How to Replace Kitchen Drawer in 5 Simple Steps

Treat your drawers with an upgrade

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No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$60–$120
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Measuring tape
  • Screwdriver
  • Drill and drill bit
SUPPLIES
  • Double-sided tape
  • Drawer hardware
  • New cabinet drawer box
  • Drawer slides
  • Drawer front

If you think about how often you open and close your cabinet drawers, you’ll quickly realize that it’s normal to deal with issues at some point. Learning how to replace a kitchen drawer is the best bet to keep your cabinetry in working order. 

Whether your drawer is constantly sticking, has faulty hardware, or the alignment is off, there’s always a solution. If replacing the drawer altogether is the best option, here’s how to do it.

  1. Take Measurements

    man measuring kitchen cabinet drawers
    Photo: zephyr_p / Adobe Stock

    When it comes to getting replacement drawers for the kitchen, it’s all about nailing the correct measurements. Unlike with cabinet refacing, in which you keep the drawer boxes, you’ll need to replace the box if you’re replacing the drawer. 

    1. From the opening, measure the width and height of the drawer box. 

    2. Measure the depth from the front of the drawer to the back., 

    3. Then subtract 1 inch from that measurement to allow ample space for the drawer slides.

    4. Once you have these measurements, you’re ready to find a replacement drawer.

    In terms of finding a new drawer box, it’s a good idea to ask a custom cabinet maker near you to make a customized box for the perfect fit.

  2. Get the Right Drawer Slides

    Drawer slides come in many different sizes and styles, from side- and center-mounted slides to full extension and 3/4 extension slides. The most important thing is to get slides that match up perfectly with the depth of the drawer box. If you like the style of slides that your old drawer used, it’s easiest to buy the same ones. That way, all you need to do is unscrew the old slides and screw on the new ones.

  3. Remove and Replace the Old Hardware

    man installing kitchen drawer hardware
    Photo: yacobchuk / iStock / Getty Images

    Now comes the fun part: Choosing new kitchen cabinet hardware. You might be surprised at how changing the knobs or handles on your drawers can transform the look of your space, so don’t hesitate to use this opportunity to pick out some snazzy new hardware. Use the screwdriver and drill to remove the old hardware and install the new hardware.

  4. Install the New Drawer Box

    Before attaching the drawer front to the drawer box, make sure that the box slides in and out of the cabinet without issue. Hold the box level in front of the cabinet and place the ends of the slides attached to the drawers into the tracks inside the cabinet. Gently but firmly slide the drawer box into place.

  5. Align the Drawer Front

    Finally, you’ll likely need to use double-sided tape to get the drawer front aligned correctly on the drawer box. Double-check that everything is centered, then secure the drawer front to the drawer box by screwing through the box from the inside. Voila, you’ve successfully replaced your cabinet drawer.

Common Cabinet Problems

Based on responses from 10,400 Angi customers, drawer problems are a common concern, accounting for 25% of cabinet repair requests. This highlights the need for routine maintenance and high-quality materials to ensure drawers continue to function properly.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

For most handy homeowners, it’s totally possible to do your own cabinet replacement and minor repairs. You can replace the bottom of a kitchen cabinet for roughly $150 to $200, but you can expect to pay more than this if you hire a contractor. Consult a cabinet contractor near you to get an exact quote so that you can compare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can replace drawers in existing kitchen cabinets, either to fix a single broken one or to give your kitchen a whole new look. To ensure the new drawers fit correctly, measure the exact dimensions of the existing ones. For an easier installation, purchase replacements that use the same type of drawer slides. You can also choose to reuse the current drawer hardware, like handles, if it's still functional, or buy new hardware for an updated look.

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