Last Updated on June 3, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
When planning a kitchen remodel, your cabinets are one of the first things people notice—and one of the most expensive parts to replace.
But here's the good news: replacing them may not be necessary. In many cases, cabinet painting and refinishing can deliver the transformation you want at a fraction of the cost.
If you live in Washington and are exploring remodeling options, read on to learn why painting your existing cabinets might be the smartest investment for your kitchen—and your wallet.
Let’s start with the numbers.
As you can see, cabinet painting and refinishing can cost up to 70% less than a full replacement.
If your cabinets are still in good shape structurally, there's no reason to throw them out just to change their color or finish.
A full cabinet replacement can leave your kitchen unusable for 2–4 weeks or longer, especially if it involves countertop or plumbing adjustments. On the other hand, professional cabinet painting usually takes 3–5 days—with minimal mess and less interruption to your daily life.
For busy Washington homeowners, especially those working from home or managing a household, this time savings is a major benefit.
In the age of sustainable living, cabinet painting wins again. Replacing cabinets sends bulky wood, MDF, and hardware to the landfill. Painting reuses what you already have—cutting down on waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new materials.
If you're remodeling with sustainability in mind, painting your cabinets is the greener choice.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel (which includes cabinet painting) can recoup 72–80% of the cost at resale. A full kitchen overhaul has a similar return, yet costs tens of thousands more.
Plus, updated, freshly painted cabinets can completely change the feel of your kitchen, increasing buyer appeal if you're planning to sell in the future.
While painting is a great solution for many kitchens, it’s not for every situation. Here are a few cases where replacement may be the better choice:
Still, for most Washington homeowners looking for a fresh, modern update, painting is a smart first step.
Cabinet painting offers one of the best returns on investment for kitchen remodeling projects.
It’s fast, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and delivers stunning results when done by skilled painting professionals.
