Painting cabinets vs replacing them: Which is the best way to go?

If you’re planning on giving your kitchen a makeover, but don’t want to do it in a way that will break your bank and are wondering where to start, revamping your kitchen cabinets is the way to go. Reconditioning your cabinets will not only give your entire kitchen a new look but also gives you the freedom to switch to a whole different interior design for your kitchen. 

There are several ways in which you can revamp your kitchen cabinets; you can repaint or even replace them. In general, the quickest way to give your home a makeover is to repaint it, which will not only contribute to the increase in value of your property but also provide you with a long-term fix.

But as with any decision, you should weigh the pros and cons of both repainting your cabinets and replacing them, before impulsively opting for one or the other. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the battle of painting cabinets vs replacing them.

1. Which is more cost-effective? 

Repainting cabinets has the same effect as repainting homes—it’s the most cost-effective way to give your kitchen the facelift it needs. Repainting your cabinets requires you to spend money only on a few items, such as the paint of your choice and the tools to paint them, or the services of a hired painting company. 

Replacing cabinets, however, is a huge investment because you’ll be purchasing a new set of cabinets altogether. This may be an expense you don’t want to commit to right now, and since repainting your cabinets doesn’t entail any hefty expenditure, it may seem like the more attractive option out of the two. 

2. What is the condition of your cabinet?

Over time, cabinets can be exposed to all sorts of damage, from water damage to structural damage. Such damages can call for the replacement of your cabinets. But, remember, with proper maintenance over the course of years, you can maintain the structural integrity of your kitchen cabinets for many years to come. It’s all about how you take care of your cabinets.

However, on the flip side, if it’s only the paint that has worn out and faded, it would be better to simply repaint your cabinets to give them a fresh look, thereby uplifting the look of your kitchen as well. Deciding between painting cabinets vs replacing them when it comes to cabinet damage really depends on the type and severity of the damage.  

3. Which is more time-consuming? 

It is no secret that both repainting and replacing any home interior takes time and a lot of effort. It is also not a one-man job if you want to get the job done correctly without facing any mishaps. While repainting cabinets does require a lot of work, from sanding the wood and cleaning it to painting the cabinets, overall, in comparison to replacing cabinets, repainting consumes less time. 

In addition, replacing kitchen cabinets is a task that needs more involvement. Since new cabinets will have to be brought in and fixed, which is a significant installation job, this could be time-consuming until it’s completed. Also, if you want to avoid noise disturbances, drilling and other tasks involved in replacing cabinets may not sound appealing to you, in comparison to repainting the cabinets.

4. Which offers you more customization?

Both repainting and replacing your cabinets allow you to customize the color and design according to your needs. Painting allows you to choose any color and finish that you desire, preferably from the color scheme that matches the rest of the kitchen. If you’re planning to repaint your kitchen walls as well, you could hire a professional to get advice on the color palette you could use. 

Replacing your cabinets, on the contrary, allows you to change the entire layout of your kitchen, starting from where you need the new cabinets to be installed, which will ultimately give you the freedom to change the entire layout of the kitchen to your heart’s desire. Basically, you have the creative authority to choose the color and the design you want for the entire kitchen. 

Painting cabinets vs replacing them: Which should you opt for? 

So now that we’ve laid out the main factors you should take into consideration when deciding between painting cabinets vs replacing them, it’s clear that in terms of cost and time, the clear route to take is painting your cabinets. 

When you take into account damage and customizability, however, extensive damage may require cabinet replacement while both repainting and replacing your cabinets offer you a degree of customization and the freedom to have fun with your kitchen makeover.

Be sure to contact kitchen cabinet painters for professional help and a high-quality job if you opt to repaint your cabinets rather than replace them.