Can You Replace The Doors Of IKEA Kitchen Cabinets? Here's What To Know

IKEA products are known for their reliability and functionality, making them common in most kitchens. If you're looking to completely update your kitchen, either from everyday wear and tear or you just want a completely new look, it might be time to give your kitchen cabinet doors a refresh. But is your kitchen compatible for a simple replacement? The simple answer is that replacements can easily be found both through IKEA and third party sites. However, depending on the kitchen line that you have currently installed, your variety in available facings differs significantly.

In an exclusive interview, House Digest spoke to Sofia Clarke, Media Relations Partner with Inter IKEA Group, who said that these kitchen systems were designed with replacements in mind. "We have made it easy to change the fronts, so customers can at any time change them to give their kitchen a new feeling and look without having to change the cabinets," Clarke tells us, specifically referring to the SEKTION line.

Introduced in 2015, the SEKTION is the primary IKEA kitchen line across North America, providing a whole host of cabinet and drawer options to maximize your kitchen's functionality and efficiency. The line is currently still within the 25 year warranty, meaning cabinets and drawers can easily be interchanged across the SEKTION lines. The adaptable kitchen line also allows for a few internal structural changes that don't require replacing the entire cabinet. "If you choose SEKTION as your kitchen you can change between all our fronts as well as the details of the inside," says Clarke.

Not all IKEA kitchens fall under the newly introduced SEKTION system, as the outdated line still remains in homes across North American. The AKURUM system was discontinued around 10 years ago, making replacements few and far between. While the SEKTION cabinet facings are not directly compatible with the AKURUM system, Clarke tells us in her exclusive House Digest interview that you have options. "If you have a AKURUM kitchen we have a smaller number of fronts to choose from, but there is still a chance to update your AKURUM kitchen," she says. If you want to update your AKURUM cabinet facings, you may need to explore aftermarket options for a greater selection of drawer and cabinet fronts.

Clarke encourages homeowners to seek out third party sites, suggesting that "there are many companies that specialize in making fronts for our system, as the system itself is good quality and comes at a low price." Brands like Noremax and Superfront both offer refreshed styles for your kitchen cabinets. Each focuses on varying materials and colors, giving you the freedom to experiment with a range of options including sleek handleless designs, natural wood panels, or bold, colorful finishes. These aftermarket companies often use premium materials and innovative finishes, giving your kitchen an upscale aesthetic. For example, Superfront's vibrant colors and patterned facings can make a bold statement in your kitchen, while Noremax's focus on timeless wood grains provides a warm, natural look. This flexibility ensures you can achieve a modern, cohesive appearance, even with a discontinued IKEA system. These companies offer an excellent workaround for homeowners looking to refresh their AKURUM kitchen without a full remodel.

In her exclusive chat with House Digest, Clarke told us that it is best to take an inventory of your existing kitchen setup before replacing your cabinet facings. If you are employing the SEKTION system around your kitchen, she "advise[s] first noting what you need from the inside, does it function for you or do you for example need more drawers? Following that, look at how you want the expression of the kitchen to be and choose the front that best suits your aesthetic goals, and change it." Options like BODBYN's glass panels or HASSLARP's herringbone veneer can help you achieve greater organization around your space that doesn't sacrifice personality or aesthetics. Mix and match cabinet fronts, replacing only certain sections like your island to create a dynamic interior.

If you're dealing with an older AKURUM system, look to third-party companies for creative alternatives. These providers allow for even greater customization, offering designs that might not exist in IKEA's current lineup. For example, vertical wood fronts or matte finishes can give your kitchen a sleek, modern feel. Additionally, many painted fronts can be sanded and repainted to align with your evolving style.

Clarke emphasizes reducing CO2 emissions by not completely replacing your kitchen cabinets, instead encouraging homeowners to use "as much of their existing kitchen as possible, as this is what really saves resources and CO2." By updating only the cabinet and drawer facings, you can give your space an eco-friendly refresh that doesn't completely break the bank. Whether you're sprucing up a SEKTION or AKURUM kitchen, a thoughtful approach ensures your remodel meets both your aesthetic and practical needs.