Should I Reface or Repaint My Kitchen Cabinets in 2024?

Today, let’s talk about cabinets. Assuming you don’t want or need to totally tear out and replace your cabinetry, you really have two options (one of which you may not be familiar with): cabinet refacing and cabinet repainting.

Understanding Your Options

Refacing and repainting kitchen cabinets serve the same purpose: to give your kitchen a fresh, new look. The processes, costs, and outcomes, however, can differ substantially. 

Cabinet refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. In other words, your cabinet boxes (the part mounted to the walls) stay the same, but you buy all new doors and drawer fronts. 

Cabinet repainting, on the other hand, requires sanding, priming, and painting the existing cabinet surfaces. All of them. Nothing is replaced (unless you want to update hardware). 

Should You Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Let’s make a case for repainting first.

Here are a few of the key benefits:

• Most cost-effective option (no replacement parts means you’re only paying for labor and products).
• Unparalleled versatility in color choices, letting you bring ANY vision you might have to life.
• Smaller environmental footprint since fewer resources are used and there’s less waste overall.

Repainting is the right choice if you love your existing cabinets but just need, or want, a new look. Maybe the surfaces are a little tired, existing paint or stain is dated, but a full replacement or renovation isn’t needed.

Should You Reface Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Refacing kitchen cabinets is the midway point between repainting and a full cabinet replacement. And as we touched on above, it might be the option you never even knew you had.

• Perfect for cabinets that have a solid structure but outdated designs or finishes. Dreaming of that shaker-style door rather than those 1980s scalloped edges? This is your ticket.
• Refacing allows for a more comprehensive update, including the possibility of modifying the layout slightly, such as adding new cabinets or open shelving.
• Brand-new look.
• Update materials as well, maybe switching from fiber board to solid wood.
• Much faster process than a full renovation.

There’s lots to love here. More expensive than painting? Yes. Less expensive than replacement? Also, yes.

So, how do you choose between cabinet painting and refacing?

It’s not easy… We get it! But to help you narrow your options, keep these three key considerations in mind:

• Cost: Repainting is generally less expensive than refacing, so factor in your budget and let those numbers guide you.
• Time: Both processes are considered “quick” in comparison to a full remodel, but painting can be even quicker since you don’t need to measure for new doors and drawers, order them, wait for delivery, painting, and installation. In this case, let your timeline guide you.
• Outcome: Refacing can provide a more drastic change, especially if you're looking to update the style of the doors or the cabinet layout. For this final consideration, let your ultimate goals guide you.

Here’s one final factor to add to the mix: the age and condition of your current cabinets. Certain cabinets just aren’t candidates for painting, depending on the material they’re made from and whether or not they’re in good enough condition. You really want to be sure that your cabinets meet your needs overall and are worth investing in.

3 tips for a successful kitchen update

Okay, enough decisions! Let’s review a few universal tips to help you make the most of your kitchen investment, whether you paint, replace, reface, or… Well, you fill in the blank.

1. Work with a professional. Partnering with a design, construction, and painting professional is invaluable. They can share fresh ideas, perspectives, and options that you may never have considered, or didn’t know were even on the table. Don’t go it alone! It really is worthwhile to take a breath, research local kitchen painting and design pros, then work with someone that inspires confidence.
2. Invest in good quality materials and products. Especially if you’re painting, make sure that the right products are used. This won’t be an issue if you hire someone reputable, but unfortunately a lot of homeowners either pick the cheapest estimate, unaware of what they’re sacrificing, or tackle a project themselves that they really aren’t able to handle.
3. Choose durable materials for refacing. If you go the refacing route, pick colors and styles you love, not just what’s trendy. Remember, trends explode on the scene and fade away quickly, but good cabinets will last for years and years. Go with something at least somewhat timeless.

What’s your takeaway?

Take your time. Do your research. Partner with the right team. Repainting and refacing are both significant decisions that impact the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen. This is a big deal, and it’s worth doing right!

FAQs

Q. How long does each process take from start to finish?

Repainting can take a few days to a week, while refacing might require two to four weeks, 

depending on the extent of the changes.

Q. Can I mix repainting and refacing in my kitchen update?

Yes, combining repainting and refacing allows for flexibility in updating your kitchen based on the condition of your cabinets and specific design goals.

Q. How do I choose the right color or finish for my kitchen cabinets?

Consider current trends, the style of your home, and how the color will complement your kitchen's overall design.

Q. How can I ensure the updated cabinets fit with the rest of my kitchen's design?

Work with a professional to select colors and styles that harmonize with your existing décor and kitchen layout. An extra set of eyes, especially experienced ones, can be invaluable.

If you’d like assistance with painting, refacing, or even replacing your kitchen cabinets, we’d love to help. Call us at 541-967-8900 or request a free estimate today!