Replacement kitchen drawers: A handy guide for upgrading your cabinets

Replacement kitchen drawers are a simple upgrade that improves functionality and aesthetics without a complete remodel.

In this guide, we will walk you through choosing, measuring, and installing new kitchen drawers.

Why replace your kitchen drawers?

Kitchen drawers often show signs of wear and tear, including scratches, dents, or warping, reducing their functionality and ease of use. Other times, they are simply outdated and don’t match your current style.

Replacing them restores their functionality, enhances your kitchen’s aesthetics, and boosts your home's value. Plus, it’s a more affordable option than a full kitchen remodel. 

So, can you buy replacement drawers for kitchen cabinets? Yes, you can. You can have the kitchen drawers custom-made by a carpenter or buy pre-made ones from home improvement stores or kitchen specialty shops.

Choosing the right replacement kitchen drawers

When choosing replacement kitchen drawers, consider the size, material, and style to ensure a perfect fit and complement your kitchen's overall design. 

A drawer that is too large or too small can result in alignment issues, preventing smooth opening and closing. Likewise, the drawers should complement the cabinetry to maintain a cohesive look throughout your kitchen. For example, if your cabinets are solid wood, you’ll want drawers matching that style. If your cabinets have a dark stain or matte paint, your drawers should match or complement those tones.

The drawer material also significantly affects its durability, weight capacity, and aesthetic appeal.

Wood is the most commonly used material because of its versatility, providing strength and a timeless appearance. Laminate is affordable and comes in various finishes, although it can be prone to scratching. Metal offers durability and a modern look, which is ideal for industrial or contemporary kitchens. Acrylic or plastic provides a sleek and minimalist option, generally better suited for lighter storage needs.

How to measure for kitchen cabinet drawer replacement

Accurate measurements when replacing a kitchen cabinet drawer prevent unnecessary gaps, sticking, or misalignment, which could lead to frustration and additional costs.

Measuring for standard replacement drawers

Measure the cabinet opening's width, depth, and height for accurate drawer sizing.

For the width, measure the inside of the cabinet opening from one side to the other, at both the top and bottom. Subtract about 1/8 inch from each side to ensure the drawer slides smoothly. Next, measure the depth of the cabinet from the back wall to the front edge. This tells you how deep the drawer can be. Finally, measure the height of the cabinet opening from top to bottom.

Remember that the slide mechanism can affect the drawer’s size if you're replacing the drawer slides. When measuring the drawer width, account for the thickness of each side-mounted slide. Ensure enough space underneath the drawer to fit the slide mechanism for under-mounted slides.

Custom replacement drawers

Custom drawers are ideal when standard drawers won’t fit properly or when you want a specific design, material, or finish to match your cabinetry. They’re also a great choice if you have non-standard cabinet openings, such as unusually large, deep, or narrow spaces that require a tailored solution. 

A professional cabinet maker or a retailer will take accurate measurements of your cabinet openings, create drawers that match the exact dimensions, and add extra features, such as adjustable dividers or integrated pull-out shelves. They can also select materials, finishes, and slides that complement your kitchen design.

How to replace kitchen drawers: A step-by-step guide

Gather your tools: a screwdriver, a level, a tape measure, a pencil, screws, and drill bits. You'll also need to carefully choose replacement kitchen cabinet doors and drawers that match your current setup or style.

Remove old drawers

Wondering how to take out kitchen drawers? Empty the drawers to prevent items from falling or getting damaged, and identify the type of drawer slide mechanism. This will determine how you remove them. Most drawers use a side-mounted slide, an under-mounted slide, or a center-mounted mechanism.

As the name implies, the drawer has a side-mounted slide mechanism if you see metal rails running along the left and right sides of the drawer with ball bearings visible inside the track. To remove the drawer, pull it out entirely, find a release clip or locking mechanism, and press or lift it, as the case may be, to detach it from the track.

On the other hand, under-mounted slides are hidden beneath the drawer box and run along the sides of the cabinet. Press a release clip or lever hidden under the drawer to remove them.

The center-mounted drawer mechanism has a single metal track with a support bracket in the middle of the drawer. You can unscrew the track from the cabinet or drawer or release the latch. Once the screws or fasteners are removed, the drawer should come free. However, if you encounter a latch securing the center bracket, it needs to be released before pulling the drawer out.

Installing new kitchen drawers

Once the old drawers are removed, it’s time to install the new ones. Measure the width, height, and depth to ensure the new drawers fit correctly. If you're replacing the entire drawer system, you have to install new slides inside the cabinet. 

Attach the new slides to the cabinet and ensure they are level and aligned correctly. Use a level to make sure they are straight. 

Next, attach the matching parts of the slide mechanism to the sides of the drawer box with screws. Carefully align the drawer with the tracks and slide the drawer into place. Then, screw in the drawer front to the drawer box and tighten the screws evenly to avoid misalignment.

Finally, test the new drawer movement by opening and closing it a few times. If there’s any resistance or misalignment, make minor adjustments to the slides or the drawer front until everything operates smoothly.

How to fix cabinet drawers instead of replacing them

Sometimes, repairing your cabinet drawers is better than replacing them, especially if the damage is minor or the drawer is still in good condition. Repairing can save time and money, allowing you to keep the original cabinetry intact.

How to repair kitchen drawer slides

Over time, slides can become worn out, dirty, or misaligned, causing drawers to stick or not open as smoothly. Here's how to address these issues:

• Sticking or rough movement: If your drawer slides are sticking, clean the tracks with a damp cloth to remove dust, debris, or food particles. Then, add a silicone-based lubricant to help them move more smoothly.
• Misalignment: Check the slides and track for signs of damage, such as if the drawer is crooked or doesn’t sit right on the tracks. Adjust the position of the slides by loosening the screws, realigning the components, and then tightening them again.
• Drawer not closing fully: A drawer that doesn’t close properly or opens too easily may have improper tension in its glide or spring mechanism. To fix, look for a screw or knob to tighten or loosen. Tightening helps the drawer close fully and stay shut, while loosening allows it to open and close more easily.

In some cases, replacing your slides entirely (not your kitchen cabinet) might be the best option if they are heavily worn out or damaged. To do so, remove the old slides by taking out the screws and installing new ones that match the size and type of the original tracks.

Strengthening and reinforcing old drawers

If your kitchen drawers feel weak or unstable, reinforce them by gluing loose joints or applying screws for added strength.

DIY vs. professional installation: What’s best for you?

Whether you should DIY your kitchen drawer replacement or hire a professional depends on your skill level, the complexity of the task, your available time, and your budget.

DIY saves you money on labor costs while allowing you to hone existing skills. It gives you complete control over the project's design, materials, and pace. It’s ideal if you're comfortable with essential tools such as a screwdriver, tape measure, and level or only have a few drawers to replace or repair. 

However, hiring a professional is best if the kitchen cabinet replacement drawers require custom cabinetry, complex adjustments, or structural changes. They ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently and help to avoid the potential for costly mistakes.

Final thoughts

Replacing your kitchen drawers can address issues like sticking, wear, and outdated designs, providing a smoother, more efficient storage solution. However, careful selection is key for durability. Opt for materials that are strong enough to handle daily use while matching the aesthetic of your kitchen. High-quality materials, the right size and style, can ensure your drawers are durable, long-lasting, and visually appealing.