo. I’ve never regretted it, But seven years have passed and much has changed in the world of kitchen countertops.

We have other kinds of countertops in our home, white laminate in the laundry room, wood in the hall bathroom, and modern cultured marble in the master bathroom. All have performed well based on our expectations. Innovation is inevitable, trends come and go, so the decision as to which countertop to choose in a kitchen remodel requires much consideration. Let’s start with a classic favorite.

Marble Style Kitchen Countertop

Marble will never go out of style so for the price you pay, you do get the “timeless” label with the investment.

Always elegant, it complements both Old World and modern kitchens equally; for bakers it’s a favorite, no surface is better for pies and pastries.

Properly sealed marble cleans up easily with a mild cleanser and cloth. Marble can stain so it must be sealed, and since it’s softer than granite, it can chip easily (we’ve suffered several small chips around our kitchen sink).

Any acidic food like citrus can etch the surface or leave white stains. There are two varieties of gray and white Italian marble that are similar in appearance, both milky white with gray veining, and they are Carrara and Calacatta. Carrara has more delicate, lighter veining; Calacatta is a rarer, pricier stone and has bolder more defined strokes, yet both are a desirable luxury stone. Calacatta Gold and Crema Marfil marbles have brown or gold veins and offer homeowners warmer tones.

Marble Counter top

Marble stone is formed from limestone, superheated to form its unique crystalline structure. Marble countertop surfaces are timeless with their classic beauty and elegance. If you are looking for a surface to sustain through the ages, this natural stone countertop material is perfect for you. Its naturally cool temperature is pleasing for cooking as well as keeping any workspaces temperature controlled.

Wooden Style Kitchen Countertop

Wood countertops are having a moment in the spotlight right now with butcher block being so affordable

Wood countertops are higher maintenance than stone, they require sealing with various natural products like beeswax or mineral oil, or waterproof varnishes.

Wood countertops cannot withstand heat which requires the consistent use of hot pads or trivets. Water spills or rings can leave permanent marks if moisture is left too long, but they have classic appeal and add a warmth that no other countertop can compete with, especially in traditional, craftsman, or cottage style homes. The use of wood in any space brings character to your home and when cared for properly, wood countertops will remain useful and beautiful for years.

Wooden Counter top

Real wood kitchen countertops are an old-world idea that is back in vogue. And as homeowners pore over options in kitchen design in the constantly changing world of styles, more and more are turning to unique, out-of-the-box ideas. Wood countertops also have a place in the green-building movement, since many kinds of wood are fully renewable and are often gathered from recycled sources.

Engineered Quartz Style Kitchen Countertop

Quartz kitchen countertops are manufactured man-made surfaces with contemporary appeal created from pigmented resin and ground quartz chips.

They are readily available in multiple colors and in either honed or polished sheens. Quartz countertops share the durability of stone but are easier to care for since they are non-porous and anti-bacterial.For the most part, you won’t find the natural variegation that you do in granite or marble products yet some natural quartz manufacturers like Cambria are mimicking them well.

Quartz Counter top

Engineered quartz (not to be confused with Quartzite, another appealing natural stone used as counters) is a manmade product created mostly from natural materials. It’s made of 90 to 94 percent ground quartz and 6 to 10 percent resins and pigments that are combined into durable and nonporous slabs. The strength of quartz, even in a manufactured form, makes it naturally resistant to abrasion, scratches, dents, and even acids without the need for sealants. And the environmental impact of manufactured quartz is low: Quartz is an abundant material and the finished product is nontoxic and nonallergenic, and will last a lifetime, reducing the need for replacement.

Granite Style Kitchen Countertop

Granite has been the countertop of choice for many contractors and homeowners since the 1990s.

Many granites have a speckled or mottled surface with varied colors throughout but they are extremely durable. Although porous, when sealed granite resists stains, withstands heat, and is waterproof, hence the popularity.

Granite Counter top

There are plenty of reasons to go with granite countertops for your kitchen if you are updating you’re renovating. It is a natural stone that is both heat and scratch resistant. To make it even more durable, sealing the material will also prevent staining while helping to keep the surface bacteria free along with regular cleanings. Granite also comes in lots of beautiful colors and patterns―some options even resemble marble, which typically costs more per square foot. Whether your style is traditional or modern, there is a granite countertop out there that will suit your cooking space.

Solid Surface (Corian) Style Kitchen Countertop

Solid surface countertops like Corian are artificial, made of acrylic and polyester; they are non-porous so sealing is not required.

They can scratch or burn under extreme conditions but any mistakes can be sanded out so they are virtually maintenance free.

Solid Surface (Corian) Counter top

Corian is DuPont’s brand name for its flagship solid surface countertop material. It is a man-made product composed of 33 percent binding resins and 66 percent minerals. Corian was the original solid surface brand name. First developed by DuPont in 1967, solid surface countertops are now made by several other manufacturers and include the brands Avonite, Staron, and Mystera.

Limestone Kitchen Countertop

Limestone is made of calcite and is shaped from sand and aquatic life (and fossils) over time.

It’s softer than granite, yet heat resistant and moisture proof when sealed. Limestone is available in off white to sand tones and shows a beautiful patina with age. Limestone is often honed and because it is softer porous stone it can scratch easily and requires sealing.

Limestone Counter top

Limestone in our opionion is the most beautiful stone that exists in the world. It is not only incredibly elegant, it also tames bold colors that you might have as a part of your interior design, while also fitting into more minimalist designs as well. The thing about limestone is that no matter what the rest of the room looks like, limestone is always going to fit. Because limestone always fits, it’s one of the most popular stones in the world. You can’t match the beauty of limestone, making it an incredibly elegant choice of natural stone that will easily fit into the aesthetic of any room you have take on the task.

Soapstone Kitchen Countertop

Like concrete (see below) soapstone is growing in popularity as a kitchen countertop material of choice.

When installed it’s often a medium gray tone that deepens over time to a more charcoal color. It’s composed of mineral talc and some slabs can have a green tint, the material is often used in labs because it is heat and chemical resistant. Soapstone is a softer surface like marble; it requires polishing to avoid cracks and can scratch or nick but it is water resistant.

Soapstone Counter top

When it comes to natural stone countertops, there are more options out there than just marble and granite. If you love the dark beauty of granite and the light veining of marble, consider soapstone instead. It’s durable, relatively low-maintenance, and has a lovely, old-world feel. Here’s everything you need to know. Why choose Soapstone for your kitchen bench?

• Soapstone does not stain.
• Soapstone counters are not harmed by hot pots, citrus, wine, acids or chemicals.
• The only maintenance recommended, not required, is the mineral oil treatment to enhance the natural darkening process the stone goes through and to ensure the soapstone darkens evenly. Mineral oil is not recommended to protect the soapstone, it does not need protection since it is naturally non- porous.
• The cost of soapstone is comparable to other natural stones.
• Soapstone can be offered in a variety of different textures, unlike most other natural stones that are only available with a high polished finish. Some clients like the stone to feel rougher to the touch, others like it a little smoother and some like it in between, we can please all tastes by re-finishing the top of the slabs, at no additional cost.

Soapstone countertops are harvested from the earth and simply custom cut to fit your kitchen. It’s all-natural and can be recycled completely. No sealers or toxic chemicals of any kind will be introduced into your home. Nothing needs to be done to make soapstone beautiful since nature has taken care of this all on its own. Once it has been quarried from the earth it simply needs a cleanup and a trimming before it arrives at your door in its natural state.

Modern Laminates Kitchen Countertop

Laminates are manufactured with a blend of resins and paper fused to particle board and they have been a budget smooth countertop surface for decades.

In the past, laminate hasn’t always had a reputation as stylish, but that’s all changed, there are several reasons to choose laminate countertops as the newest designs mimic marble, granite, and limestone.

In the past, laminate countertops required an over mount sink but as one reader pointed out (see comments), that’s not the case anymore.

Our personal favourite is the Formica® brand

There are other companies that make laminate—but Formica was the original, and the first of its kind. They’ve been in business since 1913, and that is a testament to their quality craftsmanship and customer service. Over time, the Formica brand has become interchangeable with the word “laminate”.

Formica laminate is an affordable way to reinvent your kitchen countertop. With over 200 colors and styles to choose from, there is a Formica option for every visual palette. Their designers stay on top of the industry trends and regularly add stylish new options to the collection.

Concrete Kitchen Countertop

This style is trending in the past few years and for good reason. Concrete is practically indestructible and is both heat and scratch resistant.

These countertops are either precast based on a template or poured on site, the labor intensity adds to the price per square foot which is often $100 or more, but look how fabulous they can be!

Pro: Concrete is durable. The strength of the cement-and-sand mix alone has some hailing it as a rock solid (we had to) design choice. After all, concrete is made up of the same material found in sidewalks.

Con: But it can crack. Does the thought of a hairline fracture make you cringe? That’s a risk that comes along with concrete countertops, most commonly when poured in place rather than pre-cast. Of course, you can prevent cracks to a certain extent by adding fiber reinforcement, rebar, and/or wire mesh. Still, cracks happen, whether because of pressure or the natural settling of the house.

Most affordable countertop option for Kitchens in Auckland

Here are our five recommended best budget kitchen countertop options.

1. Quartz
2. Granite
3. Laminate
4. Ceramic Tile
5. Concrete

There are so many other countertop products coming to market in recent years, how can anyone keep up !? Zinc, recycled glass, stainless steel, the list goes on. What solid surface countertop(s) do you have in your kitchen? Are you pleased or displeased with yours?

Need more information?

Take advantage of our FREE Complete Home Renovation Guide (48 pages), whether you’re already renovating or in the process of deciding to renovate, it’s not an easy process, this guide which includes a free 100+ point check list – will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Download Free Renovation Guide (PDF)

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services, Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz