Home renovations have been increasing in recent years. Homeowners spent about $463 billion on them in the first quarter of 2024 alone. With spikes in material costs, more people are looking for new ways to lower the price tag.
Kitchen cabinets are a prime example of a project that can be quite expensive. Many people wonder if DIY painting cabinets or refacing is cheaper. That question is difficult to answer because it depends on several variables.
This article explores the differences between refacing and repainting kitchen cabinets. Keep reading to determine the most cost-effective kitchen upgrade for you.
Key Differences Between Refacing and Painting
There are several key distinctions between refacing and painting cabinets. These can be broken down into:
- Appearance
- Cost
- Time and effort
- Environmental impact
Appearance
Often, when people feel that their cabinets are old or outdated, they are referring to the outward-facing doors and surfaces. In many cases, there is nothing wrong with the structure or “bones” of the cabinets themselves.
Repainting or replacing the doors and drawer fronts can be a much more straightforward and economical alternative to an entire cabinet restoration. It can yield similar results in terms of appearance.
There are differences between the end results of refacing vs. repainting though. Painting refreshes the original style. It retains visible wood grain and imperfections, whereas refacing gives you a completely new look. Which one is preferable depends on the current state of your kitchen cabinets.
Cost Comparison
First, you can expect both refacing and painting to be a much cheaper option than getting completely new kitchen cabinets. Tearing out and replacing the entirety of your kitchen cabinets is a major renovation project.
With either of these two options, you still get a solid return on investment. That means you add value to your home without the hefty price tag of a renovation.
In almost every situation, DIY painting cabinets will be the more economical option than refacing them. You can expect to pay between $4,000 and $12,000 for a standard-sized kitchen refacing, whereas painting kitchen cabinets can run under $1,000.
These price points depend on many different factors. The size of your kitchen is one. Another is the types of materials you use.
Refacing with particleboard and plywood will be less expensive than solid wood or even wood veneer. Acrylic and laminate are mid-range options, but their prices can fluctuate toward the higher and lower ends of the spectrum as well.
A final factor to consider is whether you apply special glazes or finishes to the cabinets. Applying a high-gloss or natural-wood finish, or achieving a “distressed” look, can drive the kitchen renovation cost up.
Time and Effort
In most cases, repainting will be easier and faster than refacing. It requires no additional tools, like screwdrivers, levels, or measuring tape–only paint and painting supplies. While painting can be meticulous and time-consuming as well, it generally will take less time and effort than refacing.
Environmental Impact
A final major distinction between cabinet refacing and repainting is the environmental impact. Repainting can minimize environmental impact, since it is reusing the existing cabinet doors. However, some paints can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can have negative environmental impacts (purchase low- or zero-VOC paints to limit these effects).
Even if refacing is necessary, you may be able to limit environmental impacts. Reusing existing materials, such as hinges or handles, will keep from having to source new ones, eliminate unnecessary waste, and help reduce costs.
Benefits of Refacing vs Painting
One of the advantages of refacing your kitchen cabinets is that it can give your kitchen a completely new look. Another reason to consider refacing is if your cabinet doors or drawer fronts are in bad shape. Repainting can cover many minor imperfections but cannot fix damaged or deteriorated materials.
DIY vs Professional Help
There are pros and cons to both DIY painting cabinets and refacing them. In addition to your own time, painting requires the purchase of supplies. These include:
- Sandpaper or sanders
- Primer
- Paint
- Brushes
- Pans
- Painters tape
- Cleaning solutions
DIY refacing cabinets demand that you purchase cabinets and hardware themselves. You also may need to buy tools to properly carry out the project. These include:
- Crowbar
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Level
- Tape measure
- Reciprocating or jigsaw
Professional installers will have the necessary tools for completing the project. They will likely include the cost of materials in their quote as well. They may be able to leverage a contractor’s discount on things like paint or other supplies, and pass those savings along to the customer.
An advantage of doing the project yourself is that you can proceed on your own timeline. On the other hand, professional installers should be able to tackle almost any cabinet repainting or refacing in a single day.
Tips for Cabinet Refacing & Painting
If you plan to hire a professional, one of the best things you can do is shop around. Get free quotes, and make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
If you plan to tackle the project yourself, make sure you are comfortable with every step of the process. Also, take your time to ensure every phase is done well.
Finally, purchase high-quality materials, including paint or cabinet doors. For instance, higher-end paint is thick and adheres to surfaces better, producing a cleaner, more uniform appearance. You can expect it to be more resistant to minor scratches and impacts, as well as mold or mildew buildup.
Learn More About DIY Painting Cabinets and Refacing
Now that you know which factors impact kitchen cabinet refacing vs painting, you can determine which option is best for you. An experienced designer or manufacturer can provide further kitchen remodel tips based on your unique home, renovation goals, and budget.
Since 1947, LX Hausys has been sourcing the highest quality, energy-efficient, and eco-conscious materials to enhance the value of living spaces. Our goal is to help our customers create aesthetically pleasing floors and surfaces. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, or for further advice on DIY painting cabinets.