Painting vs refacing vs replacing kitchen cabinets: which costs less?
Curious how much a professional cabinet refinish costs? Get an instant price from our cabinet calculator.
The short answer: painting is the lowest-cost way to change how your kitchen cabinets look. PAINTR paints an average Tucson kitchen for $3,500 to $6,250 in 4 to 6 working days. Refacing and replacement typically cost more because they replace materials, not just the finish.
The four options
Painting
You keep your cabinet boxes, doors and layout and change the color and finish. Good for solid cabinets with a layout that works, when the problem is a dated color or worn finish.
PAINTR cost: $3,500 to $6,250 for an average kitchen.
Refacing
The boxes stay, but the doors and drawer fronts are replaced and the frames are covered with new veneer. You get new door styles without demolition. You are paying for new doors, veneer and installation, so it typically costs more than painting.
Replacement
The old cabinets come out and new ones go in. This is the option when boxes are damaged or you want different sizes. It is the most material and labor, and new cabinets often lead to new countertops, backsplash and plumbing or electrical work.
Full remodel
A remodel goes beyond cabinets: layout changes, countertops, flooring, appliances, lighting. It is the largest project and the biggest disruption to the household.
Why painting costs less
- No new materials beyond coatings. You keep the cabinet boxes and doors you already paid for.
- No demolition. Countertops, backsplash and plumbing stay where they are.
- Less time out of your kitchen. 4 to 6 working days for an average kitchen.
- Less waste. Nothing goes to the landfill.
What is included in our cabinet painting
- Doors and drawers removed and labeled
- Every surface degreased
- Scuff sanding
- Bonding primer
- Two sprayed coats of waterborne alkyd-urethane enamel or a baked-cure acrylic coating (our hardest finish)
- Hardware reinstalled or replaced
- Final walk-through
On oak cabinets, the grain can be filled for a smooth, modern look. Read more about painting oak cabinets and grain filling.
When painting is not the right call
Painting changes the finish, not the structure. Choose refacing or replacement if:
- Boxes are water-damaged, swollen or sagging
- Doors are warped or falling apart
- You want a different layout or cabinet sizes
- You want a door style your current doors cannot become
If the cabinets are solid and the layout works, painting gives you a new kitchen look for the least money.
Get an exact price
Every PAINTR quote gives three options on the spot (Standard, Premium and Elite) with our Price Lock Guarantee: no hidden fees and no change orders. Booked jobs get free real-paint color samples, and qualified customers can finance with 0% interest for up to 24 months.
See your kitchen in a new color first with our free color visualizer.
Cabinet painting in Tucson: process and pricing · How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?
Curious how much a professional cabinet refinish costs for your kitchen? Try our instant price calculator. It takes about 30 seconds.
Cabinet Painting in Tucson: prices, process and photos
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?
Painting is cheaper. PAINTR paints an average Tucson kitchen for $3,500 to $6,250. Replacement costs more because you pay for new cabinet boxes, doors and installation, and usually new countertops and other work that follows.
Is refacing cheaper than replacing cabinets?
Generally yes, but it still costs more than painting. Refacing keeps the cabinet boxes and replaces the doors and drawer fronts and covers the frames with new veneer, so you are paying for new materials and installation.
How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
An average kitchen takes PAINTR 4 to 6 working days, from removing and labeling the doors to the final walk-through.
When should I replace cabinets instead of painting them?
When the boxes are water-damaged, sagging or falling apart, or when you want to change the layout. If the cabinets are solid and you like the layout, painting gives a new look for the least money.
Can I finance cabinet painting?
Yes. Qualified customers can finance with up to 24 months at 0% interest and nothing out of pocket. Contact us first and we text you a pre-qualification link that uses a soft credit check.
