Clients often ask if it would be more expensive to replace cabinets than to just paint them. It depends on how you look at it. Let’s break down the costs of each and explain the different expectations involved.
Can I Just Paint Them, Myself?
First, if you are planning on painting them, yourself, consider this. Most people think of themselves as a decent painter. But the truth is your custom cabinets are high visibility and considered finish carpentry. If you don’t do this for a living, chances are it won’t look quite right. There are many considerations the average homeowner with a paint brush isn’t exactly expert on that a professional on the other hand will have mastered. These include, among others:
- Material Bonding
- Adhesives (oil-based vs. water based)
- Laquers
Experienced painting professionals understand just what your cabinets needs and how to properly apply these coatings.
Which Is Less Expensive?
- Painting
Next, what is involved in hiring a professional to paint your cabinets? What is the process? A professional painter will come in and prep the site, paint the cabinets, and clean up. It typically takes no more than a week from start to finish.
- Replacing
On the other hand, replacing cabinets is a much more involved process. You must hire a custom carpenter to prep the job site, demolish the old cabinets (including the old countertop, electrical wiring, etc.), custom build new cabinets that will fit your old space (to accommodate your existing floors), paint these new cabinets, prep the sheetrock and touchup the job site. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Long-Term Perspective
So obviously, replacing your kitchen cabinets is far more expensive than merely re-painting them. Right? Yes, and no.
While replacing your cabinets is more expensive up front, what is your objective? Do you really like your cabinets? Are they in excellent shape? Then save money, and paint them. But get a professional, because you can’t just touchup a paint job on cabinets.
But what if you don’t really like your cabinets? What if they’re old and don’t have many more years on them? What if they don’t suit your current needs? Then why paint them to save a few bucks up front when you’re going to be replacing them in a couple years anyway?
In the short term, yes, painting is cheaper. But in the long-term perspective, get the cabinets you need. Don’t throw away money on touchup jobs and quick fixes.
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