How Much Does It Cost To Refinish Cabinets?

Cost to refinish cabinets

The cost to refinish cabinets varies depending on the specific finishing type. All kitchen cabinet refinishing projects start the same, with removing the old paint or stain and sanding to get down to the bare wood. Beyond that, your choice of finish type impacts your overall cost. Here is a comprehensive list of the different types of stains and everything you need to know about them:

Staining cabinets

Cabinet staining costs around $100 to $200 per project or $4 to $8 per square foot. This is a great way to redo the look of natural wood with affordable materials. However, staining only works with solid wood, so if you have veneers, go for another type of finish. Choose a darker color than the original coat for the best results.

Painting cabinets

The cost to paint cabinets is around $200 to $300 per project or $6 to $14 per square foot. When painting cabinets, make sure your pro chooses paints specifically made for kitchens to minimize premature chipping.

Glazing cabinets

Glazing cabinets cost approximately $300 to $1,000 per project or $10 to $25 per square foot. This semi-transparent coating goes on after paint, giving the wood an antique or retro look. Glazing typically alters the color of the wood, so carefully choose the correct glaze for your cabinets.

Varnishing cabinets

Varnishing cabinets cost around $200 to $400 per project or $6 to $16 per square foot. Varnishing comes in several different types, such as polyurethane and conversion. Homeowners choose it because they want to retain the wood cabinets to keep their natural look.

Shellacking cabinets

Shellacking cabinets cost about $200 to $400 per project or $6 to $16 per square foot. Shellac does a great job at both sealing the wood and creating a warm and natural semi-transparent finish.

Kitchen cabinet refinishing cost factors

On average, Americans pay $2700 for refinishing kitchen cabinets. The cabinet refinishing cost is usually charged on a per-project basis, with the contractor giving an estimate upfront. Several factors affect the overall cost of your kitchen cabinet refinishing project, so be sure to properly prepare yourself beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises. 

Here’s a list of everything you need to consider before your kitchen cabinet refinishing project: 

• The size and quantity of your kitchen cabinets. For smaller kitchens with fewer cabinets and basic designs, budget for $1500 and up. Larger kitchens with many cabinets or intricate designs or finishings will drive the price up to $5000 for the completed project. 
• The condition of your cabinets. If the contractor has to do a lot of work to the structure of your current cabinets, it’ll cost more. Sometimes wood becomes warped over time, or the material has suffered an impact, in which case it’ll have to be restructured. It costs about $300 to repair kitchen cabinets. 
• The material of your cabinets. For example, wood needs a lot of prepping before the refinishing work may be completed. 
• The rate of labor in your area. Call around for estimates and choose the best contractor based on reviews, credentials, and experience. Cabinet refinishing laborers usually cost about $55 per hour, depending on their experience, certifications, and job factors. You’ll probably get an estimate on a per-project basis rather than an hourly rate. 
• The complexity of the cabinet design and your desired outcome. Kitchen cabinets last decades, so some people like to invest in them and have a custom design. There are many refinishing options, such as shelves, hook placement, underlighting, and engraving.

DIY or hire a pro

If you have some experience with carpentry, at-home handiwork, and several hours to put aside for a DIY project, it’s possible to do the work yourself. If you’re considering this route, here are some things you can do to make sure you’re on the right track: 

• Have a place to do the stripping and refinishing work. Some people do this in the garage, backyard, or in a large room with a dropcloth on the floor. 
• Select your tools carefully. Depending on the materials of your kitchen cabinets and the work that needs to be done, you’ll want to be prepared with all the right tools to do the work correctly. 
• Schedule the time. It takes anywhere from three to five days of solid work, or 30 to 50 hours, which could mean a few weeks of after-work labor. 
• Have a backup kitchen space. If you’re doing the work yourself, it could take weeks. Having an alternative place to cook or another solution for meals is an important factor many people forget about until it’s too late. A professional would be able to do the job in a few days, saving the inconvenience.