One of the most common forms of updating a kitchen is by refinishing the cabinets to make them look fresh and more modern without having to remodel the entire kitchen. However, what is the actual cost? Knowing the issues that affect pricing may assist you in planning your project and prevent unexpected costs. This guide separates costs, choices, and hints on how to make your cabinets attractive by refurbishing them.
What Is Cabinet Refinishing?
Cabinet refinishing refers to the act of fixing your old cabinets or making them look like new or better.
By contrast to replacement of cabinets, refinishing implies:
- Removing the old paint or stain
- Repairing minor damages
- Painting a new layer of paint, stain or varnish
- Sealing for durability.
Refinishing will radically change your kitchen and make it appear new at a fraction of the replacement cost.
Average Cost of Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets
Refurbishment of kitchen cabinets is dependent on size, material and labor costs.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Low-end: $1,200 – $2,500
Simple sanding and painting of a small kitchen with bare minimum detailing.
Mid-range: $2,500 – $5,000
Incorporates superior quality materials, personal colors, and labor intensive.
High–end: $5,000 – $10,000+
High quality finishes, stains or special finishes on large kitchens or high-end material which requires professional refinishing with premium paints and stains.
Most of the homeowners on average spend about $3,000 -$6,000 on professional cabinets refinishing in an average American kitchen.
Factors That Affect Cabinet Refinishing Cost
The extent to which you will pay to refinish your cabinets is determined by several factors:
Kitchen Size
The labor and the cost of materials is directly related to the number of cabinets. A small kitchen (10-12 cabinets) will be cheaper than a big kitchen (20 or more cabinets).
Cabinet Material
Solid wood cabinets: They are easier to refinish, although possibly more sanding is necessary.
Laminate or veneer cabinets: They are usually more difficult to refinish and might require special primers or coats.
Type of Finish
Paint: This is normally cheaper and has a lot of varieties of colors.
Stain: Accents natural wood grain, but is more costly, particularly with high quality wood.
Glazing or distressing: This will give it a special appearance but raise the cost of work.
Labor vs. DIY
Refinishing by professionals: It is more expensive to start with, but it is of good quality and durable.
DIY refinishing: Inexpensive (approximately $300-$800 of materials) but time and labor-intensive, as well as skillful.
Cabinet Condition
Cabinets that are broken might be repaired, e.g. by filling cracks, replacing paneling or repairing hinges. More repairs translate to increased costs.
Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Professional Refinishing
DIY Refinishing
In case you like do-it-yourself projects, you can save a lot of money by refinishing your cabinets by yourself.
Typical expenses include:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Sandpaper & sanding tools | $50–$150 |
| Paint or stain | $100–$300 |
| Primer & sealant | $50–$150 |
| Brushes/rollers & other tools | $50–$100 |
| Total | $250–$700 |
Pros: Lower cost, complete control over color and finish
Cons: Time-consuming, risk of mistakes, less durable finish
Professional Refinishing
Hiring a professional guarantees a smoother, longer-lasting finish but comes with a higher price tag.
Cost factors include:
Labor: $30-$60 per hour
Materials: $50-$200 per cabinet
Cabinet repair and preparation: $200-$1000 based on damage.
Pros: Expert results, durable finish, saves time
Cons: Higher upfront cost
Additional Costs to Consider
Refinishing isn’t just about paint or stain. Other potential costs include:
Hardware Replacement: Change of appearance with new handles or knobs costs between $3 and 20.
Soft close hinges or drawer slides: A contemporary feel costs between $50-$150 each.
Cabinet doors: Refinishing the doors only rather than the entire cabinet can save 20%-40% of the money.
Professional removal and reinstallation: $200-$500 in case you hire someone to remove and install cabinets.
Tips to Save Money on Cabinet Refinishing
Retain the current arrangement: Relocating shelves is very expensive.
Refinish only the doors: In the event that cabinet frames are in excellent condition, refinishing doors and drawer fronts may save money.
Select plain finishes: Solid colors are less expensive than glazing or distressing.
Do it yourself: Clean up and sand cabinets in-house and will save on labor.
Obtain several estimates: There may be a large range of prices between contractors and compare at least three estimates.
When to Refinish vs. Replace
Refinishing would be the best option in case your cabinets are structurally sound but require a cosmetic remodel.
Consider replacing if:
- Cabinets are curved, rotten or very much torn.
- Layout changes are needed
- You desire luxury bespoke furniture.
Refinishing costs are normally half to two-thirds of the replacement cost, which makes it a clever economical option.
