An honest assessment
Paint or Replace Your Cabinets?
Or something in between.
Our position
Most painters will always tell you to paint. Most cabinet shops will always tell you to replace. We'd rather tell you the truth, even when the answer isn't us.
Refinish when
Your cabinetry is good. It's the finish that isn't.
- The cabinet boxes are solid wood or plywood and structurally sound
- You're happy with the layout and how the kitchen works
- You like your door style, just not the color
- Counters, backsplash, and appliances are staying
- You want the change without a demolition
Facelift when
The boxes are good. The doors are dated.
- The cabinet boxes are solid wood or plywood and structurally sound
- You're happy with the layout and how the kitchen works
- The door style itself is what dates the kitchen
- Counters, backsplash, and appliances are staying
- You want it to feel brand new, without a remodel
Replace when
The problem is the cabinetry itself.
- Boxes are particleboard that's swollen from water damage
- Cabinetry is thermofoil, or laminate that's peeling
- The layout doesn't work, and you want to move or add cabinetry
- You're already replacing counters and want a full remodel
Side by side
How they compare
Scroll sideways to compare
| Refinish | Kitchen Facelift | Full replacement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The result | Your kitchen in a new color | Feels like a new kitchen | A new kitchen |
| Typical cost, large kitchen | $9,000–15,000 | $18,000–26,000 | $30,000+, with new counters |
| Time without your kitchen | Days | Days | 6–8+ weeks |
| Mess and disruption | Low | Low | High: demolition |
| New door styles | No | Yes | Yes |
| Counters and backsplash | Stay | Stay | Usually replaced |
| Change the layout | No | No | Yes |
Typical ranges for a large kitchen. Your proposal gives exact pricing and dates.
What we look at
At the consultation, we open doors and drawers, check the boxes, face frames, and hinges, look for water damage under the sink, and note the material and condition of the existing finish. We'll also ask how the kitchen works for you, because a beautiful finish, or beautiful new doors, won't fix a layout you dislike.
The cost and time difference
Refinishing and a Kitchen Facelift both typically cost a fraction of replacing comparable custom cabinetry, and you have your kitchen back in days, not the 6–8 weeks of a full remodel. Your counters, backsplash, and plumbing stay in place, so there's no demolition. See what example projects cost.
If replacing is the better call
We'll say so plainly, and introduce you to a cabinet builder we trust. And if you're keeping some cabinetry, like a butler's pantry, bar, or vanities, we can refinish it to match the new work.
Begin
Not sure which is right? Let's look together.
We'll see the room, talk through color, finish, and door style, and give you an honest recommendation, then follow with a detailed written proposal.