Painting cabinets costs less than replacing them for most kitchens, but the price still varies a lot. Here’s what drives it.
- Count doors and drawer fronts
- Boxes and interiors are extra decisions
- Prep and finish drive the quality
- Wood type and damage change the work
- Compare against replacing, not against nothing
Doors and drawer fronts set the base
Most of the work in a cabinet job is in the doors and drawer fronts, because each one is prepared and finished on every face and edge. A kitchen with many small doors takes more time than one with a few large ones, even if the total cabinet area is similar.
The boxes, the interiors and the details
Painting the cabinet boxes in place, the insides of the doors, or the interiors of the cabinets are separate decisions. Crown moulding, end panels and islands add to the work. Decide what you want painted before you ask for quotes so each one covers the same scope.
Wood and condition
Oak has a strong grain that shows through paint unless it’s filled, which adds a step. Damaged edges, old greasy buildup and previous finishes also add work. A cabinet in good condition is a simpler job than one that has been through twenty years of cooking.
The finish matters
Cabinets get touched constantly, so the paint product and the process matter more than on walls. A good job usually includes thorough cleaning, sanding, a bonding primer and durable paint in several thin coats. Our guide to the cabinet painting process walks through the steps.
Painting versus replacing
If the layout works and the cabinets are solid, painting is often the better value. If the boxes are damaged or the layout doesn’t work, replacing may make more sense. We cover how to decide in cabinet painting or new cabinets.
Quick questions
Can you give a price over the phone?
Cabinets are quoted after a visit, because the number of doors and the condition of the cabinets decide the work. Send us your address and we’ll arrange it.
Does painting cabinets last?
A well-prepared job with a durable cabinet finish can last for years. The prep and the product matter more than the colour.
Thinking about your kitchen? Tell us about your cabinets and we’ll arrange a visit to quote the job.
