Are you beginning the kitchen remodeling process and wondering how to enhance your space?
Updating your kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to breathe new life into a space, improve functionality, and achieve your unique design vision. Continue reading to learn about the benefits and limitations of cabinet repainting and replacing, as well as associated costs, and discover which option is best for you.
Painting your kitchen cabinets is one of the easiest and least invasive ways to refresh your space. However, the appearance and longevity of the finished product depend on the materials you select and the process you follow. This process requires paint, primer, sandpaper, painter’s tape, drop clothes, brushes, rollers, and a degreaser. First, all kitchen cabinets and hardware are removed and sanded to prepare for painting. Cabinets must be completely clear of paint and finishes before applying primer. Once a primer is applied and dries, the cabinets are sanded again before the first coat of paint is applied. Depending on the color and desired appearance, more coats of paint are applied after this one dries. Once all pieces dry, cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are reinstalled, and final touch-ups are made.
Painting kitchen cabinets allows you to achieve aesthetically pleasing results at a lower price than refacing or replacing cabinets. This process only takes a few days, and you can continue using their space as the painting is done. An extensive range of paint colors and finishes also allows a tremendous degree of customization.
With the right preparation, premium bonding primer, and high-quality paint made for cabinetry, repainting cabinets can beautifully preserve them against future wear and tear. Repainting kitchen cabinets is a great option to refresh your kitchen affordably.
While repainting kitchen cabinets can be an excellent way to achieve your design vision, it does have several limitations. First, if you paint your cabinets, you must acquire the correct materials, spend the time to prepare all surfaces, and allow enough time for the paint to cure. You also need a large, well-ventilated workspace such as a garage or spare room to paint, seal, and finish your project. These steps can require a tremendous amount of time as each coat must dry before you can proceed. Additionally, those attempting to paint their cabinets may not be able to achieve the quality of work that a professional can since most homeowners don’t have the spray equipment to apply a top-quality finish. For many DIYers, even after repainting is done, continued touch-ups may be required.
Besides aesthetic concerns, repainting cannot correct old, damaged, and poorly constructed cabinets. Repainting cabinets also cannot change the layout of your kitchen or add storage space.
Depending on whether you decide to repaint your cabinets or hire a professional, costs can vary significantly. For those “DIYing” their kitchen cabinet repainting, average costs range from $500 to $1000, with a majority of costs going to paint, sandpaper, brushes, rollers, and other tools. If a professional service is hired, painting cabinets typically costs $5000 to $15000, depending on the project size. Hiring a professional ensures more attractive and durable results and is appropriate for larger, complex projects.
Kitchen cabinet replacement is a comprehensive process that involves removing and installing old cabinets. This typically begins with measurement and planning as the kitchen layout is assessed and new cabinets are selected. After this, old cabinets are removed, and electric wiring is adjusted to prepare for the new ones. Before new cabinets are installed, kitchen surfaces are cleaned and prepared for cabinet installation. Finally, new cabinets are installed along with finishing touches such as handles, knobs, and hinges.
Replacing kitchen cabinets allows you to customize all aspects of your kitchen’s design, including style, material, finish, and layout. Additionally, this allows you to optimize your kitchen space for better functionality, achieve a more harmonious appearance, and significantly increase home value. Updated kitchen cabinets also allow for improved storage space, with some options boasting deeper drawers and specialized layouts.
If you are updating other aspects of your kitchen, such as appliances, countertops, and flooring, replacing kitchen cabinets can ensure that these elements are stylistically and functionally cohesive.
Replacing kitchen cabinets has several potential downsides. First, it is the most costly and time-consuming method of refreshing the kitchen space, with a typical project taking several weeks. Additionally, if considerable structural changes are made, updates might also need to be made to plumbing, electricity, wiring, and flooring.
You may also find that countertops, backsplashes, and other surfaces need to be updated to match new cabinets.
Despite these challenges, replacing cabinets is well worth the investment of time and effort to achieve such beautiful results. The right remodeling company can help you navigate decisions and ensure a smooth replacement process.
The typical cost of replacing kitchen cabinets is $8000 to $35,000. Total costs depend on the size of your kitchen, the cabinetry you select, and the complexity of the project.