cost to paint kitchen cabinets vs replace
May 19, 2025
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Cost to Paint vs. Replace Kitchen Cabinets: A Detailed Comparison
Choosing between painting and replacing kitchen cabinets depends on your budget, cabinet condition, and long-term goals. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
| Option | Average Cost (10x10 Kitchen) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Painting | 200–200–200–800 | Includes primer, paint, sandpaper, tools, and supplies. |
| Professional Painting | 1,500–1,500–1,500–5,000+ | Labor, high-quality paint/primers, and finishing. |
Pros of Painting:
Budget-Friendly: 75–90% cheaper than replacement.
Quick Update: Completed in 3–7 days (minimal disruption).
Eco-Friendly: Reduces landfill waste.
Customizable: Choose any color/finish (e.g., matte, satin, gloss).
Cons of Painting:
Labor-Intensive: Requires thorough prep (cleaning, sanding, priming).
Durability: Paint may chip or yellow over time (5–10 years lifespan).
Limited to Aesthetics: Won't fix structural issues or poor layouts.
Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets
| Type | Average Cost (10x10 Kitchen) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Cabinets | 3,000–3,000–3,000–8,000+ | Pre-made sizes (IKEA, Home Depot). Quick install, limited styles. |
| Semi-Custom Cabinets | 8,000–8,000–8,000–20,000+ | More material/finish options (KraftMaid, Thomasville). |
| Custom Cabinets | 15,000–15,000–15,000–40,000+ | Fully bespoke design, premium materials (solid wood, plywood). |
Pros of Replacing:
Long-Term Solution: 20–30+ year lifespan with proper care.
Improved Functionality: Fix layout issues, add storage (pull-outs, soft-close drawers).
Higher ROI: Increases home value by 60–80% (vs. 30–50% for painting).
Cons of Replacing:
High Cost: Most expensive option.
Time-Consuming: 4–16 weeks for delivery/install.
Disruption: Demolition, dust, and noise.
Key Considerations
Cabinet Condition:
Paint If: Cabinets are structurally sound (no warping, water damage).
Replace If: Cabinets are sagging, moldy, or infested.
Budget:
Paint: Ideal for budgets under $5,000.
Replace: Requires at least 3,000(stock)to3,000 (stock) to 3,000(stock)to15,000+ (semi-custom).
Lifestyle:
Paint: Renters, short-term homeowners, or those wanting a quick refresh.
Replace: Forever homes or major remodels.
Aesthetic Goals:
Paint: Transform color/style (e.g., white cabinets for a modern look).
Replace: Change door styles (e.g., Shaker to slab) or materials (MDF to wood).
Hidden Costs
Painting:
Repairs: Fixing chips/dents (100–100–100–500).
New Hardware: Knobs/pulls (50–50–50–300).
Replacing:
Demo/Disposal: 500–500–500–1,500.
Countertop/Backsplash Updates: Often needed (3,000–3,000–3,000–10,000+).
When to Paint vs. Replace
| Scenario | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Tight budget, cabinets in good shape | Paint (DIY or pro) |
| Structural damage, outdated layout | Replace |
| Selling soon | Paint (high-impact, low-cost) |
| Forever home, luxury goals | Replace (custom cabinets) |
Tips to Save Money
DIY Painting: Use quality paint (e.g., Benjamin Moore Advance) and invest time in prep.
Hybrid Approach: Replace lowers (most wear) and paint uppers.
Refacing: A middle-ground option (1,500–1,500–1,500–15,000) to replace doors/drawers while keeping boxes.
Final Recommendation
Paint If: You love your cabinet layout and want a fast, affordable refresh.
Replace If: You need better storage, have damaged cabinets, or are investing in your forever home.
Pro Tip: Test paint colors on a small area to see how they look in your kitchen's lighting! 🎨✨
| Option | Cost | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painting | 200–200–200–5,000+ | 5–10 years | Budget updates, minor fixes |
| Stock Replacement | 3,000–3,000–3,000–8,000+ | 10–20 years | Quick, modern kitchens |
| Custom Replacement | 15,000–15,000–15,000–40,000+ | 20–30+ years | Luxury, long-term investment |