How to replace your Akurum cabinet doors: A complete guide by Kokeena
If you built or remodeled your kitchen during or right after the Y2K craze, there’s a good chance you used the IKEA Akurum system. It also means you might be ready to refresh the look without taking on a full remodel.
Whether you’re motivated by wear-and-tear, shifting design trends, or simply the desire for a new finish, replacing your Akurum cabinet doors is a cost-effective way to breathe fresh life into your space.
Why replace your Akurum cabinet doors?
Kitchens are the heart of the home. When cabinet doors start to look dated, damaged, or out of step with your style, everything else feels off.
Replacing your Akurum doors lets you focus your budget on the surfaces people see and use most. Instead of ripping out the entire kitchen, new doors deliver an aesthetic refresh while keeping the sturdy cabinet boxes you already have.
Because you’re reusing the bones of your kitchen, the cost and disruption stay much lower than a full remodel. The right door selection also brings improved materials, finishes, and design cohesion, an upgrade in both form and function.
You can also add on to your existing kitchen cabinets. While the doors for AKUMRUM and SEKTION are not interchangeable you can add SEKTION cabinets to a separate part of the kitchen where cabinets aren't touching each other. Examples include adding a pantry wall, an island, or a separate nook.
Options for IKEA Akurum replacement doors
When it comes to replacement doors for your IKEA Akurum kitchen cabinets, Kokeena offers solid wood or MDF and plywood options, each with its own character and performance. Solid wood offers natural warmth and richness. MDF provides smooth, modern surfaces ideal for painted finishes. Plywood delivers strength and clean, architectural veneers.
Whether your style leans toward timeless Shaker profiles or sleek, modern slabs, you’ll find a fit that feels right for your home. Every door is made to your exact dimensions and hinge configurations, ensuring a perfect match.
How to tell if you have IKEA Akurum cabinets or SEKTION
Before you order, it’s important to confirm whether your cabinets are part of the older Akurum system or the newer SEKTION line.
Akurum was introduced by IKEA in the late 1990s and phased out around 2015 when SEKTION launched. If your kitchen dates from that era, there’s a good chance you have Akurum cabinets.
Look closely at your cabinet box construction and hinge cut-outs. Akurum boxes have specific pre-drilled hinge positions and door measurements that differ from SEKTION. Sektion cabinets are also in 5” increments for all sizes of boxes and fronts.
If you do have Akurum frames, you’ll need replacement doors sized precisely for that system. SEKTION doors won’t align correctly, a small but important detail.
That’s exactly where Kokeena comes in, providing custom-made solutions that bridge the gap between old and new.
Common install issues to consider
When planning your install, keep a few common challenges in mind. Built-in appliances may need to be removed to access and replace trim, and fillers can be tricky to swap once countertops are in place. Some older IKEA doors were ⅝” thick, while all Kokeena doors are ¾”, which may require minor adjustments. Additionally, templates for horizontal doors and pullouts from the AKURUM era are no longer available, so hole placement for those pieces should be marked and bored onsite. (Of course, Kokeena can help you navigate!)
Step-by-step process to replace Akurum cabinet doors
Step 1: Start with a plan. Measure your cabinet boxes and existing doors carefully, paying attention to hinge placement, drawer fronts, toe kicks, and filler panels. Accuracy here avoids delays or mismatched pieces later. A photo of each elevation is extremely helpful.
Step 2: Next, choose your door style and finish. Order samples if you’re unsure, seeing materials in your own lighting makes all the difference. Once you’ve made your selections, place your order with Kokeena, providing all measurements and hinge details so your new doors arrive ready to install.
Step 3: When your doors arrive, remove the old ones, clean the cabinet frames, and inspect the hinge areas for wear. Refresh any hardware if needed.
Step 4: Installation can be straightforward for smaller kitchens or homeowners comfortable with tools, but for complex layouts, hiring a professional ensures perfect alignment and clean reveals. Either way, once the doors are mounted, make final adjustments, test each hinge, and enjoy the satisfying moment when everything swings and closes smoothly.
IKEA kitchen cabinet upgrades with Kokeena
Upgrading your Akurum doors with Kokeena isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about performance, durability, and customization.
You don’t need to move walls or change layouts to achieve a beautiful transformation. By swapping out only the doors, you preserve the integrity of your kitchen and gain a modern, tailored finish.
With thoughtful planning, the right materials, and expert support from Kokeena, you can refresh your kitchen without the upheaval of a remodel. Visit our Akurum door style page and explore designs, order samples, or start your quote today.
Additional questions? Get in touch!
talk@kokeena.com
(844) 565-3362
FAQs: Common questions about Akurum doors
Q: Can I put SEKTION doors on Akurum cabinets and are they interchangeable?
A: No. The hinge spacing and cabinet box dimensions differ, meaning SEKTION doors won’t align properly on Akurum frames. While doors for AKUMRUM and SEKTION are not interchangeable, you can add SEKTION cabinets to a separate part of the kitchen where cabinets aren't touching each other, like adding a pantry wall, an island, or a separate nook.
Q: What years were Akurum cabinets made?
A: The Akurum line was available from the late 1990s until around 2015, when IKEA transitioned to SEKTION.
Q: What if I have the pre-2003 version of Akurum cabinets?
A: Early Akurum models used slightly different hinge placements. When you contact us, we’ll help confirm your cabinet version and ensure your new doors fit perfectly.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Fill out our quote form with your cabinet measurements and hinge details so we can design doors specifically for your setup.
Q: How much should I budget?
A: Costs vary by door material and finish. Review our pricing examples or estimator worksheet to get a clear sense of what your project may cost.