• Home
  • Blog
  • The Complete Guide to Refacing vs. Painting Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget

The Complete Guide to Refacing vs. Painting Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget

Upgrading your kitchen doesn't have to require a complete remodeling. Budget-friendly options like cabinet refacing and painting allow you to transform the look of your kitchen for a fraction of the cost.

But should you reface or paint your cabinets?

Cost Comparison: Refacing vs. Painting Cabinet Expenses

One of the biggest factors in deciding between refacing and painting kitchen cabinets is cost. Generally, painting requires a lower upfront investment. But when it comes to long-term value and durability, refacing may be worth the higher initial price.

refacing kitchen cabinets vs painting

Painting Cabinet Cost Factors

Since painting utilizes your existing cabinet boxes and doors, it avoids the expenses of new materials and installation labor involved in refacing. Costs for painting kitchen cabinets typically range from:

Keep in mind if your cabinet doors and frames require repairs or replacements, this can drive up painting costs closer to that of refacing.

Refacing Cabinet Cost Factors

Refacing kitchen cabinets involves installing new doors, drawers and veneer trim. Prices are generally higher compared to painting:

Small kitchen: $4,000 to $8,000
Mid-sized kitchen: $8,000 to $15,000+

The wide range accounts for factors like existing cabinet condition, door material grades, and complexity of the installation.

Durability: Long-Lasting Paint vs. Refacing

While painted finishes risk chipping and peeling over time, especially in high-traffic zones, refacing offers superior durability by replacing old doors and fronts with new, high-quality materials.

Maintaining the Painted Look

Careful preparation is crucial for a long-lasting painted finish on kitchen cabinets. All surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned, lightly sanded and primed to ensure the paint adheres properly. Oils and residues can cause peeling if not properly prepped.

Regular cleanings and occasional touch-ups may be needed to keep painted cabinets looking their best. Grease splatters and moisture near a sink can deteriorate paint. The frequency of repainting varies, but typically every 3-5 years.

Enhanced Durability Through Refacing

The new doors and drawer fronts used in cabinet refacing are constructed of durable materials like wood, laminate or thermofoil, which resist scratches, impacts and exposure to grease or moisture better than painted finishes.

Hardware and hinges are also upgraded in a refacing to prevent sagging doors and extend the life of your investment. If properly cared for, refaced cabinets maintain their upgraded appearance for 10-15 years or longer before requiring updates.

Project Timelines: Refacing vs. Painting Process

Another point of comparison is the project duration. Refacing kitchen cabinets demands more time upfront, while painting can be completed rather quickly in most cases.

Process of Painting Cabinets

For skilled DIYers, painting kitchen cabinets can be a relatively swift weekend project once surfaces are prepped. The basic process includes:

Smaller kitchens can be completed in 1-3 days. For larger kitchens or hiring professional painters, allow up to 5 days.

Refacing Cabinet Timeframe

The refacing process is more complex, with typical timespans of:

The full sequence involves:

Complex customization and larger kitchens can extend project timelines. Carefully vet refacing contractors to ensure capable skills.

Customization Options: More With Refacing

Replacing cabinet doors/drawer fronts in a refacing allows vast possibilities for custom looks compared to paint limitations.

Paint Color and Finish Choices

When painting kitchen cabinets, you're limited to the colors, finishes and paint types available. Typical options include:

Without replacing doors, customization involves working with your existing cabinet style and wood type.

Door Styles, Materials in Refacing

Refacing opens up many possibilities for cabinet customization since old doors and fronts are replaced. Design options span:

Hardware updates complement your new style. Refacing empowers you to create nearly any custom kitchen aesthetic imaginable.

Environmental Impact Factors

Concerned about your project's carbon footprint? Refacing is widely considered one of the most eco-friendly kitchen remodels thanks to door recycling and material reuse.

Painting Generates More Waste

Prepping cabinets to paint requires completely removing the existing finish right down to bare wood. Chemical stripping solutions break down old finishes, stains or paint so new coats properly adhere.

However, this generates hazardous waste requiring special disposal. Some states restrict certain caustic stripping chemicals. Sanding to remove finish also kicks up fine dust containing old lead paint potentially.

Refacing Recycles and Repurposes

Since refacing retains existing cabinet boxes, no tear-out waste heads to the landfill. Doors and parts removed can be:

Any new veneers and doors selected can utilize sustainable, eco-friendly materials as well. Refacing is the greener, more sustainable cabinet upgrade method.

How Upgrades Can Enhance Resale Value

Will your investment into kitchen upgrades pay off when it comes time to sell your home? Here's how refacing and painting impact resale value.

Painting Boosts Visual Appeal

A fresh coat of paint modernizes the look of worn, dated cabinets for a reasonable price. While it may not recoup 100% of costs at resale, a color update does boost home value.

But painted finishes must be in good condition. Flaking or failing paint can detract value and be a turnoff to buyers.

Refacing Offers Long-Term Value

A full cabinet refacing project with upgraded doors, drawers and veneers can recoup roughly 75% or more of costs in added home value, according to remodeler surveys.

Durability plays a role too. Refacing gives buyers confidence in both the appearance and quality of your upgraded kitchen.

While painted and refaced cabinets both update the aesthetic, refacing better transforms sound structural cabinets in need of true replacement parts. Before deciding, carefully evaluate goals, timeframe, costs and your cabinets' framework.

If existing cabinet boxes and interiors have sustained damage beyond surface-level fixes, replacement or reconfiguration may be the wiser route for lasting value and functionality.

But when done properly, refacing or painting kitchen cabinets empowers homeowners to affordably reimagine their kitchen's look and feel.