Is It Cheaper to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets or Replace Them?

If you’ve been staring at your kitchen cabinets thinking, “These really need something… but do I replace them or just repaint them?” — you’re not alone.

This is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Ontario and Vale, Oregon, and across Weiser, Fruitland, Payette, Caldwell, and Middleton.

And honestly?
It’s a great question — because the price difference can be huge.

So let’s talk about it in real-life terms, not HGTV terms.

The Short Answer (Because We Know You’re Curious)

Yes — refinishing your cabinets is almost always cheaper than replacing them.
But that doesn’t mean replacement is never the right choice.

The right answer really comes down to:

• The condition of your cabinets

• Whether your layout still works

• And what you want your kitchen to feel like when it’s done

What Cabinet Refinishing Actually Costs Around Here

In our local area, here’s what we typically see.

If you’re repainting your existing cabinets:

• Average cost: $4,500–$6,500

• Winter pricing (25% off): $3,375–$4,875

• Timeline: Usually just a few days

This works great when your cabinets are solid and you like your kitchen layout — you’re just ready for a fresh look.

What About a Cabinet Facelift?

Some homeowners want a little more than paint — but still don’t want to fully replace everything.

That’s where a cabinet facelift comes in. This usually includes:

• Cabinet painting

• New doors and drawers

• Soft-close hinges

• Updated, modern hardware

Typical cost: $6,500–$12,000

This is a great middle ground when the cabinet boxes are in good shape, but the doors or drawers feel dated.

And Full Cabinet Replacement?

Full replacement is a much bigger project.

Around here, replacement:

• Starts around $29,000

• Often turns into a multi-month project

Replacement usually makes sense if:

• There’s water damage

• The cabinet boxes are failing

• Or the layout just doesn’t work for your family anymore

A Real Example: Turning a Tuscan Kitchen Into Something Fresh

One of our favorite projects was a kitchen that felt very early-2000s Tuscan.

You know the look:

• Creamy cabinets

• Dark glaze

• Heavy and a little dated

The homeowners actually loved their layout and the size of the kitchen. It worked great for them — it just didn’t feel like them anymore.

They didn’t want stark white, but they did want brighter and more modern.

So instead of replacing the cabinets, we refinished them in Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray — a soft, neutral color that completely changed the feel of the space.

The whole project took just a couple of days and cost about one-third of what replacement would have cost.

Their response?
They told us their kitchen finally felt like it matched their style today — not the style from 14 years ago.

When We Don’t Recommend Refinishing

We love refinishing cabinets, but we’ll also be honest when it’s not the right move.

We typically don’t recommend refinishing if:

• There’s significant water damage

• The cabinet boxes are falling apart

• The layout doesn’t work for how you use your kitchen

Outside of that, we can almost always come up with a refinishing or facelift option that makes sense.

The Hidden Costs of Replacing Cabinets

This is where a lot of homeowners get surprised.

With full replacement, the cabinet cost is just the beginning. You often also need to factor in:

• Demolition and debris removal

• Dumpster or haul-off fees

• Plumbing or electrical changes

• New countertops and sinks

Once cabinets come out, other updates usually follow.

And if you’re thinking about DIY replacement — we’ve seen how quickly those projects grow. Kitchens are tough spaces to renovate, and when something goes wrong in the middle of it, the whole house feels it.

Timing Matters More Than You Think

Another thing most people don’t realize is how much timing plays a role.

Cabinet refinishing:

• In winter (November–January), we can often go from consult to completion in less than a week

• In spring and summer, it can take longer simply because schedules fill up

Cabinet replacement:

• Almost always takes longer

• Demo, repairs, manufacturing, delivery, and install all have to line up

In our experience, replacement is rarely a quick project.

What Homeowners Say After Refinishing

We hear the same things over and over:

• “I can’t believe how bright it feels now.”

• “We finally got an offer after updating the kitchen.”

• “Everyone who comes over compliments it.”

• “I wish we had done this sooner.”

A lighter, updated cabinet color can completely change how a kitchen feels — without turning your life upside down.

Our Simple Rule of Thumb

We tell homeowners this all the time:

If your cabinet boxes are solid and your layout works, refinishing almost always makes more sense than replacing.

It saves money, time, and stress — and still gives you a kitchen you love.

Final Thoughts

Replacing cabinets isn’t wrong — but it’s often more than what’s actually needed.

For many homeowners in Ontario, Vale, and the surrounding Treasure Valley communities, cabinet refinishing or a cabinet facelift delivers the biggest impact for the least disruption.

If you’re unsure which direction makes sense for your home, getting honest guidance is the first step — and that’s where real value comes in.