The pros and cons of cabinet painting versus replacement

Money Matters: costs, time, and ROI considerations

A kitchen renovation provides an excellent return on investment, second only to bathroom remodeling. In this article, we’ll examine repairing versus replacing your kitchen cabinets. Within the repairing option, there is a difference between repainting and refacing. You can make an educated decision that fits your style and budget.

Cabinets are a focal point of the kitchen. To refresh or completely change your aesthetic, this is a good starting point.

Will you sell your home within a few years and just need things freshened up? Or will you live in your home longer? The longer you are in your space, the more years you have to enjoy your upgraded space.

Budget variations: painting is your least expensive option for cabinets, followed by refacing and replacing.

Cabinet painting impacts looks. But there are other considerations!

The decision whether to simply give your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint or replace them depends on their condition. Here are some basic questions to posit:

• Are my cabinets damaged or still in good shape? What is the wear and tear?
• Are my cabinets structurally sound?
• Do I like the style of my cabinet doors and drawers?
• Am I happy with the location, storage and flow I currently have?

Here’s our list of pros and cons when deciding if painting your kitchen cabinets is the right decision:

REPAINT CABINETS

Pros:

• Cabinet painting can make a dramatic impact on space!
• You will save on the cost of both labor and materials
• Cabinet painting can be finished in days
• Is a less invasive or disruptive option
• Avoid the waiting time to receive new cabinet boxes (supply chain disruption has lead time ranging up to 12 weeks)
• You avoid the dust and debris associated with tearing out cabinets

Considering time and money, painting is the most budget friendly.

Cons:

• Will not improve functionality or storage situation
• It does not allow for a total style change (i.e., the outdated look of the cabinets themselves)
• Older cabinets may require additional maintenance related to hardware or hinges

Refacing your cabinets – a happy medium

Before you decide to replace your cabinets, consider the middle ground. Refacing your cabinets’ doors and drawers may be all you need to update the look of your kitchen. This is an ideal way to go if the wood in your cabinets is in good condition, but you want an up-to-date look.

The basic steps of refacing include:

1. Replacing the doors and drawer fronts with new ones that match the desired style or finish.
2. The cabinet frames (the “boxes”) will be covered with veneer, laminate, or wood to match the new doors.
3. Replacing or upgrading hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges

The pros of taking the “middle ground” with your cabinets:

• This process is far less disruptive than completely replacing your cabinets.
• It still provides a dramatic update to your space.
• No waiting time for the cabinets to arrive
• The cost can be as much as ⅓ less versus purchasing new cabinets

Cons:

• More expensive than painting because it involves more time and labor
• You do not get to change the layout or shelving

Total transformation: New cabinetry

Replacement is the costliest option. It may be necessary if your cabinets are in disrepair. For a functional or aesthetic transformation, new cabinetry may be your only option.

Pros:

• Ability to choose your materials to ensure their quality
• Flexibility to choose your layout and have input in your kitchen’s organization
• Ability to match the cabinets to the aesthetic of your floors, backsplash, countertops, and appliances
• You will have input on how your entire space configuration if changing the kitchen’s layout.
• New cabinets will last longer

Conclusion: it is a balancing act

Painted, refaced, or new cabinets can give your kitchen an exciting fresh look. The condition of your cabinets, your time, the size of your kitchen, and your goals for the space all impact your budget. The cost to replace existing cabinets compared to hiring a professional painting company should be considered carefully.

At Kevin Roberts Painting & Design, we have been helping homeowners choose vibrant colors to update their kitchen cabinetry. Since 1986, we have expertly executed thousands of interior painting and cabinet painting projects. Ready to change your cabinets? Call Kevin Roberts Painting at 914-791-2791 or book an appointment.