I recently had the MDF doors on my 'cat cabinet' break and unfortunately had to throw them away. I'm on the lookout for economical and creative solutions to replace them without spending $30 or more on replacement boards or over $50 for finished cabinet doors. I'd prefer options that are more solid to help contain any odors better. The door area measurements are roughly 16"H x 20"W (or about 16"H x 10"W for each door). Any DIY suggestions or rebuild ideas would be greatly appreciated! I've attached a picture of the cabinet for reference.
3 Answers
You could go with plywood and edge banding for a solid and cost-effective fix! Just cut the plywood to the right dimensions, add some nice trim, and paint it to finish. Mount it with the hinges of your choice!
If you're looking for something more affordable than MDF, you might want to check out local marketplace groups for people giving away cabinets—could snag a door from there! If you only need to access it sometimes, you could consider using magnets or a French cleat for attachment, but if you're concerned about odor, a more secure option might be best.
Great idea! Plus, you can often find good stuff at Habitat for Humanity ReStores or IKEA's 'as is' section.
If you're really short on time and just need a quick fix, grab some scrap wood, cut it to size, and throw on some hinges and a handle. If you reuse the hardware from your old MDF doors, it could be a free fix!

Yes! A little sanding and painting can really customize it to match your decor.