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Are my Kitchen Cabinets Worth Painting?

November 23rd, 2018

2 min read

By Bill Carlson

Kitchen with golden oak cabinets with oak floor and red painted walls.

Are you tired of looking at your outdated kitchen cabinets but unsure whether to paint or replace them? Refinishing your cabinets is often a more cost-effective and efficient option than completely replacing them, but this option is not the best for everyone. so it's important that you make the best decision for your home to save you money, while getting results you will love

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we have 25+ years of expertise in cabinet painting. We have transformed thousands of cabinets in Omaha to be a durable, fine finish.

In this article, we will discuss questions to help you decide whether to paint your cabinets or replace them.

Condition of Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets with minor white paint chipping.

When assessing whether to paint or replace your kitchen cabinets, the first step is to carefully evaluate the material and overall condition of the cabinets. It's often easy to spot areas of heavy use, such as the silverware drawer and cup cupboard, which may show signs of wear and tear.

Ideally, your cabinets should be made of solid wood and free of any significant damage, particularly around the hinges. In the event of minor cracks, they can typically be repaired with the right techniques. Opting for solid wood cabinets is advantageous when considering painting, as they offer a sturdy base for a fresh finish. Additionally, if your cabinet doors are coated with grime, a thorough cleaning with some elbow grease can work wonders in preparation for refinishing.

Ensuring that your cabinets are in good condition and made of quality material is essential before deciding whether to paint or replace them.

If they are severely damaged or falling a part, the better option will be refacing the doors or replace the entire cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Layout

Kitchen with dark brown cabinets and granite countertops.

Do you have enough space to store all of your pots and pans?

If you find yourself wanting to update your kitchen cabinets solely due to their outdated color, it's important to consider whether a fresh coat of paint or refinishing could breathe new life into them. Sometimes, a simple change in color or finish can completely transform the look and feel of your cabinets, saving you the cost and hassle of a full replacement.

Before making any decisions, it's a good idea to research the cost of refinishing your cabinets to get an idea of the investment required. This way, you can weigh the financial aspect against the desire for a new look in your kitchen.

If you're not happy with the layout of your kitchen but like the style of your cabinets, you may have the option to rearrange them to create a more functional and visually appealing space. On the other hand, if the layout is a major concern, replacing the cabinets might be the best solution to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Ultimately, the choice between refinishing and replacing your kitchen cabinets depends on your personal preferences, budget, and overall goals for your kitchen renovation. It's essential to carefully consider all factors before making a decision to ensure that you achieve the results you desire while staying within your budget.

Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen with granite countertops and dark brown cabinets with silver handles.

Refinishing your cabinets to an updated color can not only save you money but also maintain the cohesive look of your kitchen if you have granite or quartz countertops that you already love.

Replacing your cabinets would mean replacing the countertops as well, which can significantly increase the cost of your kitchen remodel. By opting to refinish your cabinets, you can achieve a fresh new look while keeping the elements of your kitchen that you already enjoy, ultimately creating a more cost-effective and efficient renovation process.

Refinishing or Replacing Your Kitchen Cabinets


When deciding whether to paint or replace your kitchen cabinets, it is crucial to assess the condition of the cabinets, consider the layout of your kitchen, and evaluate the cost implications. More often than not, it will be worth it to refinish your kitchen cabinets as opposed to replacing.

Refinishing your cabinets with Brush & Roll Painting can provide a durable, cost-effective and efficient solution to updating your kitchen. By opting for cabinet painting, you can achieve a fresh new look without the need for a full replacement, saving you time and money in the process. 

To stay confident through every decision of a cabinet painting project, download your checklist.

Get Your Cabinet Project Checklist

Bill Carlson

Bill is the owner and operator of Brush & Roll Painting. Bill Carlson is a second-generation painter. He grew up working with his father’s painting and restoration company. After graduating from Bennington High School, he served in the US Navy, traveling with the boxing team. While this was a great opportunity to see the world, it also made him realize how much he loved his little world here in Nebraska. He settled back into the painting industry, working with his brother. It wasn’t long before Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to start his own business. Always one for a challenge, he longed to prove to himself that he could be as successful on his own as both his dad and brother were.