Cost of Cabinet Refinishing
Cabinet Refinishing can give you a fresh new kitchen without a full renovation.
Saving you Thousand!
Cost to Professionally Refinish Your Cabinets
Refinishing cabinets presents itself as an exceptionally cost-effective avenue for elevating the aesthetic appeal and overall value of your kitchen. While a full-scale kitchen remodel can easily drain your finances, leaving you with a significant dent in your savings, refinishing your existing cabinets offers a budget-friendly alternative that can still yield impressive results. However, achieving a successful and financially sound refinishing project hinges on a thorough understanding of the associated costs.
Before embarking on this endeavor, it's vital to meticulously research and account for all potential expenses, from the necessary materials such as sandpaper, primer, paint, and sealant, to the cost of any specialized tools you might need to rent or purchase. Labor costs, whether you're tackling the project yourself or hiring a professional, should also be carefully considered. Properly understanding and forecasting these costs is not merely advisable; it's absolutely vital for budgeting successfully and ensuring that your kitchen upgrade remains an affordable and rewarding experience. Ignoring this crucial step could lead to unexpected expenses and a project that quickly spirals out of control, both financially and in terms of timeline.
Size of the Project
When embarking on a cabinet refinishing project, several key considerations must be addressed to ensure a successful and satisfying outcome. First and foremost, the size of the kitchen plays a significant role in determining the scope of the project. A larger kitchen naturally translates to more cabinet surface area, impacting the amount of materials needed, the time required for completion, and ultimately, the overall cost.
Accurately measuring the cabinets, including doors, drawers, and any fixed panels, is crucial for calculating the necessary amount of paint, stain, primer, and other finishing products.
Type of Material to be Refinished
Secondly, understanding the current material in place is paramount. Are the cabinets made of solid wood, plywood, particleboard, or MDF? Each material reacts differently to refinishing products and techniques. Solid wood, for instance, might require more sanding and preparation but offers excellent durability and a beautiful finish. Particleboard and MDF, on the other hand, may be more susceptible to moisture damage and require careful sealing and priming. Knowing the existing finish – whether it's paint, varnish, lacquer, or a combination – will also influence the stripping and surface preparation process.
Cost of Products and Finishings
Furthermore, keeping abreast of the market costs of products is essential for budgeting purposes. Prices for paints, stains, primers, sealers, brushes, rollers, sanding supplies, and any necessary tools can vary significantly depending on brand, quality, and retailer. Researching different suppliers, comparing prices, and considering bulk purchases can help minimize expenses. Don't forget to factor in the cost of protective gear like gloves, masks, and eye protection, as well as any disposal fees for hazardous materials.
Finally, exploring the optional choices for finishing offers the opportunity to personalize the look and feel of the kitchen. Beyond the basic decision of paint versus stain, there's a wide array of colors, sheens (matte, satin, semi-gloss, gloss), and application techniques to consider. Options such as glazing, distressing, or adding decorative hardware can further enhance the cabinets' appearance and complement the overall kitchen design.
Carefully weighing these choices and considering samples can help visualize the final result and ensure a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Cabinet Refinishing - DYI or Hire a Professional?
Choosing to hire a professional cabinet refinishing company instead of embarking on the DIY route will undoubtedly impact your budget. While the allure of saving money by tackling the project yourself is understandable, engaging professionals comes with a premium price tag. Labor costs are the primary driver behind this difference, with most professional cabinet refinishers charging anywhere from $40 to $100 per hour, depending on their experience, location, and the complexity of the project. This hourly rate is then added to the cost of materials, which can include everything from specialized stripping agents and sanding supplies to high-quality paints, stains, and protective coatings.
However, the expense is often justified by the invaluable experience and expertise that a professional brings to the table. They possess a deep understanding of wood types, finishes, and the techniques required to achieve a flawless, long-lasting result. They can accurately assess the condition of your cabinets, identify potential problems like damage or uneven surfaces, and employ the correct methods to address them effectively. Unlike a DIYer who may be learning as they go, professionals have likely encountered and overcome similar challenges countless times, minimizing the risk of costly mistakes and ensuring a superior outcome. This experience translates to a quicker turnaround time, a more consistent finish, and ultimately, a significant enhancement in the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your cabinets.
Cabinet Refinishing Costs and Different Material Choices
The cost of refinishing your cabinets can fluctuate significantly based on the materials they are made from and the specific products you choose. Let's delve into a more detailed breakdown: It's always best to get quotes from multiple contractors to get an accurate estimate for your specific project and to take into account any additional labor costs.
Wood Cabinets
Refinishing solid wood cabinets typically ranges from $1,800 to $3,500. The price depends on factors such as the type of wood (hardwoods like oak or maple may require more specialized treatment), the complexity of the cabinet design (raised panels or intricate carvings can increase labor costs), and the overall size and number of cabinets. Extensive preparation, like stripping old finishes or repairing damage, will also influence the final price.
Refinishing solid wood cabinets typically ranges from $1,800 to $3,500. The price depends on factors such as the type of wood (hardwoods like oak or maple may require more specialized treatment), the complexity of the cabinet design (raised panels or intricate carvings can increase labor costs), and the overall size and number of cabinets. Extensive preparation, like stripping old finishes or repairing damage, will also influence the final price.
MDF or Laminate Cabinets
Refinishing Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) or laminate cabinets can range from $2,500 to $6,000. While seemingly more expensive than wood, laminate and MDF refinishing often involves specialized primers, paints, and techniques to ensure proper adhesion and durability. Often laminate cabinets need to be re-laminated instead of refinished, which involves removing the old layer, and adding a new one. Also, remember that not all MDF or laminate cabinets can be refinished. It's important to consult with a professional to assess the feasibility and determine the best approach.
Refinishing Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) or laminate cabinets can range from $2,500 to $6,000. While seemingly more expensive than wood, laminate and MDF refinishing often involves specialized primers, paints, and techniques to ensure proper adhesion and durability. Often laminate cabinets need to be re-laminated instead of refinished, which involves removing the old layer, and adding a new one. Also, remember that not all MDF or laminate cabinets can be refinished. It's important to consult with a professional to assess the feasibility and determine the best approach.
Finishes
The type of finish you select will also impact the overall cost, typically adding an extra $500 to $1,000 to the project. Consider options like paint, stain, varnish, or lacquer. Higher-quality finishes offer enhanced durability and a more attractive appearance but come at a premium. Additionally, specialty finishes such as glazing, distressing, or antiquing will further increase the expense.
The type of finish you select will also impact the overall cost, typically adding an extra $500 to $1,000 to the project. Consider options like paint, stain, varnish, or lacquer. Higher-quality finishes offer enhanced durability and a more attractive appearance but come at a premium. Additionally, specialty finishes such as glazing, distressing, or antiquing will further increase the expense.
Hardware
Don't underestimate the impact of hardware on the final cost. New knobs, pulls, and hinges can significantly refresh the look of your cabinets. Budget anywhere from $100 to $500 for hardware, depending on the style, material, and quantity needed. Designer or custom hardware will naturally command a higher price compared to standard options.
Don't underestimate the impact of hardware on the final cost. New knobs, pulls, and hinges can significantly refresh the look of your cabinets. Budget anywhere from $100 to $500 for hardware, depending on the style, material, and quantity needed. Designer or custom hardware will naturally command a higher price compared to standard options.
Cabinet Refinishing or Replacing?
When homeowners are considering a kitchen update, a key decision often revolves around the existing cabinetry: should they be refinished, or completely replaced? A crucial factor in this decision is, understandably, cost. In short, refinishing cabinets is significantly more budget-friendly than replacing them entirely. To illustrate this point, let's examine the typical price ranges associated with each option.
Refinishing wooden cabinets, which involves sanding, staining, and sealing existing cabinet surfaces, generally costs between $1,800 and $6,000. The national average for this process comes out to approximately $3,500. This cost can fluctuate depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the kitchen, the condition of the existing cabinets, the type of finish chosen, and local labor rates.
Conversely, replacing cabinets involves removing the old cabinets and installing entirely new units. This is a much more extensive and involved project, and the price reflects that. The cost of replacing cabinets typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 or even higher. The national average for cabinet replacement sits around $17,500. This substantial difference is due to the cost of new cabinet materials, the labor required for demolition and installation, and potentially additional expenses such as plumbing or electrical work if adjustments are needed to accommodate the new cabinet configuration.
Cost of Cabinet Refinishing
1800.00 - 6000.00
National Average $3500.00
Cost of Cabinet Replacing
10,000.00 - 25,000.00
National Average $17,500.00
Jersey's Cabinet Refinishing
Therefore, based purely on financial considerations, refinishing cabinets offers a considerable cost savings compared to the more extensive undertaking of cabinet replacement. Homeowners on a tighter budget may find refinishing to be a very attractive option, especially if the existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and the desired aesthetic change is primarily surface-level.