At Murray’s Modernized Furnishings, we work on all types of cabinets, and old fashioned orange oak happens to come up a lot. One thing many homeowners don’t realize when they call us for a quote is that they have the option to replace their old oak doors (or any outdated doors for that matter) with brand-new HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) doors. It’s a small upgrade that can make a huge difference in both the look and durability of your cabinets.

Refinishing Oak: What You Need to Know

Oak is a beautiful wood, but its open grain can be tricky. Even with our deep sanding, sealer, three coats of high-build primer, and professional Italian 2K topcoat, the waves of the grain can still subtly show through in different lighting. While our process produces a smooth, durable, modern finish, it can’t replicate the perfectly flat, factory-like look of a brand-new door.

Grain-filling old oak doors is also labor- and material-intensive. Between the extra sanding, primers, and filling, it takes significant time and effort to achieve a sleek finish.

Why New HDF Doors Often Make More Sense

1. Perfectly Flat and Sleek

New HDF doors are completely smooth right from the cabinet builder. No grain, no texture—just a clean surface that makes your finish pop.

2. Style Freedom

Replacing doors gives you the chance to pick ANY style you want! From classic shaker to modern slab, the doors can fully transform the look of your kitchen.

3. Soft-Close Hinges Included

Every new door comes with complimentary self-close or soft-close hinges, so your kitchen feels modern and functional.

4. Durable and Long-Lasting

HDF doors are dense, stable, and highly resistant to warping. Our doors are made from Ranger Platinum HDF- the gold standard of high density fiberboard. Paired with our top-quality, industrial finishes, they’re built to last for years of daily use. And being that they are one piece, moisture wont seep into any cracks as there are none!

5. Big Visual Impact for Minimal Extra Cost

Doors take up the most visual space in your cabinets. Even when masterfully painted, your kitchen may still not feel fully modernized. New doors are a small investment—often only a few hundred dollars more than refinishing—and the upgrade is huge. The time and materials saved to grain-fill oak doors offsets the cost of the new HDF doors greatly. You’d be surprised at how little you’ll have to pay for the ultimate upgrade!

A Smart Investment

If you want a kitchen that looks fresh, modern, and factory-finished, new HDF doors are often the best choice. They save time, reduce labor, and give your cabinets a sleek, consistent look that old oak doors simply can’t match.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

If you’re considering painting your oak cabinets, let us show you what new HDF doors can do for your space.

Send us a few photos, ask for a quote, or reach out with questions- we’l break down your options and help you choose what makes the most sense for your home and your budget.