Replacing Drawer Fronts: An In-Depth Look
Published: December 03, 2020
When replacing the drawer fronts, you must first determine whether your drawer boxes are three-sided or four-sided. If the drawer front is the front wall of the drawer box, then you have a three-sided drawer box. If the drawer front is mounted to the front wall of the drawer box, you have a four-sided drawer box.
Before we do anything remove the drawer from the opening, then if you want or need to you can remove drawer slides from the drawer box, this step is not necessary if you have a 4 sided drawer box.
Three-Sided Drawer Box
- Using a saw, trim the drawer front so that no edges extend beyond the top, bottom or sides of the drawer box. This will make your three sided box into a 4 sided box and allow the old drawer front to fit inside the drawer opening.
- Hide rough edges by turning the box around. The old drawer front should now be in the back of the drawer box.
- Replace drawer slides, making sure they are centered and flush with the front edge of the box.
- Center the drawer front on the box and temporarily secure with screws.
- Slide the drawer box into the opening and check alignment. Adjust as necessary, then tighten and add screws.
Four-Sided Drawer Box
- Remove the old drawer front, being careful not to damage the drawer box.
- If you removed the drawer slides you will want to re-attach them now.
- Center the drawer front on the box and temporarily secure with one screw.
- Slide the drawer box into the opening to check the alignment. Adjust as necessary, then tighten and add screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wood species does Estate Millwork offer?
We offer over a dozen premium hardwood species including Spanish Cedar, Mahogany, White Oak, Red Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Poplar, Sapele, Teak, Cypress, Western Red Cedar, and Knotty Alder. Each species is kiln-dried and selected for grain quality and structural integrity.
How long does it take to receive a custom order?
Most custom orders ship within approximately four weeks from the date of order. Every piece is built to order in our Pennsylvania workshop using traditional joinery methods, so production time varies slightly based on complexity and current demand.
Does Estate Millwork ship nationwide?
Yes. We ship custom millwork to all 50 states via common carrier. Every order is carefully packaged to prevent damage during transit, and tracking information is provided once your order ships.
Can I get an instant quote online?
Yes. Our online product designers let you configure your custom doors, shutters, or cabinet doors to your exact specifications and receive an instant price quote with no waiting. You can adjust dimensions, wood species, and style options and see the price update in real time.
Expert Tips for Custom Millwork Projects
- Always measure twice before ordering custom millwork. Accurate measurements are the single most important factor in ensuring a perfect fit and avoiding costly returns or modifications.
- Consider the wood species carefully based on where the millwork will be installed. Exterior applications require rot-resistant species like Spanish Cedar, Cypress, or Teak, while interior projects offer more flexibility in species selection.
- If you are unsure about a wood species or style, contact Estate Millwork at 412.641.0177. Our team can recommend options based on your project requirements, climate, and design preferences.
- For painted millwork, Poplar is the best value choice because it takes paint smoothly and machines cleanly. Reserve premium species like Walnut and Cherry for stained or clear-coat applications where the natural grain will be visible.
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Our state of the art designers allow you to design and build completely customized to fit your exact needs.
Questions or concerns contact us contact us or via 412.641.0177 .
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Upgrading Your Kitchen with Custom Cabinet Doors
Replacing cabinet doors is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a kitchen or bathroom without a full remodel. Custom wood cabinet doors from Estate Millwork are built to your exact measurements, so they fit existing cabinet boxes without modification. This approach saves thousands of dollars compared to tearing out and replacing entire cabinets while delivering a dramatic visual upgrade.
Cabinet door style sets the tone for the entire kitchen. Raised-panel doors create a traditional, formal look popular in colonial and transitional kitchens. Flat-panel or Shaker-style doors deliver the clean lines favored in modern and contemporary designs. Louvered cabinet doors add texture and airflow, making them ideal for bathroom vanities, entertainment centers, and laundry rooms. Bead-board and V-groove panels bridge the gap between casual and classic, working well in cottage and farmhouse kitchens.
Material choice for cabinet doors should account for the kitchen environment: heat, humidity, grease, and frequent cleaning. Maple and Cherry are the hardest common cabinet-door species, offering excellent resistance to dents and scratches. Red Oak provides strong grain character at a moderate price. For painted cabinet doors, Poplar is the preferred choice because its fine, even grain produces a glass-smooth painted surface. Estate Millwork sands every cabinet door to 180 grit before shipping, so they are ready for primer and paint or stain upon arrival.
Explore custom cabinet door options:
Need Help?
Contact Us @ 412.641.0177
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