Paint vs. Replace Your Cabinets
When refinishing is the right call — and when it isn't.
Cabinet replacement is the single biggest line item in most kitchen remodels. Refinishing can deliver 90% of the visual change at 30–50% of the cost — but it isn't right for every kitchen. Here's how to tell which side you're on.
Refinish when…
These conditions usually point to refinishing as the smart choice.
- Cabinet boxes are solid hardwood, plywood, or sound particle board
- Doors are flat, shaker, or simple raised panel (refinish well)
- You like the current layout
- Your countertops, sink, and appliances are staying
- You want a finished kitchen in about a week, not a month
Replace when…
These usually mean replacement is the better long-term value.
- Boxes are water-damaged, swollen, or coming apart at the joints
- You're moving the sink, adding an island, or changing the footprint
- Doors are heavily routed Tuscan/Mediterranean styles you want gone
- You're also replacing countertops, flooring, and appliances anyway
Real Omaha cost comparison
For a typical 30-linear-foot Omaha kitchen: refinishing usually runs $3,500–$6,500, while full replacement (cabinets only, mid-grade) starts around $12,000 and climbs from there. Custom replacement easily passes $25,000.
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