Is It Cheaper To Refinish Or Replace Cabinets: Pros And Cons Of Each

When it comes to home improvement projects, one of the biggest decisions you'll have to make is whether to refinish or replace your cabinets.

Both options come with their own set of pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which route to take.

In this blog post, we will break down the cost of each option and help you decide which is best for your needs.

Factors to consider when deciding whether to refinish or replace cabinets

There are many factors to consider here. For one, the cost.

If you're working with a tight budget, then refinishing your cabinets may be the more economical option.

But if you're not worried about money, then replacing your cabinets might be the best way to go.

Two, the condition of your cabinets.

If your cabinets are in good shape and just need a little TLC, then refinishing them is probably the way to go.

But if they're old and falling apart, then replacing them might be your best bet.

Three, the look you're going for. If you want a completely new look for your kitchen, then replacing your cabinets is probably the way to go.

But if you're just looking for a fresh coat of paint and new hardware, then refinishing them should do the trick.

The cost of refinishing cabinets

On average, it will cost you about $2000 to refinish your cabinets.

This price includes materials and labor.

If you're doing the work yourself, then you can expect to pay about $1000 for materials.

Of course, the cost will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the materials you want to use, and the condition of your cabinets.

There's an easy way to calculate the cost of refinishing your cabinets:

  • For every square foot of cabinet space, expect to spend about $60 on materials.
  • If you're hiring a professional to do the work, expect to pay about $100 per hour.
  • The average kitchen has about 20 square feet of cabinets, so the total cost of refinishing would be about $2000.

The cost of replacing cabinets

If you're looking to replace your cabinets, then you can expect to pay anywhere from $4000 to $8000.

This price includes materials and labor.

If you're doing the work yourself, then you can expect to pay about half that price for materials.

The cost will vary depending on the size of your kitchen, the materials you want to use, and the condition of your cabinets.

Here's a breakdown of the cost of replacing your cabinets:

  • For every square foot of cabinet space, expect to spend about $100 on materials.
  • If you're hiring a professional to do the work, expect to pay about $100 per hour.
  • The average kitchen has about 20 square feet of cabinets, so the total cost of replacing would be about $4000.

Pros and cons of refinishing

Refinishing your cabinets has a few advantages.

First, it's cheaper than replacing them. Second, you can do it yourself if you're handy.

Third, it's a good way to give your kitchen a fresh look without completely gutting it.

There are a few disadvantages to refinishing your cabinets as well.

First, it's a lot of work.

You'll have to sand them down, paint or stain them, and then seal them.

Second, it's not a good option if your cabinets are in bad shape.

Third, the results might not be as dramatic as you'd like.

Pros and cons of replacing

Replacing your cabinets has a few advantages.

First, it's a good way to completely transform the look of your kitchen.

Second, it's a good option if your cabinets are in bad shape.

Third, you can choose from a wide variety of materials, styles, and colors.

There are a few disadvantages to replacing your cabinets as well.

First, it's more expensive than refinishing them.

Second, it's a lot of work.

You'll have to remove the old cabinets, install the new ones, and then hook everything up.

Third, you might have to hire a professional to do the work.

Which option is best for you

The best option for you depends on your budget, the condition of your cabinets, and the look you're going for.

If you're working with a tight budget, then refinishing your cabinets is probably the way to go.

But if money is not an issue, then replacing your cabinets might be the best option.

If your cabinets are in good shape and you just want a new look, then refinishing them should do the trick.

But if they're old and falling apart, then replacing them might be your best bet.

Only you can decide which option is best for your needs.

Conclusion

So, is it cheaper to refinish or replace cabinets?

The answer really depends on your individual circumstances.

If you have a lot of damage or wear and tear, the cost of refinishing may be more than the cost of replacing your cabinets altogether.

However, if your cabinets are in good condition but you just want a change in color or style, then refinishing may be the better option.

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons of both options before making a decision.