If your kitchen is looking dated, you may wonder whether you should paint or replace cabinets in your kitchen. Both options can help you refresh your kitchen, but the cost and amount of work vary for each. Cabinets are an important component to any kitchen. They provide both functional storage and aesthetic appeal.
Deciding to paint or replace cabinets can be a difficult choice, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you make the decision. We’ll break down the costs of repainting and replacing kitchen cabinets, as well as cover the process for each.
Cost to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets
One thing to consider when deciding whether to paint or replace cabinets is how much it’s going to cost you. If your cabinets are in decent shape, repainting may be a good choice. Repainting your kitchen cabinets will cost you significantly less than replacing them while still providing a big impact.
The cost to repaint your kitchen cabinets will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your space and whether or not you hire a professional. The average cost to hire professional painters is usually between $3 to $10 per square foot, or $30 to $60 per linear foot, and $50 to $100 per door. This includes labor and materials. All in all, you may end up spending between $900 to $3,800 to repaint your cabinets.
If you’re looking to handle the project on your own, you can save a ton of money. If you decide to DIY your kitchen cabinets, expect to pay between $200 and $600 for paint and supplies. However, you pay for that with your own time. Repainting your cabinets can take between 30 to 35 hours of preparation, and up to 22 hours of painting. Plus, you may not get the same flawless results as you would with professional painters.
Cost to Replace Kitchen Cabinets
In comparison, replacing your kitchen cabinets will be much more costly than repainting. Replacing the cabinets is a labor and materials-intensive process. However, replacing your kitchen cabinets can be worth it if your cabinets are in bad shape or you’re looking for a completely new layout.
The cost to replace kitchen cabinets will depend on a number of factors, including the materials you select, the size of your kitchen, and whether you opt for premade or custom cabinets. Kitchen cabinets come in a wide range of materials. Wood veneer and laminate cabinets are on the cheaper end, while wood, acrylic, and stainless steel cabinets will cost you much more. Wood veneer cabinets can start around $2,000 while stainless steel will run at least $25,000 to start.
The size of your kitchen is also a huge factor. Kitchen cabinets are typically priced per linear foot rather than square feet. This measurement is taken based on the overall length the cabinets will span on the wall. If you have upper and lower cabinets, you’ll need to calculate the linear length of both. New kitchen cabinets will cost anywhere between $2,200 and $24,600, with the average homeowner spending $8,200. Stock cabinets range between $110 to $300 per linear foot, including labor. Semi-custom cabinets range between $150 and $670 per linear foot, and fully custom cabinets range between $470 to $1,230 per linear foot.
If you’re looking to DIY your own cabinets, you’re still going to have to pay the cost for the new cabinets, but you can save on labor. Professionals typically charge between $40 to $100 per hour, with each cabinet taking around an hour to install. If you’d like to install the cabinets on your own, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $20,000. However, cabinet installation requires a lot of skill. If you do it wrong, you might end up with uneven cabinets or cabinets that end up pulling away from the walls.
How to Repaint Cabinets
Whether you’re going to paint or replace cabinets in your kitchen, both processes take a considerable amount of work. Still, it’s worth the results. Repainted cabinets will refresh your kitchen with minimal work, while replacing the cabinets will fully change the look.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to repaint your kitchen cabinets:
Tools Needed:
- Screwdriver
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Lint-free cloths
- Degreaser
- Wood filler (if needed)
- 120-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrushes and rollers
- Paint tray
- Remove doors and hardware using the screwdriver. Make sure to keep track of all the parts. You may even want to label each door and its corresponding hardware.
- Clean the surfaces. Use a degreaser or a mix of warm water and soap to remove grease, dirt, and grim. This will help the paint properly adhere.
- Fill any holes or dents with wood filler. Let it dry, then sand the filled areas. Sand all surfaces lightly with 120-grit sandpaper. This will create a rough surface for the primer to stick. Wipe down the surfaces afterward.
- Prime the cabinets. Use a brush for detailed areas and a foam roller for larger, flat surfaces. Let the primer dry completely.
- Lightly sand the dried surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any brush marks. Wipe down the surfaces.
- Paint the cabinets. Apply the first coat of paint in thin, even coats to avoid drips. Let the first coat dry completely, then lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper. Clean off the dust and apply the second coat. Repeat if needed for full coverage.
- Let the paint cure. Depending on the type of paint used, this could take a couple of days. Proper curing is essential for a durable paint job.
- Once the paint has cured, reassemble the cabinets. Reattach the hardware and hang the doors. Make sure everything is properly aligned.
Tips:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Consider using a paint sprayer for a super smooth finish.
- Use high-quality paint for better coverage.
How to Replace Cabinets
Replacing cabinets involves several steps and can be a big project. Still, it’s a project you can manage with careful planning and the right tools. Here’s a guide for replacing your cabinets:
Tools needed:
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver or drill
- Stud finder
- Level
- Shims
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
- Cabinet screws
- Clamps
- Drop cloths or protective covering
- New cabinets
- Cabinet hardware
- Caulking gun and caulk
- Painter’s tape
- Measure the space where the new cabinets will go, including the height, width, and depth. Make sure the new cabinets will fit. Plan the layout of your new cabinets, keeping in mind the placement of appliances, windows, and doors.
- Remove the old cabinets. Turn off the power and water, if necessary. Remove the cabinet doors and drawers by unscrewing the hinges and pulling them out. Detach the cabinets from the wall by unscrewing the screws that secure them to the studs. Use a pry bar to gently remove the cabinets from the wall. Be careful not to damage the drywall.
- Prepare the area. Inspect the walls for any damage and repair any holes. Locate the studs in the wall using a stud finder and mark them with painter’s tape.
- Install the upper cabinets first. Make a level line on the wall where the bottom of the upper cabinets will sit. Use a level to ensure accuracy. Pre-drill holes in the cabinets for the screws that will attach them to the studs. Life the first cabinet into place, aligning it with your level line. Secure it to the wall with screws driven into the studs. Make sure all cabinets are level and plumb as you go. You can use shims if needed to make adjustments. Once the upper cabinets are in place, install the lower cabinets.
- Install the doors and drawers on your new cabinets, making sure to align them properly. Add any hardware like handles or knobs. You may need to drill holes for new hardware if the cabinets didn’t come pre-drilled.
- Fill any gaps between the cabinets and the wall or between cabinets with caulk. Check that all doors and drawers open and close. Reinstall countertops and appliances, if necessary.
- Clean up. Remove any protective covers and clean your workspace. Touch up paint or caulk as needed.
Conclusion
When deciding whether to paint or replace cabinets in your kitchen, you have a number of factors to consider. If your cabinets are in good shape and just need a new shade, repainting the cabinets may be a good choice. This saves you the most money while still having a big impact on your kitchen.
However, if your cabinets are not functional or you don’t like the layout, you may want to replace them. When making the decision, you’ll want to consult professionals for quotes and determine your budget.
If you’re looking for contractors to handle the job, LNL Construction is here to serve. With our skilled and honest contractors, we’ll revitalize your kitchen to make your vision come to life. We offer both cabinet painting and replacement, as well as our many other remodeling services. Contact us today for an estimate!
