Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Cost vs. Kitchen Remodeling Project – An Essential Guide

Cabinet refinishing is a vital home improvement project that gives your Kitchen a new and unique look. You can choose from a wide range of designs and colors for your kitchen cabinet project as a homeowner. Refinishing improves your Kitchen’s visual appeal and makes it more beautiful, stylish, and elegant.  

 

Research shows that carrying out a kitchen cabinet refinishing project can increase your home’s resale value by up to 7%. Because Kitchen refinishing does not cost a lot of money,  a return of 7% is profitable for homeowners. 

 

 

 

On the other hand, kitchen remodeling is a large project that lets you control your Kitchen’s layout, counter space, and appliances. A remodeling project allows for increased storage in your Kitchen. According to Ramsey Solutions, a kitchen remodeling project has a 54% return on investment (ROI) or value.  

 

The ROI of a kitchen remodeling project is more than cabinet refinishing. However, the resale value or ROI depends on how much you invest in respective projects. I will discuss the cost of kitchen cabinet refinishing in today’s article versus a kitchen remodeling project. 

 

 

 

Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing 

 

The average cost of kitchen cabinet refinishing is $5000. However, on average, some homeowners pay between $2,500 and $9,000. Sometimes, the price increases from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on various factors, such as the type of coating, color selections, accent colors, changing door pulls, minor repairs, kind of site protection, and the contractor you hire for the project.  

 

4 Factors Affecting the Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing  

 

Numerous factors determine the cost of your kitchen cabinet refinishing project. These include the cabinets’ total number of doors and drawers, type of wood, cabinet design, hardware, accessories, and labor costs. Let us discuss these factors to see how much they contribute to the project’s total costs.  

 

1. Total Amount of Cabinet Doors and Drawers  

 

The number and size of the cabinets in your Kitchen are the primary factors that affect refinishing project’s cost. Contractors measure the number and size of cabinets. If the cabinetry has more pieces, it will have higher refinishing prices.  

 

For example, if you have 40-50 doors and drawers, and the contractor charges  $100 to $200 per piece, the refinishing project will cost you between $4,000 and $10,000. On the other hand, the same Kitchen would cost between $35,000 and $50,000 if you install new countertops and cabinets. 

 

In addition, a smaller kitchen has fewer cabinets than a large kitchen, meaning it will cost you less. For instance, kitchens with 25-30 doors and drawers have an average cost between  $2,500 and $6,000.  

 

2. Choice of Finish  

 

The choice of finish is another factor that determines or affects the cost of your kitchen cabinet refinishing project. Although some contractors include materials, such as primer and topcoat, the finish can elevate the costs in the full quote. For instance, the contractor will take more time and use a certified cabinet coating to complete the project,  leading to increased overall costs.  

 

According to professional painters, refinishing your kitchen cabinets with similar color will cost less than changing the color because it doesn’t require the professional to remove the old stain altogether. The choice of stain or paint also determines the cost of your refinishing project.  

 

For instance, the contractor will remove the existing finish if you wish to stain your kitchen cabinets. Because it is a time-consuming task, it will cost more. Likewise, if the stain is difficult to remove, the contractor will use advanced tools that may cost more.

 

3. Cabinet Design  

 

Many homeowners hire contractors to analyze the current condition of the cabinetry before starting the refinishing project. The existing design or layout of your kitchen cabinets can make the task time-consuming and daunting. You can contact us to set up a consultation to evaluate your kitchen cabinets. 

 

For instance, if your cabinetry has tight angles, is installed in corners, or has double-hinged doors, it can make the project more difficult for the contractor. In that case, the contractor will have to take more time to mask, prep, sand, and refinish the cabinetry, leading to increased costs.  

 

4. Hardware and Accessories  

 

Hardware and accessories are other crucial factors that affect the cost of your kitchen cabinetry refinishing. Although replacing the existing hardware does not cost much, it may take more time.  

 

For instance, the total cost of hardware depends on the number of knobs and pulls you want to replace for the cabinetry. The average price of handles and knobs is between $3  and $15, depending on their quality.  

 

5 Advantages of Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing 

 

Contactors use different methods to refinish kitchen cabinets. These include refreshing, refinishing, refacing, and repainting the cabinetry. Choosing a suitable manner is crucial and ensuring it comes within your budget. Here are a few benefits of carrying out a kitchen cabinet refinishing project. Continue reading! 

 

1. Affordable and Cost-Effective  

The refinishing project is a straightforward process requiring the contractor to design your cabinets, mask off your Kitchen, and apply primer, sand, and paint. Thus, it is an affordable and cost-effective project for many homeowners.  

 

Instead of replacing the existing cabinetry in your Kitchen or remodeling the entire Kitchen that can break the bank if you have a limited budget, you can go for cabinetry refinishing to save money and achieve your home improvement goals. The process they use to apply the products and protect your home is a significant factor in the project’s cost. 

 

2. Durable and Longer Lasting than Repainting 

 

Many homeowners confuse cabinetry refinishing with repainting. Remember, these are two different concepts or methods. A repainting project does not involve removing the existing paint, allowing the painting professional to apply the color directly over the top of the existing finish. 

 

The main difference is the coating applied. Some cabinets are painted with a coating not made for use in kitchens. Other industrial coatings are KCMA certified; these coatings have been thoroughly tested against many conditions only found in the Kitchen.

 

Once the professional or technician prepares the surface, they apply a new stain to get the job done. That’s why refinishing is more effective, durable, and long-lasting than repainting your kitchen cabinetry.  

 

3. Affordable than Cabinetry Replacement  

 

Just like many homeowners confuse repainting with refinishing, they also don’t know the difference between refinishing and refacing. That’s why we recommend speaking to a few professional contractors to know your options and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.  

 

So, refinishing is different from refacing or replacing your kitchen cabinets. Cabinet refacing involves installing new door and drawer fronts on your existing cabinetry. Installing new drawer boxes may also be required, along with hardware replacement.  

 

Because refacing is rebuilding your Kitchen’s existing cabinets will cost more than refinishing, which only requires fixing minor damages and applying the new finish.  

 

4. Refinishing Works Well for Wood Cabinets  

 

If you have good-sized wood cabinets, please refinish them to improve your kitchen aesthetics. There is no need for refacing or remodeling your Kitchen. Refinishing works better on wood cabinets than those made of wood veneer or lacquer materials.  

 

Refinishing is an excellent choice for solid wood cabinets because this material can stand up to procedures like cleaning, scrubbing, minor repairs, and sanding. On the other hand, wood veneer or lacquer cabinets do not align well with refinishing. So, refinishing is an excellent option for your solid wood cabinets, especially if you have a limited budget.  

 

5. Effective and Fast  

 

Refinishing your kitchen cabinets usually takes less time than a kitchen remodeling project. An average-sized kitchen usually takes four to seven days to finish the project. Remember that you can’t use your Kitchen during the refinishing project. Therefore, it may be crucial to find or look for alternative options. 

 

Cost of a Kitchen Remodeling Project  

 

The cost of a kitchen remodeling project depends on numerous factors. We will discuss these factors in the following sections. However, the average cost of a kitchen remodel is between $25,000 and $35,000. 

 

Besides, most homeowners spend an average of $15,000 to $40,000 on a kitchen remodel. The total cost of a remodeling project depends on the kitchen space, materials’ quality, and modifications to the Kitchen’s layout or design.  

 

For example, a smaller kitchen remodeling project will cost you between $15,000 and  $20,000, on average, if you wish to paint the walls, refacing cabinets, upgrade the sink, and install a tile backsplash. A kitchen remodeling project that costs more than $50,000 includes these tasks, but it also involves: 

 

• Custom cabinets installation
• Hardwood floor installation
• Granite counters installation
• High-quality and expensive appliances

 

The Kitchen is an integral part of your home and plays a crucial role in your home’s resale value if you maintain it properly. We mentioned earlier that a remodeling project could increase your home resale value up to 7%.  

However, it depends on how much you spend on your Kitchen remodel. If you have a limited budget, make sure you avoid going for a remodeling project. Otherwise, it will break the bank. Let us now discuss the kitchen remodeling costs in detail. Keep reading! 

 

Kitchen Remodeling Costs 

 

The National Kitchen and Bath Association reports that kitchen remodeling or renovation can cost between $14,000 and $38,000 depending on the contractor your hire for the project, the number of hardware features, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, etc.  

 

A full kitchen remodeling project’s cost includes design fees ($920), installation ($3,910),  ventilation and appliances ($3,220), hardware and cabinetry ($6,670), countertops  ($2,300), flooring ($1,610), lighting ($1,150), doors and windows ($920), plumbing and faucets ($920), and walls and ceilings ($1,150).  

 

Bear in mind that these are the average costs of individual elements. Besides, the average miscellaneous cost of your kitchen remodeling project ranges between $200 and $230. Let us delve deep into this topic. 

 

Design Costs  

 

According to experts, the average hourly cost for a kitchen remodeling design is between $65 and $250 per hour. It means you will spend at least 4% of your budget on the design fees. However, when you hire a reputable designer, it will reach around 10% of your budget. Some design companies charge $300 to $800 for consultation.  

 

A kitchen remodeling design costs over $25,000 and includes three-dimensional (3D) rendering, material selection, color selection, collaboration with remodeling companies and material suppliers, and overall management and support. 

 

Labor Costs  

 

The labor costs vary from company to company and the location of your home. However,  the average labor cost for a kitchen remodeling project is between $3,500 and $6,000 for installation.  

 

The total labor cost is 15% and 25% of your budget for a remodeling project. However, this may vary depending on your kitchen size and the number of fixtures you want to install or features you want to add to the kitchen space.  

 

 

Kitchen Size  

 

The size of your kitchen space is an essential factor to consider when determining the remodeling project cost. For example, a remodeling project for a small kitchen can cost as little as $5,000. Likewise, a remodeling project for a large kitchen can cost as much as  $60,000. The following table highlight the average cost of a kitchen remodeling project based on its size. 

 

Size of the Kitchen	The Average Cost
Small Kitchen (less than 70 square feet)	$5,000 to $20,000
Medium Kitchen (100 to 150 square feet)	$15,000 to $40,000
Large Kitchen (more than 200 square feet)	$30,000 to $60,000+

 

Small Kitchen Remodeling Costs  

 

Remodeling a small kitchen costs between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the number of fixtures you want to install and the frequency of repairs or upgrades. For example, if your Kitchen is about 70 square feet or smaller, expect to pay between $500 and $2,000.  

 

However, some companies may cost more depending on the location of your home and the quality of material used. If you want to save money and time, make sure you carry out some procedures yourself. A professional remodeling project combined with DIY tasks is cost-effective for some homeowners. We recommend considering: 

 

• LED lighting for under cabinet areas and counters 
• Eco-friendly faucets and appliances
• Double-paned windows and ceiling light fixtures that save space
• If you want to maximize the space in your Kitchen, make sure you focus on:
  • Roll-out trays
  • Lazy Susan
  • Tiered Racks
  • Double Pull-out Shelves

 

Moreover, you can remove walls and cabinetry if you have enough budget. Combining the kitchen space with your dining room is an excellent way to increase space in your home and create a unified area. Make sure you follow the building regulations and codes to avoid complications. A professional contractor can help you in this regard.

 

10×10 and 12×12 Kitchen Remodeling Costs  

 

A 10×10 or 100 square foot kitchen has an average remodeling cost between $15,000 and  $30,000. Likewise, if you have a 12×12 kitchen, expect to pay between $20,000 and $40,000. A 12×12 kitchen is somewhat closer to the standard size, ranging between  150 and 175 square feet.  

 

A Large Kitchen Remodeling Costs  

 

A large kitchen is typically 200 square feet or more, costing between $30,000 and $60,000  for a complete remodeling project. On average, if you want high-end remodeling or renovation, the contractor will charge you between $75,000 and $100,000. A high-end project  involves the additional installation of additional elements and fixtures, such as:  

 

• Cooktop
• Seating island
• Built-in appliances
• Double oven
• Drink station
• Stylish range
• Recycling station

 

Kitchen Remodeling Elements Costs  

 

Installing an appliance has an average cost from $100 to $200 per appliance for a minor remodel. Likewise, it is $200 to $400 for a mid-range project and $400 to $600 for a significant renovation.

 

Cabinets’ installation costs between $100 and $200 for a small-scale remodeling project. The price is between $200 and $300 for a mid-range project and $300 and $500 per cabinet for a significant renovation. The costs of other elements or fixtures are highlighted in the table given below! 

 

Element	Small Remodeling	Mid-range   Remodeling	High-end   Remodeling
Countertop   installation	$200 to $500	$400 to $1,000	$1,000 to $2,500
Faucet Installation	$125 to $200 per  faucet	$200 to $300	$300 to $550
Sink Installation	$100 to $250	$250 to $400	$400 to $600
Flooring Installation	$600 to $1,000	$1,000 to $1,500	$1,500 to $3,000
Wallpaper or   Painting	$200 to $300	$350 to $500	$550 to $750
Backsplash   Installation	$150 to $400	$400 to $800	$800 to $1,200

 

Final Words  

 

Homeowners invest in different home improvement projects to increase their property’s value, improve aesthetics, and achieve energy efficiency. Indoor space renovation,  remodeling, and refinishing are some of the most critical projects homeowners focus on to increase their home’s value.  

 

Many people can’t decide whether to go for a kitchen cabinet refinishing or a  kitchen remodeling project. If you want to completely change the look of your Kitchen and have enough budget for the project, we recommend going for a remodeling project.  

 

On the other hand, if you want to improve your Kitchen’s aesthetics within a limited budget, you can choose the option of cabinet refinishing. Both projects generate higher  ROIs by increasing your home’s resale value. Knowing these projects’ costs and aligning them with your budget is crucial to ensure you make an informed decision. 

 

You can always call us to set up a consultation or get a ballpark cost over the phone. We can help you figure out what might be the best option for your kitchen project.