Cost of Painting Kitchen Cabinets vs Refacing (Worth it?)

Painting kitchen cabinets is generally a more budget-friendly option, with costs varying based on DIY or professional services. Refacing cabinets involves a higher upfront cost for materials and labor but may offer long-term durability and a refreshed aesthetic.

The cost of painting kitchen cabinets between $50 and $500 per linear foot of cabinets. The cost of refacing kitchen cabinets between $150 and $500 per linear foot of cabinets.

In this article, we will discuss the cost of painting and refacing kitchen cabinets. We will also help you decide which option is right for you.

Painting vs. Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

There are two primary methods for transforming kitchen cabinets: painting and refacing.

Painting involves applying a fresh coat of paint to the existing cabinet doors and frames, providing a more affordable and DIY-friendly approach.

Refacing means replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones, while leaving the cabinet boxes intact. This method offers a more comprehensive update and is often preferred when the existing cabinets are structurally sound but lack the desired style or finish.

Feature	Painting	Refacing
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive
Dramatic change	Not as dramatic	More dramatic
DIY-friendly	Yes	No
Good for	Cabinets in good condition	Cabinets that need a more dramatic change
Average cost per linear foot	$100-$500	$200-$500

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Cost Breakdown for DIY vs. Professional Painting

Painting kitchen cabinets can be a DIY project or you can hire a professional to do it for you. The cost of DIY painting will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the job, and the quality of the paint you choose.

Option	Cost
DIY	$50 – $100
Professional	$100 – $500 per linear foot of cabinets

Factors Influencing Paint Costs (Quality, Color Choice, etc.)

The cost of paint can vary depending on the quality, brand, and finish. High-quality paint will generally be more expensive than basic paint. However, it will also be more durable and easier to apply.

The color of the paint can also affect the cost. Some colors, such as white and black, are more readily available and therefore less expensive than custom colors.

In addition to the cost of the paint, you will also need to factor in the cost of supplies, such as brushes, rollers, tape, and drop cloths.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Paint as a Budget-Friendly Option

Pros:

• Affordable: Painting is the most affordable option for updating your kitchen cabinets.
• DIY-friendly: Painting is a relatively easy DIY project that you can do yourself if you are handy.
• Wide range of colors: Paint is available in a wide range of colors, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen.

Cons:

• Not as durable: Paint is not as durable as refacing, so it may need to be touched up more often.
• Not a dramatic change: Painting will not give you a dramatic change in the look of your cabinets.

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of your cabinets with new ones. The cabinet boxes are left intact. This process can give your kitchen a completely new look without the expense of replacing the entire cabinets.

The refacing process typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation: A contractor will come to your home to assess your cabinets and discuss your design options.
2. Measurements: The contractor will take measurements of your cabinets.
3. Door and drawer front selection: You will select the doors and drawer fronts that you want for your cabinets.
4. Fabrication: The doors and drawer fronts will be fabricated to your specifications.
5. Installation: The doors and drawer fronts will be installed on your cabinets.

Cost Breakdown for Materials and Labor

The cost of refacing kitchen cabinets will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the job, and the quality of the materials you choose. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 per linear foot of cabinets.

The cost of materials will include the cost of the doors and drawer fronts, hinges, knobs, and pulls. The cost of labor will include the cost of the contractor’s time and expertise.

 

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