Your kitchen cabinets look dated, and you’re ready for a change. The big question: should you paint them or replace them entirely? As professional painters who’ve transformed thousands of kitchens with cabinet painting, here’s our honest assessment of both options.
The Numbers at a Glance
| Factor | Cabinet Painting | Cabinet Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $3,500 - $7,000 | $15,000 - $30,000+ |
| Timeline | 3-5 days | 2-6 weeks |
| Kitchen Downtime | 3-5 days | 1-3 weeks |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 20-30 years |
| ROI | 80-100% | 50-75% |
When Cabinet Painting Makes Sense
Your Cabinets Are Structurally Sound
Painting is ideal when:
- Cabinet boxes are solid and stable
- Drawers open and close smoothly
- Hinges work properly
- No water damage or warping
- Wood or thermofoil surfaces (not peeling)
You Like Your Layout
If your kitchen functions well and you’re happy with the layout, painting preserves what works while updating the appearance.
Budget Is a Primary Concern
At 20-30% of replacement cost, painting delivers dramatic transformation at a fraction of the price.
Quick Turnaround Needed
Painting takes days, not weeks. Your kitchen remains mostly functional during the process.
When Replacement Is the Better Choice
Structural Problems Exist
Replace when:
- Cabinet boxes are separating
- Significant water damage present
- Particle board has swollen or deteriorated
- Shelves are bowing or broken
Layout Changes Needed
If you want to:
- Reconfigure cabinet positions
- Add or remove cabinets
- Change cabinet sizes
- Add features (soft-close, pull-outs)
Style Is Severely Dated
Some cabinet styles can’t be saved with paint:
- Extremely ornate raised panel
- Cathedral arch designs
- Heavy Mediterranean styling
- Extremely shallow depths
Planning Major Renovation
If you’re also:
- Moving plumbing
- Changing countertops
- Reconfiguring space
- Doing full kitchen remodel
The Cabinet Painting Process Explained
Professional vs. DIY
Professional Results Include:
- Factory-like spray finish
- Proper preparation (critical for durability)
- Quality cabinet-grade products
- Warranty coverage
- Minimal disruption
DIY Challenges:
- Brush marks nearly inevitable
- Prep work often underestimated
- Consumer products less durable
- Time investment: 40-80+ hours
- No warranty protection
What Professional Painting Involves
- Assessment - Ensuring cabinets are suitable candidates
- Removal - Doors, drawers, and hardware labeled
- Cleaning - Degreasing all surfaces thoroughly
- Sanding - Creating proper profile for adhesion
- Priming - Bonding primer application
- Spraying - Multiple coats of cabinet paint
- Reinstallation - Perfect alignment and adjustment
Quality Expectations
Professionally Painted Cabinets
What You Can Expect:
- Smooth, even finish
- Durable, washable surface
- No brush strokes or roller marks
- Consistent color coverage
- Factory-like appearance
What’s Realistic:
- Minor surface imperfections may show through
- Wood grain may be visible (especially oak)
- Edges might show slight wear over time
- Different from brand new cabinet look
Brand New Cabinets
Advantages:
- Perfect, factory construction
- No existing wear or damage
- Latest hardware and features
- Choose exact style desired
- Potentially better storage options
Reality Check:
- Stock cabinets vary in quality
- Custom = significantly higher cost
- Installation can have issues
- Existing features lost (pull-outs, etc.)
Cost Deep Dive
Cabinet Painting Costs
| Kitchen Size | Professional Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (up to 20 doors) | $3,500 - $5,000 |
| Medium (20-30 doors) | $5,000 - $6,500 |
| Large (30+ doors) | $6,500 - $8,500 |
Includes:
- All labor
- Premium cabinet paint
- New hardware installation (hardware extra)
- Cleanup
Cabinet Replacement Costs
| Quality Level | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Stock (Home Depot/Lowes) | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Semi-Custom | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Custom | $25,000 - $50,000+ |
Plus:
- Installation: $2,000 - $5,000
- New countertops (often needed)
- Backsplash adjustments
- Potential electrical/plumbing work
Hybrid Options
Reface and Paint
Replace just the doors while painting boxes:
- Cost: $7,000 - $12,000
- New door style possibilities
- Preserve existing cabinet structure
- Moderate timeline
Replace Some, Paint Others
Strategic approach:
- Replace damaged base cabinets
- Paint solid upper cabinets
- Optimize budget allocation
Making Your Decision
Choose Painting If:
✓ Cabinets are structurally sound ✓ Budget is under $8,000 ✓ Timeline is important ✓ Happy with current layout ✓ Looking for color update primarily
Choose Replacement If:
✓ Cabinets are damaged/deteriorating ✓ Layout changes needed ✓ Budget allows $15,000+ ✓ Doing major renovation anyway ✓ Style can’t be updated with paint
The ROI Question
For resale:
- Cabinet painting: 80-100% return
- Cabinet replacement: 50-75% return
Why painting often wins:
- Lower investment to recoup
- Buyers appreciate updated look
- May not pay premium for new cabinets
- Funds better used elsewhere
Our Honest Assessment
As painters, we could tell you painting is always the answer. But we don’t.
During our free consultation, we’ll honestly tell you if your cabinets:
- Are great candidates for painting
- Would benefit from selective replacement
- Should probably be replaced entirely
We’d rather give you honest advice than take on a job that won’t meet your expectations.
Next Steps
Curious whether painting is right for your kitchen? Let us take a look. We’ll assess your cabinets, discuss your goals, and give you an honest recommendation - even if that means suggesting replacement.
No pressure, no obligation. Just straightforward advice from painters who’ve transformed thousands of Phoenix kitchens.
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John Claude Painting
With over 20 years of experience in the painting industry, our team at John Claude Painting AZ shares expert insights to help Phoenix homeowners make informed decisions about their painting projects.
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