Cabinet Painting vs Replacement: Which Saves More Money?

Updating the kitchen is consistently ranked as one of the top three investments a homeowner can make.

We see this constantly in the Phoenix market.

You want a modern look, but you likely do not want the massive price tag that comes with a full gut renovation.

The question usually comes down to two options.

Should you invest in cabinet painting or replace them entirely?

We are going to break down the real costs for 2026, compare the long-term value, and look at exactly when each method makes sense for homes in the East Valley.

Cost Comparison: Painting vs. Replacement

Homeowners in Gilbert and Chandler often experience sticker shock when pricing out new cabinetry.

Cabinet painting typically costs about 65% to 80% less than a full replacement.

This gap has widened in recent years due to rising lumber and manufacturing costs.

Cabinet Painting Costs (Phoenix Metro Estimates)

We analyzed local pricing trends for professional refinishing in the East Valley for 2025-2026.

Kitchen Size	Cabinet Count	Professional Painting Cost
Small	10-15 cabinets	$2,800 - $4,500
Medium	15-25 cabinets	$4,500 - $7,200
Large/Custom	25-35 cabinets	$6,800 - $9,500+

Cabinet Replacement Costs

Replacing cabinets involves materials, demolition, and significantly higher labor rates.

Kitchen Size	Cabinet Count	Replacement Cost (Mid-Range)
Small	10-15 cabinets	$10,000 - $18,000
Medium	15-25 cabinets	$18,000 - $35,000
Large/Custom	25-35 cabinets	$35,000 - $65,000+

Bottom line: A medium-sized kitchen renovation in Ahwatukee that costs $25,000 to replace might only cost $5,500 to paint professionally.

What You Get With Each Option

Understanding what you are paying for helps clarify the price difference.

Cabinet Painting Includes

Our process for refinishing goes far beyond a simple coat of paint.

• Surface Prep: Extensive cleaning with industrial degreasers to remove cooking oils.
• Repairs: Filling grain (for oak cabinets) and fixing minor dings.
• Hardware Management: Removal and reinstallation of existing or new handles.
• The Finish: Application of KCMA-standard coatings (like 2K polyurethanes) that resist chipping.
• Timeline: Most projects in the Valley are finished in 5 to 7 days.

Cabinet Replacement Includes

A full replacement is a construction project rather than a cosmetic update.

• Demolition: Removal and disposal of old boxes (requires a dumpster).
• New Materials: Brand new boxes, shelving, doors, and drawers.
• Installation: Leveling and securing new units.
• Countertop Risks: Existing countertops often break during removal.
• Timeline: Supply chain realities in 2026 mean this often takes 4 to 8 weeks.

When Cabinet Painting Makes Sense

Refinishing is often the smartest choice for homes built between 1995 and 2010.

These homes typically have solid “good bones” but suffer from outdated colors.

Good Candidates for Painting

• Structurally Sound Boxes: The frames are sturdy and securely attached to the wall.
• Golden Oak Fatigue: You have those standard 1990s honey oak cabinets that are strong but visually dated.
• Functional Layout: The “work triangle” (sink, stove, fridge) works well for your cooking style.
• High-End Wood: You have maple or cherry wood that just needs a modern color shift.
• Selling Soon: Real estate data shows updated white or grey kitchens sell faster in the Phoenix metro area.

Real-World Example

The Martinez Family (Gilbert, AZ)

Situation: They owned a 1998 home near Downtown Gilbert with sturdy but orange-tinted oak cabinets.

• Scope: 22 cabinet doors and 10 drawer fronts.
• Condition: Structurally perfect but visually heavy.
• Goal: Modernize before a graduation party.

Their choices:

• Professional Cabinet Painting: $4,200
• Mid-Range Cabinet Replacement: $18,000

Result: They chose painting. The $13,800 savings allowed them to install quartz countertops and high-end appliances.

When Replacement Is Better

Painting cannot fix a kitchen that is falling apart.

We will always recommend replacement if the underlying structure is compromised.

Consider Replacement If

• Particle Board Failure: Low-quality boxes from the 80s often crumble at the hinges.
• Water Damage: Swollen wood near the sink or dishwasher cannot be painted over effectively.
• Bad Layout: You need to move the fridge or add an island to make the kitchen functional.
• Hardware Limitations: The drawers use old side-mount runners instead of modern soft-close glides.
• Severe Warping: The dry Arizona heat has caused door panels to split or twist significantly.

The Hidden Costs of Replacement

Many homeowners budget for the cabinets but forget the “domino effect” of construction.

Changing your cabinets usually forces you to change everything connected to them.

Additional Project Expenses

Related Cost	Typical Range (Phoenix Metro)
Countertops	$3,500 - $9,000
Backsplash Repair	$1,200 - $3,500
Flooring Gaps	$800 - $2,500
Plumbing Reconnect	$450 - $900
Electrical/Permits	$300 - $1,200

A $20,000 cabinet quote often turns into a $32,000 project once these ancillary costs are added.

Quality Considerations

A common misconception is that painted cabinets chip immediately.

How Long Do Painted Cabinets Last?

We find that professional finishes typically last 10 to 15 years.

This longevity depends entirely on the products used.

• Industrial Products: We use 2K polyurethanes or pre-catalyzed lacquers rather than standard latex wall paint.
• Adhesion Primers: Products like bonding primers ensure the paint grips slick surfaces.
• Curing: The finish hardens chemically over the first 30 days to become scratch-resistant.

Durability in the Desert Climate

Arizona’s low humidity is actually an advantage for painted cabinets.

• Faster Curing: Finishes dry harder and faster here than in humid climates.
• Stable Wood: Once wood has acclimated to the desert, it moves less, reducing hairline cracks at the joints.
• Maintenance: Modern finishes can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap.

New cabinets also have factory-painted finishes that can chip.

Neither option is bulletproof, but both are highly durable when treated with care.

Making Your Decision

The choice usually becomes clear once you look at your goals.

Choose Painting If:

• Your current cabinet boxes are wood (plywood or solid wood).
• You like where your appliances are currently located.
• You want to save $10,000+ for other renovations.
• You need the kitchen back in operation within a week.

Choose Replacement If:

• The cabinet floors under the sink are rotted or sagging.
• You want to knock down a wall or change the footprint.
• You are doing a complete gut remodel of the home.
• You want to switch from traditional doors to flat-panel Euro styles.

Free Cabinet Assessment

It can be difficult to tell if your cabinets are good candidates for refinishing just by looking at them.

We offer free cabinet assessments for homeowners in Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Gilbert.

Our team will inspect the wood quality, check for structural issues, and give you an honest recommendation on whether painting or replacing will give you the best return on investment.

Contact us to schedule your assessment.