Is it cheaper to paint cabinets or replace them?

Author: Ibrahim Blanda PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Cost Effective – Painting is generally much more affordable than purchasing new cabinets. You save money by keeping the existing cabinetry framework and simply refreshing the finish. Quick Turn Around – Repainting cabinets is usually a faster process than replacing them entirely.

Is it better to replace kitchen cabinets or paint them?

Cost out supplanting your kitchen cabinets and painting will look better a lot. The expense to paint a kitchen is commonly 1/3 to 1⁄2 the expense of supplanting. The paints applied to cabinets are likewise entirely sturdy and will keep going similarly as long as new cabinets as a rule.

What is the least expensive way to redo kitchen cabinets?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them. This process involves either stripping the stain or paint from the existing cabinets and adding new stain, varnish or paint; in some cases, you might even want to refinish the cabinets with a stick-on veneer.

Is it worth it to have kitchen cabinets professionally painted?

Painting your kitchen is an excellent option for homeowners who require a quick makeover but do not want to undertake a full gut renovation. If you take good care of your newly painted kitchen cabinets and have them professionally painted, you can expect them to last between 8 and 10 years.

What is the downside of cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is considered to be less durable than a full replacement, as it does not replace the entire structure of the cabinets. Over time, cabinet frames can become worn or damaged; if that happens, you may need to replace them anyway.

Should I Repaint, Reface, or Replace my Kitchen Cabinets?

Is replacing cabinets worth it?

Investing in your kitchen can have a significant impact on your home's overall value. According to the 2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, replacing kitchen cabinets can yield up to 85.7% of the investment.

What is the cost of cabinet refacing?

For homeowners who are looking to update their kitchen cabinets without having to replace them entirely, cabinet refacing is a popular and affordable option. The cost of refacing cabinets typically ranges from $4,500 to $7,000, depending on the materials and layout of your kitchen.

What type of cabinet shouldn't you paint?

Cabinets made of stainless steel, vinyl, and laminate aren't easy to paint over. Paints are known not to bond with these particular surfaces, which may result in the paint chipping or peeling easily.

How much should I pay to have my cabinets painted?

Professional painting companies generally price cabinet painting projects in one of two ways. Either you're paying per cabinet door and drawer, which can cost between $75 and $250 each, or you're going to pay per square foot of work, which runs about $10 to $12 per square foot.

Does painting cabinets devalue home?

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.

How can I update my old kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

Let's Begin!
  1. 9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Distress the Cabinets. ...
  3. Whitewash. ...
  4. Two-Tone. ...
  5. Change the Cabinet Handles. ...
  6. Add Molding. ...
  7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts. ...
  8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

What is the cheapest real wood for cabinets?

The cheapest type of wood for cabinets is typically particleboard, which is a composite material made from wood fibers and resin. However, if you are looking for Premium options, solid wood like oak, or pine is often one of the more affordable choices.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Cabinets are also one of the foundational aspects of your kitchen; one that is obviously essential for storage and is required to make a functional space. This is the main reason they are also the most expensive part of your kitchen's remodel.

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.

Does Home Depot do cabinet refacing?

Learn more about cabinet refacing at The Home Depot. Use our online appointment scheduler to set up a time for an in-home cabinet refacing consultation. Then Home Depot Home Services will handle the installation with minimal kitchen down time.

Does Lowes reface cabinets?

Fortunately for you, Lowe's Home Services offers cabinet refacing.

Why are cabinets so expensive to paint?

Painted cabinets, regardless of the color you pick, are about 10-15% more expensive than stained cabinets. This is due to the finishing process. The painting process has more cabinet finishing steps and more labor than a traditional stain would.

Do I have to sand cabinets before painting?

Yes! You will find many articles on the net about painting cabinets without sanding, but that is not best practice. Your paint needs to grab onto something. A good primer will help with this, but your primer also needs some grip if you want your paint job to stand the test of time.

What kind of Sherwin Williams paint for cabinets?

Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.

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 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.

Which color is not good for the kitchen?

4 Colors to Avoid When Painting Your Kitchen

Allen agrees, noting that very bright and bold colors, such as red or orange, should be avoided, as they can be overwhelming for the space. Allen also notes that homeowners are better off skipping the darker hues.

How much does it cost to hire someone to repaint kitchen cabinets?

You can expect to pay an average of $934 to paint kitchen cabinets. The typical range is between $425 and $1,459 depending on the size, type of paint, and removal of old paint or varnish. The average cost to paint kitchen cabinets with the help of a pro is $934 or between $425 and $1,459.

Is it cheaper to reface cabinets or repaint them?

Cabinet refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes and cabinet frames. Refacing is more costly than painting but offers more customization options. It is also about half the price of a full cabinet replacement.

What is the average price of kitchen cabinets?

Due to the wide-ranging differences in materials and quality, new kitchen cabinets typically cost anywhere from $2,500 to $24,000. However, most new cabinet prices average between $5,500 and $13,000. This wide price range can be divided into three cabinet categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom.

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