How Much Cost to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets? DIY vs. Professional

How much does it cost to refinish kitchen cabinets? The cost to refinish kitchen cabinets varies significantly, ranging from a few hundred dollars for a DIY project to several thousand dollars for professional services, depending on factors like cabinet size, material, and the complexity of the finish. This comprehensive guide breaks down all the costs involved, comparing DIY refinishing with hiring professionals, so you can make the best decision for your kitchen and budget.

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Fathoming the Costs of Cabinet Refinishing

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a popular way to update your kitchen without the expense of a full remodel. It involves prepping the existing cabinets, repairing any damage, and applying a new finish, such as paint or stain. The overall cabinet refinishing price depends on several key factors.

Key Cost Influencers

• Cabinet Size & Quantity: The more cabinets you have, the more it will cost to refinish them.
• Cabinet Material: Solid wood cabinets are generally more expensive to refinish than laminate or MDF cabinets.
• Type of Finish: Painting, staining, and applying different finishes each have varying material and labor costs. The desired level of sheen (matte, satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss) can also influence the price.
• Cabinet Condition: If your cabinets have significant damage, such as dents, scratches, or water damage, repairs will add to the cost.
• Hardware: Replacing knobs, pulls, and hinges can add to the overall cost but also gives your kitchen a fresh look.
• DIY vs. Professional: Doing the work yourself can save a significant amount of money, but it requires time, skill, and the right tools. Hiring a professional ensures a high-quality finish but comes at a higher price.
• Geographic Location: Labor costs vary depending on your location. Cities and areas with a higher cost of living will typically have higher cabinet refinishing prices.

DIY Cabinet Refinishing: The Frugal Route

Taking the DIY approach to cabinet refinishing can save you a considerable amount of money. However, it requires a significant investment of time and effort, as well as some basic carpentry and painting skills. Let’s look at the DIY cabinet refinishing cost in detail.

DIY Material Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the typical materials you’ll need and their estimated costs:

Material	Estimated Cost (per average kitchen)	Notes
Sandpaper (various grits)	$20 – $40	Different grits are needed for removing old finishes, smoothing surfaces, and preparing for painting or staining.
Primer	$25 – $50	Essential for adhesion and preventing bleed-through. Choose a primer suitable for your cabinet material.
Paint or Stain	$50 – $150	High-quality paint or stain is crucial for a durable and attractive finish. Cost varies widely depending on brand and type.
Topcoat/Sealer	$20 – $40	Protects the finish and adds durability.
Cleaning Supplies	$10 – $20	Includes degreaser, TSP (trisodium phosphate), or similar products to clean cabinets before sanding.
Wood Filler/Putty	$10 – $20	For repairing dents, scratches, and other imperfections.
Brushes & Rollers	$20 – $40	Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers for a smooth, even finish.
Painter’s Tape	$10 – $20	For masking off areas you don’t want to paint or stain.
Drop Cloths/Plastic Sheeting	$15 – $30	To protect your floors and countertops from spills and splatters.
Safety Gear (gloves, mask)	$10 – $20	Protect yourself from dust and fumes.
Total	$190 – $430	This is just an estimate. Actual costs may vary based on product choices, the number of cabinets, and any additional materials needed.

DIY Tool Costs

You may already own some of these tools, but if not, factor in the cost of purchasing or renting them.

Tool	Estimated Cost (Rental/Purchase)	Notes
Sander (orbital or palm)	$20 – $40 (rental) / $50 – $100+ (purchase)	Speeds up the sanding process and provides a smoother surface.
Power Drill/Screwdriver	Own / $30 – $100+ (purchase)	For removing and reattaching cabinet doors and hardware.
Paint Sprayer (optional)	$40 – $60 (rental) / $100 – $300+ (purchase)	Provides a more professional finish, especially for painting. Requires practice to use effectively.
Total (if purchasing all)	$180 – $500+	This is in addition to material costs.

Time Commitment

DIY cabinet refinishing is a time-consuming process. A typical kitchen can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days to complete, depending on the size of the kitchen and your level of experience.

Total DIY Cost

Based on the estimated material and tool costs, a DIY kitchen cabinet painting cost or staining project can range from $190 to $430 for materials and up to $500+ if you need to purchase tools. Therefore, the total DIY cabinet refinishing cost could range from $190 to around $930.

Pros of DIY Cabinet Refinishing

• Cost Savings: Significantly cheaper than hiring professionals.
• Flexibility: You can work at your own pace and schedule.
• Customization: Complete control over the colors, finishes, and hardware.
• Sense of Accomplishment: The satisfaction of transforming your kitchen yourself.

Cons of DIY Cabinet Refinishing

• Time-Consuming: Requires a significant time commitment.
• Skill Required: Needs some basic carpentry and painting skills.
• Potential for Mistakes: Errors can be costly and time-consuming to fix.
• Lower Quality Finish (Potentially): May not achieve the same level of finish as a professional.

Professional Cabinet Refinishing: The Quality Route

Hiring a professional cabinet refinishing company ensures a high-quality finish and saves you time and effort. However, it comes at a higher cabinet refinishing price.

Factors Affecting Professional Costs

• Labor Costs: The primary cost component is the labor involved in prepping, refinishing, and reinstalling the cabinets.
• Material Costs: Professionals typically use high-quality materials, which can be more expensive than what you would find at a typical hardware store.
• Complexity of the Job: Intricate designs, detailed trim, or significant damage will increase the cost.
• Location: Labor costs vary by region.
• Experience & Reputation: More experienced and reputable companies often charge higher rates.

Professional Cost Breakdown

Here’s a general estimate of what you can expect to pay for professional cabinet refinishing:

Scope	Cost per Linear Foot	Average Cost (Typical Kitchen)	Notes
Basic Refinishing (painting or staining)	$75 – $150	$2,000 – $6,000	Includes sanding, priming, painting or staining, and applying a topcoat.
Refinishing with Repairs	$100 – $200+	$3,000 – $8,000+	Includes repairing dents, scratches, and other damage before refinishing.
Premium Refinishing (specialty finishes)	$150 – $300+	$4,500 – $12,000+	Includes techniques like glazing, antiquing, or applying multiple layers of paint.
Cabinet Refacing	$200 – $400+	$7,000 – $15,000+	Replacing doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. Offers a more significant update than refinishing at a higher cabinet refacing cost.

Note: Average cost to refinish cabinets vary widely depending on kitchen size.

Obtaining Accurate Quotes

To get an accurate estimate, it’s essential to get quotes from multiple contractors. Provide them with detailed information about your cabinets, the desired finish, and any repairs that need to be made. Be sure to ask for a written quote that includes a breakdown of all costs.

Pros of Professional Cabinet Refinishing

• High-Quality Finish: Professionals have the skills and equipment to achieve a flawless finish.
• Time Savings: Saves you a significant amount of time and effort.
• Expertise: Professionals can advise you on the best finishes and techniques for your cabinets.
• Warranty: Many professionals offer a warranty on their work.

Cons of Professional Cabinet Refinishing

• Higher Cost: Significantly more expensive than DIY.
• Less Control: You have less control over the process.
• Inconvenience: You’ll need to allow access to your kitchen for several days.

Other Cabinet Renovation Options

Besides refinishing, other options exist to rejuvenate your kitchen cabinets. These include refacing, resurfacing, and replacement.

Cabinet Refacing vs. Refinishing

Cabinet refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. This is a more significant update than refinishing and can be a good option if your cabinet boxes are in good condition but your doors and drawer fronts are outdated or damaged. The cabinet refacing cost is typically higher than refinishing.

Cabinet Resurfacing

Cabinet resurfacing cost falls somewhere between refinishing and refacing. Resurfacing typically involves applying a new veneer or laminate to the existing cabinet boxes and replacing the doors and drawer fronts.

Cabinet Replacement

Replacing your cabinets is the most expensive option but also provides the most significant transformation. This is a good option if your cabinets are severely damaged or if you want to completely change the layout of your kitchen.

Cost Comparison Table

Option	Description	Cost (per average kitchen)	Pros	Cons
DIY Refinishing	Sanding, priming, and painting or staining existing cabinets.	$190 – $930	Most affordable, customizable, sense of accomplishment.	Time-consuming, requires skill, potential for mistakes.
Professional Refinishing	Hiring professionals to refinish existing cabinets.	$2,000 – $12,000+	High-quality finish, time savings, expertise.	Most expensive, less control.
Cabinet Refacing	Replacing doors and drawer fronts while keeping existing cabinet boxes.	$7,000 – $15,000+	More significant update than refinishing, can update style and design.	Higher cost than refinishing, requires professional installation.
Cabinet Replacement	Replacing entire cabinet structure.	$15,000 – $30,000+	Complete kitchen transformation, can change layout, opportunity for new storage solutions.	Most expensive, disruptive, time-consuming.

Deciding on Your Approach

Choosing between DIY and professional cabinet refinishing depends on your budget, skills, and time availability. If you’re on a tight budget and enjoy DIY projects, refinishing your cabinets yourself can be a rewarding experience. However, if you want a high-quality finish and don’t have the time or skills to do it yourself, hiring a professional is the best option.

Maintaining Your Refinished Cabinets

Once your cabinets are refinished, proper maintenance is essential to keep them looking their best.

Cleaning Tips

• Clean your cabinets regularly with a mild soap and water solution.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can damage the finish.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
• Use a soft cloth to dry your cabinets after cleaning.

Preventing Damage

• Use coasters under cups and glasses to prevent water rings.
• Avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the cabinets.
• Use drawer liners to protect the interior of your cabinets.
• Consider using protective pads on cabinet doors to prevent them from slamming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the average cost to refinish cabinets professionally?
A: The average cost to refinish cabinets professionally typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 for a standard-sized kitchen, depending on the level of refinishing and the geographical area.

Q: Can I paint over laminate cabinets?
A: Yes, you can paint laminate cabinets, but proper preparation is key. You’ll need to sand the surface lightly, apply a bonding primer, and use a high-quality paint designed for laminate surfaces.

Q: What is the difference between refinishing and refacing cabinets?
A: Refinishing involves sanding, priming, and painting or staining the existing cabinet surfaces. Refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while keeping the existing cabinet boxes.

Q: How long does it take to refinish kitchen cabinets?
A: DIY refinishing can take 3 to 7 days, while professional refinishing typically takes 2 to 5 days, depending on the size of the kitchen and the complexity of the job.

Q: Is kitchen cabinet staining cost higher than painting?
A: Generally, the kitchen cabinet staining cost is comparable to painting. However, it can be more expensive if the wood requires extensive preparation or if a specialty stain is used.

Q: Who is the best professional to hire for cabinet refinishing?
A: The best professional to hire is a licensed and insured contractor with experience in cabinet refinishing. Look for reviews and ask for references to ensure they have a good reputation.

Q: What is the cost of cabinet restoration for antique cabinets?
A: The cost of cabinet restoration for antique cabinets can be significantly higher due to the specialized skills and materials required. It’s best to get a quote from a professional specializing in antique furniture restoration.

Q: What are some signs it’s time to consider cabinet resurfacing cost instead of refinishing?
A: Consider cabinet resurfacing cost if the existing cabinet surfaces are severely damaged, warped, or if you want a completely different style without replacing the entire cabinet.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether to refinish your kitchen cabinets yourself or hire a professional, and ultimately transform your kitchen into a space you love.