Thinking of Remodeling Kitchen Cabinets? Here's What You Should Know About Refacing vs. Painting
Is your kitchen looking dated and dreary? Before taking on a full-scale remodel, consider refreshing your existing cabinets with a coat of paint or an affordable refacing.
Refacing and painting kitchen cabinets offer budget-friendly ways to revive your kitchen's style without the investment or hassle of ripping everything out. But how do you decide whether to reface or paint?
Cabinet Refacing vs. Painting: The Key Differences
Cabinet refacing and painting can both transform the look of your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of new cabinet installation. But they achieve this facelift in different ways.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing involves resurfacing your existing cabinet boxes and doors with new veneer and hardware. This customizes the look while keeping your current cabinet layout intact.
During the refacing process, worn doors and drawer fronts are removed and replaced with new, decorative veneer. Existing cabinet frames and interior boxes remain in place but are covered in fresh veneer for a seamless, updated look.
What is Cabinet Painting?
Painting your kitchen cabinets is a more affordable and temporary way to refresh their appearance. The existing cabinet doors and boxes are lightly sanded, primed, and coated in new paint for an instant makeover.
Painting allows you to update the color and finish of your cabinets without the cost of brand new doors and boxes. It's also a project many homeowners can tackle as a DIY.
Cost Comparison
Painting your kitchen cabinets will be the most budget-friendly route for a quick facelift. The materials for a DIY paint job typically cost a few hundred dollars. Hiring a professional may run $2,000-$4,000 depending on the size of your kitchen.
Refacing your cabinets costs more than painting but is still 60-70% cheaper than replacing your cabinets entirely. Expect to pay $4,000-$12,000 to have your cabinets professionally refaced.
Timeframe
Another benefit to painting or refacing versus replacing cabinets is the shorter timeframe. Refacing your kitchen can usually be completed in 1-3 days by an experienced company. Painting your cabinets can take 2-3 days depending on the scope.
In contrast, a full kitchen remodel with new cabinets could take weeks or months with all the demolition, construction, and installation required.
Durability and Maintenance
When it comes to longevity, refacing has a clear advantage over painting. The veneer applied during refacing is durable and designed to last 15 years or more before needing refreshed.
Painted finishes, on the other hand, are susceptible to chipping, scratching, and wearing down over time. Expect to need occasional touch ups to keep painted cabinets looking their best.
Customization and Finish
Refacing offers more options for customizing your kitchen's appearance. Choose from a wide variety of solid colors, wood types, and decorative finishes to match your style.
Painted cabinets tend to show imperfections and brush strokes more easily based on the prep and application. Painted finishes are also limited to colored paints versus wood veneers.
Should You Hire a Professional or DIY?
Whether to tackle a cabinet makeover yourself or leave it to the professionals depends on whether you're painting or refacing.
DIY Painting vs. Professional Refacing
Painting kitchen cabinets can realistically be done as a DIY project if you have some painting experience and the time for proper prep and application.
Refacing cabinets, on the other hand, requires specialized tools and expertise best left to the professionals. The veneer must be meticulously measured, cut, and applied for clean results.
What to Consider When Deciding Between Refacing or Painting
When weighing refacing versus painting your kitchen cabinets, be sure to consider the following:
Your Budget
The cost of materials plus potential professional fees can vary widely. Be realistic about the DIY time required versus paying for an expedited pro job.
Your Kitchen's Layout
If your current cabinet layout needs adjusting, refacing may not make sense. New cabinet installation can better accommodate layout changes.
Your Availability
DIY painting requires more of your hands-on time versus having cabinets professionally refaced. Factor in your schedule.
Your Kitchen's Use
For a busy kitchen or family space, the durability of refacing may be worth the extra investment over painted cabinets.
Your Style Goals
The wider range of finishes and custom options available through refacing may appeal if you want a truly customized look.
By now you should have a better understanding of the pros, cons, costs and time commitments of refacing versus painting your kitchen cabinets.
Before deciding, scrutinize your budget, kitchen layout, how your cabinets are used, and the overall aesthetic you hope to achieve. This will steer you towards the best cabinet makeover option for your needs and lifestyle.
With some thoughtful planning, refacing or painting your cabinets can refresh your kitchen's look at a reasonable cost. Get ready to finally have the kitchen of your dreams without the headaches and hassle of a full remodel.