Painting vs Replacing Cabinets: Which Is Better for Your Kitchen?

If your kitchen is starting to look a bit outdated, or worn, then you have probably been hit with the idea of deciding about painting vs replacing cabinets – but which makes more sense?

Both options are capable of making a full dramatic transformation in the appearance of your kitchen, however there are differences between the two options in terms of price, durability and long-term value.

In this guide, we’ll demystify all there is to know about painting kitchen cabinets, refacing, and full cabinet replacement – ultimately help you make the best choice for your dream kitchen.

What Are Your Budget-Friendly Options?

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet painting involves applying new paint or stain to your existing finish. It’s the most affordable and fastest means of going if you still have cabinet boxes that aren’t too bad for shape.

Things you need to know about painting your kitchen cabinets:

• A whole new coat of coat can completely alter the aesthetic look of your kitchen.
• Painting is Eco-Friendly as you re-use your old materials.
• Ideal when your cabinets are structurally good but look outdated.
• Usually lasts only a few days and few problems are caused to the daily life.
• Offers great number of color options and painted finishes.

However, painting doesn’t address structural problems and may not last as long as others.

Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing is a half-way point between painting and replacing. Instead of taking everything it is a process of updating the visible parts (kitchen cabinet doors, drawer fronts and sometimes side panels), and leaving the original cabinet boxes.

Cabinet refacing offers:

• New cabinets doors, drawer fronts and hardware for a modern appearance.
• A cost-effective solution compared to complete replacement of cabinets
• A more durable finish that will resist the daily wear better than painted ones.
• Customization of different materials, textures, and colors.
• A smooth and refreshed appearance without the mess of extensive construction.

It’s ideal for homeowners who want a complete change but do not want to think of trading the expense and downtime of replacing cabinets.

Cabinet Replacement

Replacing cabinets involves removing older cabinets and instead installing industry-standard cabinets of high quality made of high-quality materials.

When is it best to replace your whole cabinets?

• Your old cabinets are damaged or structurally weak.
• You want to change the layout of the kitchen or have more storage.
• You’re doing a full kitchen renovation or remodel.
• You want something that will last over time, that has a high resale.

Although replacing your cabinets could be expensive and time consuming, it gives you a free hand at designing them and also you get to have an entirely new kitchen.

Cabinet Painting vs. Changing out Cabinets: Side by Side

Feature	Painting Kitchen Cabinets	Cabinet Refacing	Replacing Cabinets
Cost	$4,000–$5,000 (average)	$7,000–$10,000	$15,000–$30,000+
Timeline	Just a few days	About a week	Several weeks
Disruption	Minimal	Low	High
Durability	3–5 years before touch-ups	10–20 years	20+ years
Customization	Limited to colors	New doors, finishes, hardware	Full redesign
Waste	Reuses existing cabinets	Uses some new materials	Creates most waste
ROI (Value)	High for low investment	Excellent long-term value	Highest if full remodel
Best For	Budget-friendly updates	Stylish, durable upgrade	Complete transformation

Costs and Budget Considerations

When comparing painting vs replacing cabinets, often times, cost is the deciding factor.

• Painting kitchen cabinets is the most economical to start out with. You can expect to send totals around $100 for drawer front and around $175 for cabinet doors, about $4500 in total on an average kitchen.
• Cabinet refacing is more expensive with new materials and professional installation which is more costly, but still cheaper than replacement.
• Full replacement of cabinets is the most costly route since it entails new cabinets, demolition and possibly new countertops or hardware.

Pro Tip: If you have a kitchen renovation project on a tight budget, try some painting or refacing first to see how much transformation you can do without having to spend too much.

Time, Effort, and Disruption

If you want an easy upgrade with little mess, painting kitchen cabinets may be the perfect option! Most projects are completed just in a matter of days.

However, to paint it requires a thorough preparation – lightly sanding, primer and multiple coats for a flawless finish. It is a tedious process and requires skill.

Refacing cabinets usually takes slightly longer but still a lot less time consuming than replacing cabinets which take weeks and needs a lot of construction affecting day to day life.

Durability and Maintenance

Here’s where the choice really comes down to your lifestyle.

• Painted cabinets can chip, crack or wear away – especially in high traffic areas like around the sink or stove.
• They may require frequent touch-ups and perhaps a complete repainting every couple of years.
• Refaced cabinets, on the other hand, will last for decades with very little maintenance.
• Full kitchen remodel offers you brand-new quality materials that are intended to withstand daily wear over many years.
• Refacing cabinets or cabinets replacements are cheaper in the long run of time.

Style and Aesthetic Appeal

• Painting just changes the color of your most cabinets so if your style of door looks old, it may still feel old.
• Refacing can give you a new look – you are able to choose new door styles, finishes and hardware that suit your dream kitchen.
• Replacement allows for full freedom of layout design, materials, and color, resulting in a full kitchen renovation.

Many homeowners opt for cabinet refacing because it is a combination of customization and practicality – it makes your kitchen look brand new without the full cost of remodeling.

Environmental Impact

Choosing to paint or face your cabinets may also be a sustainable choice.

• Painting existing cabinets to resurface lessens waste by creative reuse.
• Refacing is also eco-friendly since it requires fewer new materials when compared to replacement.
• Replacing cabinets generates more construction waste and more so when old boxes and hardware are discarded.

If you have your eye on eco-conscious living, painting or refacing is more in line with that goal.

Return on Investment (ROI)

When selling your home, your kitchen’s looks greatly shape buying decisions of buyers.

• Painting kitchen cabinets is a high return with low cost – perfect if you’re selling in the near future.
• Cabinet refacing enhances your home’s look and longevity to entice the potential buyer looking for aesthetically pleasing finishes.
• Cabinets make up around 85% of your complete kitchen remodel depending on material and workmanship, to be sure.

In short:

Painting = Low Spend high ROI

Refacing = Balanced ROI and Long term durability

Replacement = High Return on Investment (ROI) with higher initial cost

When Painting Is the Best Solution

Cabinet painting is recommended when:

• Your existing cabinets exist in good condition structurally.
• You are looking for a fast and cheap kitchen makeover.
• You’re satisfied with your current layout.
• You like to have minimal disruption in the renovation.
• You want to play with trendy colors of paint such as navy, sage or off-white.

Painting is perfect for homeowners who would like a low-cost update with no major renovation.

When It is Better to Refacing Cabinets or Replace

Go for Refacing when:

• Cabinet boxes are strong, but door and drawer fronts are out of date.
• You want to change things up with some new finishes and hardware.
• You have to have something stronger than paint.
• You are looking for a built-in modern appearance with new materials such as wood veneer or 3D laminate.

Choose Replacing when:

• Cabinets are damaged, warped or crudely made.
• You are interested in redesigning the layout for space and/or functionality.
• You’re doing a whole kitchen remodel or desire some high end materials.
• You intend to be in the home long-term and want to have a long-term investment.

Expert Tips Before You Make an Informed Decision

• Check your current cabinets. If the structure is solid, painting or refacing is usually sufficient.
• Take your budget and time into consideration. Painting=fast & affordable; replacing=more expensive & time consuming.
• Think about long-term goals. Planning to sell soon? Paint. Staying long-term? Reface or replace.
• Hire professionals. A quality finish- even on painted or refaced cabinets-depends a great deal on proper prep work.
• Avoid DIY shortcuts. Poor sanding or uneven paint results in peeling and requires touching up later.

Dr. Cabinet Can Help You to Choose The Right Option

If you are leaning on the side of painting vs replacing cabinets, our experts at Dr. Cabinet can guide you each step of the way.

We specialize in:

Cabinet refinishing and painting

Cabinet refacing and repair

Complete cabinet replacement and installation

We’ll evaluate your existing cabinets and help you compare materials and get the best possible solution that fits your budget and timeline.

Completely transform your kitchen with Dr. Cabinet – your number one partner for stunning and long-lasting results.

Contact us today to set up your consultation and create your dream kitchen today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Painting vs Replacing Cabinets