Does painting oak cabinets increase home value?

Author: Kenna Hackett  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

It's a cost-effective alternative to replacement, has the potential to increase home value significantly, and provides an impressive return on investment. For homeowners looking to update their kitchen and boost their property's value without a major renovation, painting cabinets is an excellent choice.

Is it worth painting oak kitchen cabinets?

WHY IS IT GOOD TO PAINT WOOD CABINETS? Well, it's good for resale. Generally speaking, traditional golden oak cabinets appeal to those 70 and older. If that's your target market, keep them stained and call it a day.

Does painting cabinets increase home value?

It has been found that on average, painting your kitchen cabinets and then pairing them with new hardware can significantly increase the value of your home by as much as an additional $2,000.

What color kitchen cabinets increase home value?

Moreover, a recent study by HomeLight found that over 60% of real estate agents recommend white, pale gray, or greige (a mixture of gray and beige) for kitchen cabinets to optimize a property's resale value.

How outdated are oak cabinets?

And yes, they've been popular since long ago because they're a heavy-duty durable material and because of their timeless appeal. But they're long from outdated. In more recent years, more modern and contemporary designs have popped up all over the world with new ways to use oak cabinets.

Painting Oak Cabinets - Transform Your Kitchen!

Are oak cabinets coming back in 2024?

Today, many homeowners wonder if oak cabinetry will ever make a comeback. Design experts confidently say they are already back! In general, wood kitchen elements are trending, and oak is at the forefront, leading the way.

How to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern?

How to Modernize Oak Cabinetry
  1. Update Hardware. First up, the simplest of solutions: Remove dated hardware and replace it with more modern options. ...
  2. Go Dark With Your Backsplash. ...
  3. Add a White Backsplash. ...
  4. Use a Dark Stain. ...
  5. Try Vinyl Wrapping. ...
  6. Add Glass Fronts and Open Shelving. ...
  7. Mix Wood Tones.

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 2024?

The Newest 2024 Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends
  1. Stained Cabinetry. “Stained cabinetry is definitely having a moment right now,” says Cheyenne Ely, owner and principal designer at Cheyenne Paige Interiors in The Woodlands, Texas. ...
  2. Moody Green. ...
  3. Warm Neutrals.

Is it worth painting kitchen cabinets before selling?

Painting kitchen cabinets has a profound influence on a home's value and appeal. This cost-effective cabinet upgrade transforms the heart of the home, making it more attractive to potential buyers and increasing overall property worth.

What color of cabinets is most timeless?

Below, we discuss the best cabinet color options for a kitchen remodeling project for a beautiful aesthetic that's always on point. Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles.

What is the downside of painting cabinets?

Cabinets are subjected to daily use, which means they're exposed to wear and tear, moisture, and cleaning products. If the painting process isn't done correctly, the paint may chip, peel, or wear off over time, leading to a less durable finish.

What is the ROI on painting cabinets?

A cabinet repainting job can yield up to 75%-80% ROI. Buyer Preferences: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 70% of buyers prioritize the kitchen above all other rooms. Among these, 80% report that new or refreshed cabinets are a top draw.

Is it better to repaint or replace kitchen cabinets?

While painting your cabinets is the easiest and most budget-friendly option, replacing your cabinets creates a more dramatic transformation and can last longer.

Can you just paint over oak cabinets?

If you have oak cabinets with a shiny finish, they may look dated and dingy. If you're ready to take on the job of painting oak cabinets yourself, we can help. Even if parts of the cabinets are laminate, with the proper prep work, you should be able to paint your oak cabinets any color you want.

What is the best color for oak cabinets?

Here are some paint colors that go with honey oak cabinets:
  • Light Gray With a Warm Undertone. Opt for a light gray with a warmer undertone. ...
  • Soft Blue-Green. A light soft blue-green is another good choice for honey oak. ...
  • Subdued Navy Blue. ...
  • Tan. ...
  • Creamy Off-White. ...
  • Bright White. ...
  • Cool Neutral Gray. ...
  • Tomato Red.

What I wish I knew before painting cabinets?

What to Know Before Starting a Kitchen Cabinet Painting Project
  • Not Testing Your Paint Color. ...
  • Skipping Painting Prep. ...
  • Not Prepping Correctly. ...
  • Insufficient Area Prep. ...
  • Leaving the Doors and Hardware On. ...
  • Painting Over Grease. ...
  • Over-Sanding, or Not Sanding. ...
  • Using the Wrong Paint Applicator.

What color cabinets have the best resale value?

What cabinet color has the best resale value? Most real estate agents will tell sellers that neutral colors will appeal to the widest audience. While white is a very popular color for kitchen cabinets, other neutrals like gray, black, and beige are also good.

How to refresh honey oak cabinets?

Aside from changing up the color or height (taking them to the ceiling can look so nice), you could also replace them with open shelves, a unique or stainless-steel hood fan over the range, new glass doors, etc. Try to match the general details of the doors below (simple shaker or slab doors, etc) if possible.

What color is replacing gray in 2024?

Beige is emerging as the new go-to neutral, adding warm and inviting tones to interiors. In this article, we'll explore why beige is taking over and how to use it in your home. Beige is replacing gray as a popular interior color, offering warmth and versatility for various design styles.

What color cabinets never go out of style?

Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Never Go Out of Style
  • The Eternal Whites. White. Off-White. Creamy White.
  • Graceful Grays. Light Gray. Dark Gray.
  • Wood Tones.
  • Two-Tone Designs.
  • Timeless Elegance for Your Kitchen.

What is the trend in wood cabinets in 2024?

In 2024, cabinet finishes will trend towards warm natural wood tones, matte finishes for durability, and bold colors like emerald green. Metallic accents in gold and silver will also enhance personalization and style in kitchen designs.

Is Honey oak making a comeback?

Yes, oak is coming back into style, but it is a paler, softer tone and, in cabinets, the details are much more modern than what we see in older honey oak cabinets: a straight shaker or slab doors, rather than a cathedral-top shape and a pale color instead of a more golden amber finish, which is often just the yellowing ...

How to make oak cabinets less orange?

Try using a gel stain on those dated orange-yellow honey oak cabinets to give your kitchen a new look. There are a lot of good reasons to gel stain cabinets when you want to refresh the color of wood cabinetry. It's an easy way to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look without sanding or stripping.

What flooring goes with oak cabinets?

Since oak is a medium-dark wood, medium-dark flooring would complement your cabinetry nicely. Medium-dark colors don't dominate the room or overpower your oak cabinet's appearance. As a bonus, the dark color hides stains and debris, so darker floors are usually easier to maintain.

Previous article
What to put in a toilet bowl while on vacation?
Next article
Is union salting legal?