Cabinet Refacing vs Cabinet Painting

Cabinet Painting

Cabinet Refacing vs Cabinet Painting?  When considering the two options many items start to come to mind such as:

 

    • What is the difference between refacing my cabinets or painting them?
    • How much does it cost to reface my cabinets vs painting them?
    • When should I consider refacing over painting my cabinets? 
    • Which option will make sure my cabinets last longer?
    • How much time will it take to reface my cabinets vs painting them?

By the end of this post you will have a good idea which option best meets your needs and if you ever have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our team. 

What is the difference between refacing my cabinets or painting them?

Both options are commonly done in tandem to gain a fresh new look to your kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, or any other cabinets around your home.  Defining the two is quite simple. 

 

Painting your cabinets involves applying a fresh coat to the existing cabinet surfaces.  This is often done by hand with a brush or roller, but our team typically prefers a sprayer to ensure your cabinets are left with a professional finish.  

 

Refacing your cabinets has more to do with replacing the hardware used on the cabinet such as; doors, drawer fronts, veneers, laminates, and solid wood that is visible as an exterior piece.  Once replaced you have the option to stain or paint the cabinet box to your preference, or to match any new doors or drawer fronts.

How much does it cost to reface my cabinets vs painting them?

Typically when our clients are refacing their cabinets, it’s because they are upgrading their cabinets without fully replacing them and will tend to include either a staining or painting.  That is why refacing is commonly a more expensive option when compared to just painting your cabinets. 

 

When considering the price difference, there are many factors to first understand such as:

  1. The size of your kitchen, bathroom, or other area
  2. The materials selected 
  3. Any uniqueness or complexities involved in the project 

Pricing will vary from project to project, but you will typically spend more when refacing your cabinets versus painting your cabinets. 

When should I consider refacing over painting my cabinets? 

When considering between refacing your cabinets and painting your cabinets, Long Painting always recommends consulting with a professional first.  This will allow you and an experienced professional to assess the cabinets in their current condition and lay out options to choose from.

 

The decision will typically come down to 3 factors:

  1. Budget
  2. Current condition of your cabinets 
  3.  The look you want to achieve 

If your cabinets are in great condition, but you want to change the look then painting is the perfect choice for you.  If your cabinets have earned some wear and tear over the years, it might make the most sense to increase your budget and fully reface your cabinets. 

 

Assessing the cabinets and understanding the life span of the existing hardware will be your first step in making the right decision. 

 

Which option will make sure my cabinets last longer?

Refacing your cabinets will guarantee a longer lasting cabinet, but may not always be the necessary option.  

 

Existing cabinets that are in great condition with quality hardware can have a long-lasting lifespan as well as refaced cabinets. 

How much time will it take to reface my cabinets vs painting them?

Refacing cabinets will typically be a more time consuming project versus painting your cabinets.  This is due to the more involved process taken in refacing your cabinets such as removing and replacing much of the hardware.   

Once your project is assessed, the Long Painting team will be able to provide you with an accurate timeline for completion.   If you’d like to learn more from our professional cabinet painters then please give check out our cabinet painting services page.  You can also learn more about painting and repairing your kitchen cabinets in our latest comprehensive guide.