Cabinet refinishing is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your kitchen. Whether you choose painting, staining, or refacing, you can achieve a brand-new look at a fraction of replacement cost. This guide covers all the pricing you need to budget your cabinet project.
Cabinet Refinishing Options at a Glance
🎨 Cabinet Painting Costs Breakdown
Cabinet painting is the most popular and affordable refinishing option:
What's Included in Professional Cabinet Painting:
- Door and drawer removal and labeling
- Complete cleaning and degreasing
- Sanding and surface preparation
- Primer application (stain-blocking)
- 2-3 coats of premium cabinet paint
- Reinstallation of doors and hardware
- Touch-ups and final inspection
Factors That Affect Cabinet Refinishing Cost
Kitchen Size
40-50%Number of cabinet doors/drawers directly affects labor and material costs.
Cabinet Condition
10-25%Heavily worn, greasy, or damaged cabinets require more prep work.
Finish Type
15-30%Premium finishes like conversion varnish cost more but last longer.
Color Change
10-20%Dark to light changes require more coats and better primer.
Cabinet Material
5-15%Some materials (laminate, thermofoil) require special prep.
Hardware
VariableNew hardware adds $200-1,000+ depending on quality.
Refinishing vs Replacement: Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | Savings | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painting | $3,000-6,000 | Save 75-85% | 3-5 days |
| Staining | $4,000-8,000 | Save 70-80% | 4-6 days |
| Refacing | $8,000-15,000 | Save 50-60% | 3-5 days |
| Replacement | $15,000-40,000+ | — | 2-4 weeks |
💡 ROI Insight
Kitchen updates have the highest ROI of any home improvement. Cabinet refinishing typically returns 80-100% of investment at resale while replacement returns just 50-70%.
When to Refinish vs Replace Cabinets
✓ Refinish If:
- Cabinet boxes are solid and sound
- You like current layout
- Budget is under $10,000
- You need quick turnaround
- Cabinets are real wood or quality MDF
✗ Replace If:
- Cabinet boxes are damaged or rotting
- You want different layout
- Cabinets are particle board falling apart
- You want modern features (soft-close)
- Complete remodel is planned
DIY vs Professional Cabinet Refinishing
Wondering if you should DIY or hire professionals? Here's an honest comparison:
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $500-1,500 (materials only) | $3,000-8,000 (all-inclusive) |
| Time | 2-4 weekends | 3-5 days |
| Finish Quality | Good (with practice) | Factory-quality |
| Equipment | Brushes/rollers (brush marks possible) | HVLP spray (smooth finish) |
| Warranty | None | 1-5 years typical |
| Durability | 3-7 years | 10-15+ years |
💡 Our Recommendation
DIY makes sense for small projects (bathroom vanity, single cabinet) or if you have painting experience. For full kitchens, professional refinishing typically provides better value when you factor in time, quality, and longevity.
Regional Cabinet Refinishing Costs
Prices vary significantly by location. Here's what to expect in our service area:
📍 Charlotte Metro
$3,500-6,500
Average kitchen (25 doors), professional spray finish
📍 Matthews/Indian Trail
$3,200-6,000
Slightly lower labor costs in suburban areas
📍 Fort Mill/Rock Hill SC
$3,000-5,500
South Carolina pricing often 10-15% lower
📍 Lake Norman Area
$4,000-7,000
Higher-end homes, premium finishes common
How to Save Money on Cabinet Refinishing
🏷️ Get Multiple Quotes
Prices vary 20-40% between contractors. Get at least 3 quotes and compare what's included.
🎨 Skip the Glaze
Decorative glazing adds $500-1,500. A solid color is often more modern anyway.
🔧 Keep Existing Hardware
Reusing handles and hinges saves $200-1,000. Clean and spray paint them if needed.
📅 Book Off-Season
Winter (Nov-Feb) is slower. Some contractors offer 10-20% discounts.
🧹 Do Your Own Prep
Ask if you can remove doors/empty cabinets yourself to save labor costs.
✨ Paint Only Visible Areas
Skip interior surfaces you don't see. Saves 15-25% on larger kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
$3,000-8,000 for a typical kitchen. Painting is $3,000-6,000, staining $4,000-8,000, refacing $8,000-15,000.
Yes, by 50-85%. Replacement costs $15,000-40,000+ while refinishing costs $3,000-8,000.
$75-200 per door/drawer front for professional painting, including prep, prime, and paint.
Yes, if cabinets are structurally sound. It provides 70-90% of the look of new at 20-40% of the cost.
Get Your Free Cabinet Quote
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes provides detailed cabinet refinishing estimates. Find out exactly what your project will cost!
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122