Painting vs Buying New Cabinet

Jun 21, 2024

Woman painting the cabinet

 

When it’s time to update your kitchen, the decision between painting your current cabinets and buying new ones can affect your budget, the timeline of your project, and the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the benefits and challenges of each option so that you can make an informed decision.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Advantages:

  • Cost Effective – Painting is generally much more affordable than purchasing new cabinets. You save money by keeping the existing cabinetry framework and simply refreshing the finish.
  • Quick Turn Around – Repainting cabinets is usually a faster process than replacing them entirely. Depending on the size of your kitchen, professional painters can usually complete the job within a week or less, minimizing the disruption of your daily routine.
  • Customization – Painting allows you to personalize your kitchen with a vast selection of colors and finishes. You can easily change your cabinets to match new trends or experiment with bold shades that add character to the room.
  • Environmentally Friendly – Reusing your existing cabinets is better for the environment than discarding them. If your current cabinets are structurally sound but simply outdated in color, repainting prevents unnecessary waste.

Disadvantages

  • Surface Preparation – Achieving a long-lasting high-quality finish requires thorough preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, This preparation can be time-consuming and requires a great deal of effort, especially if you’re handling the project yourself.
  • Cheap Laminate Cabinets – Painting is not ideal for cheap laminate cabinets, which may not be able to handle sanding without breaking. Most cabinets can be painted, but some of the cheaper materials must be replaced.

Buying New Cabinets

Advantages:

  • Complete Overhaul – Replacing your cabinets offers a complete transformation of your kitchen, not just visually but also in terms of layout and design. This gives you the opportunity to completely reimagine your kitchen’s functionality
  • Improved Features – New cabinets can incorporate modern features like soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, and adjustable storage that older cabinets often lack. These innovations can significantly improve storage and usability.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher Costs – Replacing kitchen cabinets requires a substantial financial investment. Custom designs and high-quality materials can drive costs up even further, especially if the layout of your kitchen needs modification.
  • Longer Timelines – New cabinetry requires more time for demolition, installation, and any associated work like electric or plumbing changes. This can significantly extend the project timeline and impact your daily schedule.
  • Environmental Impact – Removing old cabinets can create unnecessary waste unless efforts are made to recycle or reuse them.

Making the Decision

When deciding whether to paint or replace your cabinets, consider your goals, budget, and the condition of your existing cabinetry. If you’re simply looking for a quick refreshing and your cabinets are structurally sound, painting can be a cost-effective solution. However, if you’re aiming for a comprehensive kitchen redesign or if your cabinets show significant wear, investing in new cabinetry can be the best long-term choice. Consult local professionals specializing in painting kitchen cabinets or replacing kitchen cabinet doors to get expert advice tailored to your project. Weighing these pros and cons carefully will help you decide which route will best meet your kitchen renovation goals.

Two Day Painting, based in Waukesha, serves Southeast Wisconsin with high-quality painting services. We customize crew sizes for each project, ensuring clean work sites, organized systems, and timely completion. Our skilled tradespeople use premium materials providing straight lines and a flawless finish. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and trusted industry affiliations, we prioritize trust, communication, and customer satisfaction. Experience our award-winning service for a stress-free project that meets your timeline. Contact us to see the “Two Day Difference”.

For more information about our company or the services we provide, contact us via our website or give us a call at 262-312-2182.

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