Do your kitchen cabinets look dull and worn out? Remodeling cabinets can be daunting, especially because of the price tag. But it’s not impossible to refinish cabinets without breaking the bank.
Follow this guide for homeowners to get those cabinets looking as good as new while sticking to a budget. Together, let’s uncover the cost to refinish kitchen cabinets. Read on!
How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Cabinets?
Refinishing cabinets can give your existing cabinets a brand-new, contemporary look.
Generally speaking, average cabinet refinishing costs range between $1000 and $3000 for most kitchen projects. However, smaller projects may be far less expensive. More complicated jobs may result in a higher price.
Refinishing vs. Refacing
Refinishing vs. refacing can be a difficult decision when deciding how to go about overhauling your kitchen or bath cabinets. Refinishing involves sanding and staining kitchen cabinets. Painting the existing cabinet surfaces is also included. The goal is to restore them to their original condition or update them to a new color.
Refacing your cabinets involves the installation of new door and drawer faces with veneer over existing surfaces. Cost varies significantly for either option due to the size and labor involved. Overall, refinishing typically works out to be cheaper than refacing.
Homeowners should consider their budget when deciding which option to choose. Generally, if your cabinets are in good shape and need a refresh, then refinishing is the way to go. If they’re outdated or need an updated design, then refacing would be more fitting.
Both projects require substantial time and effort, but the result is worth it.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Cabinet Refinishing
The cost of cabinet refinishing is affected by several factors. Below, we look closely at what they are.
Cabinet Size and Complexity
Cabinet size and complexity are factors that affect the cost of cabinet refinishing. The larger the cabinet, the more material and time are needed to refinish it properly. This results in higher labor fees and supplies.
Complexity is another factor. Intricate cabinets may require more time and care to refinish, as well as more detailed supplies. If the cabinets have a variety of colors and textures, additional steps are needed when stripping and refinishing them. This may cause the costs to rise.
Current Condition of Cabinets
The cost of cabinet refinishing is greatly affected by the current condition of the cabinets being refinished. If the finish is in good condition with minimal wear, refinishing may be the most economical choice.
On the other hand, if the cabinets are in poor condition, more work may be needed to bring them back to life. This may include replacing cabinet doors or stripping the existing finish. Both can be quite expensive and can increase the cost.
Type of Finish and Paint
Knowledge of the type of finish and paint can drastically impact the cost of cabinet refinishing. Semi-gloss and high gloss paints are more expensive than satin or flat finishes. Glossy paints provide a reflective shimmer off the finish, giving a more expensive, elegant look.
Satin and flat finish paints are less shiny or reflective. However, they are still great for good protection and reasonable costs.
High-quality paints will also be more expensive but provide higher protection with few or no coats. However, if the cabinets are in good condition but need a simple refresh, a more economical paint choice may be appropriate. Cabinets in very poor condition may require additional coating and thus increase the refinishing cost.
Labor and Professional Expertise
Labor costs usually include the time a professional takes to refinish and install the cabinets. This can range from one day for a full remodel to several days for a more complex job.
This also includes the labor cost for any additional hardware that may need to be installed. This involves new hinges or drawer slides. Professional expertise is required in order to ensure that the cabinets are refinished properly and safely. They should be considered when making a budget.
The cost of materials like wood, veneer, and finishes can also influence the price. Additionally, if the job requires a unique design or something complex, labor costs could increase due to the added effort and detail required.
Additional Features and Customization
For more intricate projects involving additional features and customization, different levels of labor cost may need to be factored in. For instance, the addition of cabinet handles, lighting fixtures, and decorative elements can drive the price up.
Furthermore, any major changes in the layout or configuration of the cabinet could require additional work and specialized labor.
Geographic Location and Market Trends
Depending on where a homeowner lives, the cost of refinishing cabinets in their home can vary. For example, in areas of the country where the cost of living is higher, such as urban areas, the cost to refinish cabinets may be more expensive. This is compared to areas where the cost of living is lower.
Additionally, market trends can also affect the cost of cabinet refinishing. When the demand for refinishing services is high, the cost may increase. While in a market with low demand, the cost may decrease.
Should You Go DIY or Hire Professionals?
The decision of whether to do-it-yourself (DIY) or hire professional cabinet refinishing companies can be a difficult one for homeowners. While DIYing can save money in the short term, the cost of materials needed for the project is not always insignificant. Moreover, the job can take considerable time and effort to get the finish right.
A professional may be able to provide expertise and experience that would not be available to the DIYer. Additionally, their material, supplies, and equipment would last much longer and create a more professional outcome.
Of course, commissioning a professional adds to the overall cost of the refinishing job. Still, for complex and long-term projects, it may be worth the investment to maximize the long-term value of the cabinets.
So, to get started with your project, be sure to check out Artistic Cabinet Finishes for exceptional service to deliver the best type of finish for your cabinets!
Learning the Cost to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets
Refinishing your old cabinets can be a great and cost-effective way to give your home a fresh look. With our comprehensive guide, homeowners can be confident when undertaking such a project.
With careful planning and budgeting, you can save on the cost to refinish kitchen cabinets. So, have a successful cabinet refinishing that will last for years to come!
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