The current cost of refinishing kitchen cabinets generally runs from $5 to $25 per square foot. However, this cost can vary significantly depending on several factors including the type of kitchen cabinets you have, the complexity of refinishing, the cost of labor, and the materials you wish to use, and more.
If you have high-quality cabinets installed and expect them to last for many more years, refinishing them is a good way to get a fresh look. If your cabinets are already old and you’ll want to replace them within the next 5 years, simply getting new cabinets is a more cost-efficient solution.
When it comes to transforming your kitchen, opting for custom, refinished kitchen cabinets can make a significant impact. Unlike standard, off-the-shelf options, custom kitchen cabinets are tailored to fit your specific space, style preferences, and functional needs.
This approach allows you to select the exact materials, finishes, and hardware that complement your modern kitchen design. Custom kitchen cabinets also offer enhanced storage solutions, with the ability to incorporate unique features such as pull-out shelves, specialized drawers, and integrated lighting.
While the initial investment may be higher compared to stock cabinets, the superior quality, durability, and personalized aesthetic of custom kitchen cabinets can add substantial value to your home, making them a worthwhile consideration for any kitchen renovation.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Refinishing Cabinets
Type of Finish
Modern kitchen cabinets come with a wide variety of finishes, some of which require more time and expertise to apply. Some finishes are very unique and can be expensive.
The higher the quality of your preferred cabinet refinishing materials, the higher the overall cost of the project will be. In addition, some paints are resistant to stains and fading, making them a better option for your kitchen cabinetry–these paints also come with a heftier price tag than regular paints.
So, it’s important to check the cost of these refinishing materials to get an accurate estimate for your project. Some of the common finishes for kitchen cabinets include glazing, shellacking, painting, and staining. If you prefer glazing over painting, this will increase the total cost of your project.
Complexity of the Project
The cost of your refinishing project will depend on the number and size of the kitchen cabinets to be refinished. Installing numerous, large cabinets will mean more refinishing materials, more labor, and a larger budget. Refinishing estimates usually range between $4 and $25 per square foot.
As a homeowner, expect to spend more money if your kitchen has cabinets with expensive finishes. Stripping, sanding, and repainting larger kitchen cabinets requires more time and effort, which will increase the overall cost of the project.
Furthermore, the cost of the project will depend on the type of installation required; this is determined by the type of walls involved. If your kitchen has drywall with wood studs or metal studs, the installation process will take longer because the contractor will need time to find the studs.
Concrete and brick walls are easier to work with because the cabinets are screwed directly onto the walls. You need to hire a contractor who knows how to attach cabinets to a wall using masonry screws.
Cost of Labor
Most home improvement specialists base their charges on the amount of time and effort the project requires. If you have large, expensive kitchen cabinets that require specialized refinishing, expect to dig deeper into your pockets.
Alternatively, you can do a DIY cabinet installation. Although this is a less expensive option when compared to a professional installation, it comes with its fair share of challenges–doing everything yourself can be quite strenuous and time-consuming.
Location of the Kitchen Cabinets
Unlike bathroom and office cabinets, kitchen cabinets are expensive to refinish because they are usually larger and require more refinishing materials. Modern kitchen cabinets often occupy about 150 square feet and contain more cabinets than other rooms in a house.
Wrapping Up
Refinishing the cabinets in your average kitchen will probably cost you between $1,500 and $5,000, inclusive of labor and supplies. The cost of refinishing your kitchen cabinetry will always be higher than refinishing cabinets in other areas of your house.
If you’re looking for high-quality materials to refinish your kitchen cabinets without compromising on quality, check out 27EStore for a wide range of kitchen cabinetry materials, perfect for any kitchen makeover!
