The Ultimate Guide to Cabinet Refacing vs Painting Cost
- Ideal Home Improvement
- Nov 13, 2023
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Are you considering giving your kitchen a fresh makeover without breaking the bank? One budget-friendly way to refresh your space is by updating your cabinets. Two popular kitchen remodeling methods for achieving this are cabinet refacing and painting. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between these options, compare the costs of cabinet refacing versus painting, weigh the pros and cons, and share some handy tips to help you make the best choice.
Whether you’re planning to sell your home or just want to enhance its appearance, knowing the differences between cabinet refacing and painting can save you both time and money while achieving stunning results. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
Cabinet refacing and painting are two distinct processes with different purposes.
Cabinet painting is more economical than cabinet refacing, but cost should not be the only consideration when making a decision.
Selecting quality materials and an experienced company, such as Ideal Home Improvement, is essential for achieving desired results in cabinet refacing or painting projects.
Understanding Cabinet Refacing and Painting
Cabinet refacing and painting might look pretty similar at first glance, but they serve different purposes and involve unique processes. When you reface cabinets, you're swapping out the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts for new ones. On the other hand, painting is all about giving your current doors, drawers, and cabinet walls a fresh coat of paint.
Choosing between these two options comes down to what you prefer. If your kitchen cabinet doors are no longer doing it for you, then refacing could be the perfect fix. But if you’re happy with your existing doors and just want to change up the finish, then painting might be the way to go. Now, let’s take a closer look at what each option entails.
Cabinet Refacing: What It Is
Cabinet refacing, particularly when it comes to kitchen cabinets, is all about keeping the original cabinet boxes while swapping out the doors and drawer fronts for newer ones. This approach is a budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a fresh look without the hassle and cost of a complete cabinet overhaul.
The typical process for refacing cabinets involves removing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, applying a new veneer or laminate to the fronts and sides of the existing cabinet surfaces, and possibly updating the hardware as well.
Materials commonly used in cabinet refacing include:
Solid Wood
Laminate
Wood veneers
Rigid thermofoils
Depending on the size of your kitchen and the number of cabinets to be refaced, the project can take up to four days to complete.
Cabinet Painting: What It Is
Cabinet painting is all about giving your existing doors, drawers, and cabinet walls a fresh new look with a coat of paint. It’s a smart choice that saves you money and is better for the environment since you’re keeping your current cabinets instead of tossing them out for new ones. If you’re thinking about painting your kitchen cabinets, it’s best to hire a professional cabinet company. They know how to apply the paint, so it lasts longer without chipping or fading. Here’s how the process usually goes:
First, they’ll take out the drawers and send them off to a specialized paint shop where they’ll be painted in a controlled booth.
Next, they’ll paint the cabinet boxes right where they are.
Finally, they’ll put everything back together by reattaching the doors and drawers.
Cost Breakdown: Cabinet Refacing vs Painting
Deciding between cabinet refacing and painting can be a tricky balance between cost and value. While cabinet painting is generally the more budget-friendly option, with estimated costs ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, the price tag for cabinet refacing is a bit heftier, typically falling between $4,300 to $9,980.
However, the choice shouldn't be made solely on price - you'll also want to weigh the impact each option has on your kitchen's overall aesthetic and functionality. Let's dive a bit deeper into the variables that can sway the costs for both cabinet refacing and painting, so you can make the most informed decision for your home.
Factors Affecting Cabinet Refacing Cost
When it comes to cabinet refacing, the price tag can vary quite a bit based on a few key factors. These include the materials you choose, the labor involved, and the size of your kitchen. If your kitchen has a lot of cabinets, you can expect to pay more for refacing compared to a kitchen with just a few. The type of materials you select—like laminate, plywood veneer, or solid wood—also plays a big role in determining the cost, which can fall anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on the quality of the materials and the size of the cabinets.
On average, you might be looking at around $7,000 for cabinet refacing. The cost is largely influenced by the material, typically ranging from $60 to $500 per linear foot. Laminate is the most budget-friendly option, coming in at about $60 to $80, while plywood veneer runs between $100 and $200. Solid wood, on the other hand, can go up to $250 to $500.
Factors Affecting Cabinet Painting Cost
When it comes to cabinet painting, the costs usually hinge on a few key factors: the quality of the paint, the labor involved, and the size of your kitchen. The type of paint you choose can really influence the overall price, while high-quality paints might cost more upfront, they often provide a better finish and last longer. Typically, cabinet painters charge around $90 an hour for their work.
The size of your kitchen plays a big role in determining the total cost as well. Larger kitchens usually mean more cabinets, which translates to more time, materials, and labor, leading to higher expenses. In the end, the cost is often figured out based on the linear or square footage of the cabinets.
Pros and Cons: Cabinet Refacing vs Painting
Having weighed the pros and cons of cabinet refacing and painting, it's time to dive deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Cabinet refacing offers some enticing benefits - it's cost-effective, time saving, less disruptive, and environmentally friendly. However, it also has its drawbacks, such as reduced durability, limited improvements to the interior, an inability to make layout changes, and potential cost considerations.
On the flip side, while cabinet painting may not boost your home's value as much as refacing, it can still be a worthwhile investment. Let's explore the merits and drawbacks of both options in greater detail.
Advantages of Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing, which does not include cabinet refinishing, offers a wide range of design options, such as:
Latest trends in kitchen cabinets
Open shelving
High-gloss materials
Adding new moldings
Selecting different colors and styles
Additionally, refacing projects are typically completed within 3-5 working days, making them a time-efficient option for homeowners.
Another notable advantage of cabinet refacing is the increased home value it provides. By improving the aesthetic of the kitchen, which is often considered the heart of the home, cabinet refacing can allow homeowners to recoup over 80% of the project cost when the home is resold.
Disadvantages of Cabinet Refacing
Despite its benefits, cabinet refacing also has some drawbacks. Here are a few to consider:
Refacing is generally more expensive than painting.
It doesn’t address any structural or layout issues with the existing cabinets.
The interior of the cabinets remains largely unchanged, which may not resolve any workflow or storage problems.
Furthermore, there may be hidden costs associated with a cabinet refacing project, such as repairs, upgrades and customization, removal and disposal, and any unforeseen complications. These potential additional costs should be taken into account when contemplating cabinet refacing.
Advantages of Cabinet Painting
Cabinet painting offers several benefits, including its cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and the ability to change the kitchen’s appearance with minimal effort. By selecting from a range of colors and finishes, you can refresh the look of your painted cabinets without having to replace them.
Moreover, cabinet painting can contribute to eco-friendliness by:
Utilizing water-based stains or paints with lower VOC content for stained cabinets
Diminishing waste through repainting existing cabinets
Employing eco-friendly formulas with recycled materials or natural pigments.
Disadvantages of Cabinet Painting
Cabinet painting also comes with its share of challenges. Some of these challenges include:
Painting detailed or intricate cabinets may be difficult, leading to uneven paint coverage
Extended painting time
Potential paint drips or runs
Difficulty in achieving a smooth finish on the detailed surfaces
Certain types of cabinets, such as hard maple and melamine, can also be more challenging to paint. Additionally, painted kitchen cabinets may require regular cleaning, maintenance, and potential repairs for scratches or discoloration. These aspects should be considered when choosing cabinet painting.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Kitchen
Armed with the insights on cabinet refacing and painting, you're now in a better position to make an informed decision. Consider the current state of your kitchen cabinets, your budget, and the desired outcome. Carefully assess whether a simple paint job would suffice or if a more extensive refacing project is warranted.
Ultimately, the choice will depend on your unique needs and preferences. By weighing all the factors, you can ensure a successful kitchen transformation that fits your budget and vision.
Assessing Your Kitchen Cabinets' Condition
Assessing the condition of your cabinets is a vital step towards identifying the best choice for your kitchen. Check for any signs of water damage, structural issues, or cosmetic flaws. If your cabinets are in good shape but simply need a new look, painting may be the better option. However, if the front-facing doors are unsatisfactory, refacing may be the recommended solution.
Keep in mind that the condition of your cabinets is just one factor to consider. Your budget and desired results should also play a significant role in your decision-making process.
Considering Your Budget and Desired Results
When it comes to budget and desired results, cabinet refacing offers a more extensive transformation at a higher cost, while painting is a more budget-friendly update. The estimated cost differential between cabinet refacing and painting is approximately $1,500 to $5,000, with refacing costing around $6,500 and painting cabinets requiring around $100 to $200 for materials.
Remember that more intricate or customized end results may necessitate additional labor and materials, thereby increasing the overall cost of the project. Consider what you hope to achieve with your kitchen makeover and how much you’re willing to invest in the process before making a final decision.
Tips for a Successful Cabinet Refacing or Painting Project
Whether you opt for cabinet refacing or painting, following a few essential tips can help ensure a smooth and successful project. Choosing quality materials and hiring experienced professionals can make a significant difference in the outcome and longevity of your kitchen cabinets.
We’ll delve deeper into these tips, aiming to assist you in attaining the optimal outcome from your cabinet refacing or painting project.
Choosing Quality Materials
Selecting high-quality materials for your cabinet refacing or painting project is crucial for achieving a durable and visually appealing result.
For refacing, consider using materials like:
Solid wood
Real wood veneer
Laminate
For cabinet painting, it’s important to use high-quality paint and the appropriate primer to ensure a long-lasting finish.
By investing in quality materials, you can rest assured that your old cabinets, with their internal shelves, will stand the test of time and maintain their beauty for years to come.
Hiring the Right Professionals
While it may be tempting to tackle cabinet refacing or painting as a DIY project, hiring experienced professionals can often lead to better results. Professionals have the necessary skills, tools, and expertise to ensure a smooth and successful project, providing expert advice and skilled labor.
To verify the experience and credentials of a professional cabinet painter or refacer, you can:
Request referrals or references from prior clients
Examine online reviews and ratings
Inquire about their experience and training
Observe examples of their previous work
This due diligence will help you find the right professional for your project and achieve the kitchen makeover you’ve always dreamed of.
Summary
Choosing between cabinet refacing and painting can be a tricky decision for homeowners looking to revamp their kitchen. Both options offer cost-effective solutions, but each comes with its own unique advantages and drawbacks. The best choice ultimately depends on factors like the condition of your cabinets, your budget, and the desired end result.
Carefully weighing all the pros and cons is key to making an informed decision that will transform your kitchen and enhance its overall appeal. Whether you opt for the more extensive cabinet refacing or the budget-friendly painting route, the key to a successful project lies in selecting quality materials and hiring experienced professionals. With the right approach, your kitchen cabinets can enjoy a fresh new look that will stand the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to paint kitchen cabinets or reface them?
Overall, it is significantly cheaper to paint kitchen cabinets than to reface them. Painting will save you more money compared to cabinet replacement, although it can be challenging and typically costs more than painting walls in the house.
What is the downside of cabinet refacing?
Cabinet refacing is not suitable for structural repairs and cannot change the layout of cabinets. Additionally, it offers no improvement to the interior of cabinets and is less durable than a full replacement.
Is cabinet refacing worth it?
Cabinet refacing can save up to 25-50% on the cost of replacing cabinets and is done in much less time, making it a great option if you're looking for an affordable way to update your kitchen.
What is the main difference between cabinet refacing and painting?
Cabinet refacing involves replacing existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, while painting simply entails applying a new layer of paint to the existing cabinets. Thus, the main difference between the two is that cabinet refacing is a more comprehensive approach.
What factors influence the cost of cabinet refacing and painting?
The cost of cabinet refacing and painting is primarily influenced by the quality of materials, labor, and kitchen size.
If you are considering Cabinet Refacing and live in Massachusetts or New Hampshire,If you’re considering cabinet refacing and live in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to assist you with your kitchen remodeling needs and help you achieve the fresh look you desire. reach out to us, we can help you with your kitchen remodeling.