Is It Cheaper to Paint or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
Is It Cheaper to Paint or Replace Kitchen Cabinets?
“The kitchen is the heart of the home—but a full remodel doesn’t have to drain your wallet.”
If you’ve looked at your cabinets lately and thought, “Ugh, these need help,” you’re not alone. One of the most common questions homeowners ask during a kitchen refresh is whether they should paint or replace their cabinets altogether.
Let’s break this down, dollar by dollar—and give you the insights you need to make the smartest move for your space and your budget.
The Cost Breakdown
Painting Cabinets:
✅ $2,000–$5,000 on average for a standard-sized kitchen (depending on number of doors, prep required, and quality of materials).
✅ Minimal demo, no plumbing or layout changes.
✅ Turnaround? Often 3–5 days.
Replacing Cabinets:
❌ $8,000–$25,000+ depending on whether you go with stock, semi-custom, or fully custom cabinets.
❌ Often requires changes to countertops, electrical, and sometimes flooring.
❌ Timeline? Easily 2–6 weeks, or more.
💡 Bottom line: Painting is typically 60–80% cheaper than replacing.
When Painting Makes Sense
You should consider painting if:
- The cabinet boxes are sturdy and structurally sound.
- You like your current kitchen layout.
- You want a fresh look without a massive investment.
- You’re prepping your home for resale and want a quick value boost.
A professional paint job can completely transform dated oak or builder-grade cabinets into a clean, modern showpiece. Think crisp white, deep navy, or charcoal gray. Add new hardware and it’ll look like you spent five figures—when you didn’t.
When Replacement Is Worth It
On the flip side, replacing may be the better move if:
- Your cabinets are warped, moldy, broken, or falling off the hinges.
- You’re planning a full kitchen remodel (like relocating appliances or changing the layout).
- You’re dreaming of features like soft-close drawers, pull-out trays, or custom inserts.
If your current cabinets are beyond saving or function poorly, no amount of paint will make them right. That’s when starting fresh is the smarter long-term investment.
Still Torn? Try a Hybrid Approach
Here’s a tip: Refacing or partial replacement is a middle-ground option. Keep the boxes, replace only the doors and drawer fronts, and add a fresh coat of paint or veneer. You’ll save 30–50% compared to full replacement while still getting a totally new look.
Wellington, FL Homeowners—Let’s Talk Real Numbers
In our local market (Wellington and Palm Beach County), painting kitchen cabinets professionally is often one of the most high-impact, low-cost kitchen improvements you can do without ripping it apart. Most of our clients are surprised by how polished and durable the results are—and how fast the turnaround is.
If your cabinets are in decent shape, don’t spend $15k when $3k - $5k will do the trick.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is to update the look of your kitchen without blowing your budget, painting your cabinets is the clear winner. It’s faster, more affordable, and gives you serious bang for your buck.
But if your cabinets are falling apart or you're planning a complete kitchen overhaul, replacement may be the smarter play.
Need help deciding?
Let’s take a look together. Our team offers free estimates, honest advice, and professional cabinet painting services that make your kitchen look brand new—without the remodel price tag.
