Cabinets Phase|Step 15 of 33
Decide: Reface or Paint
Both options transform your cabinets without full replacement. The right choice depends on your budget, existing cabinets, and goals.
Painting Cost
$1,000-$3,000
Refacing Cost
$4,000-$9,000
New Cabinets
$15,000-$30,000+
Comparison
Painting Cabinets
- + Budget-friendly option
- + DIY-possible (saves more)
- + Any color you want
- + Faster completion
- - Requires careful prep
- - May show wear over time
- - Door style stays the same
Refacing Cabinets
- + New door styles possible
- + More durable finish
- + Professional look
- + Covers damaged veneers
- - More expensive
- - Requires professional
- - Longer timeline
When to Paint
- Budget is tight: Painting is 1/4 the cost of refacing
- You like the door style: Just want a color change
- Cabinets are solid wood: Paint adheres best to wood
- You're DIY-inclined: Significant savings with good technique
- Want a quick transformation: Can be done in a weekend
When to Reface
- Want new door style: Shaker, raised panel, modern slab
- Cabinet boxes are great but doors aren't: Boxes are expensive; save them
- Existing finish won't paint well: Thermofoil or laminate is tricky
- Want a premium look: New doors look newer than painted old ones
- Budget allows: If you can spend $4-9K on cabinets
Pro Tips
- •Get a refacing quote first: Then you'll know if the premium is worth it for you.
- •Consider hybrid: Paint boxes, order new doors in same color. Best of both worlds.
- •Don't forget hardware: New knobs and pulls (either approach) make a huge difference.
- •Consider layout changes: If you need new cabinet sizes, refacing doesn't help. That's new cabinets.