How to Replace Kitchen Drawer in 5 Simple Steps

Treat your drawers with an upgrade

sage green dining room kitchen area
Photo: Leah Flores / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
sage green dining room kitchen area
Photo: Leah Flores / Stocksy / Adobe Stock
Justine Harrington
Written by Justine Harrington
Contributing Writer
Updated Oct 31, 2023
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.

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  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.

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 a kitchen drawer if it breaks or malfunctions. The best plan of action is to measure the existing drawer, purchase a replacement with similar drawer slides, and install the new one. You can reuse the current drawer hardware if it’s still functional or spring for new handles if you want.

You can replace drawers in existing cabinets by repurchasing the same model, if only replacing broken drawers, or replace them altogether to give your kitchen a whole new look. Be sure to measure the exact dimensions of each drawer to ensure the new set will fit correctly. You should also replace existing drawers with new ones with the same type of drawer slides for easy installation.

Sliding cabinet drawers are great storage solutions for busy kitchens, but they can fall into disrepair if any component bends or gets stuck. You can fix this type of sliding drawer problem by applying lubricant to the slides, checking the roller wheels for issues, and keeping the slides clean. In the event of an off-track slider, repair or straighten out any bends to get it back on track.

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Learn more about our contributor
Justine Harrington
Written by Justine Harrington
Contributing Writer
Justine Harrington is an Austin-based writer with bylines in dozens of publications, including Forbes, Marriott Traveler, Real Simple Magazine, American Way, Travel + Leisure, Allrecipes, and many others.

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