Ask a Pro: Is It Cheaper to Refinish Cabinets or Buy New Ones?
Hi, I’m Carl Tanner from Fort Collins Cabinet Kings. Over the years, many homeowners have asked me, “Is it cheaper to refinish cabinets or buy new ones?” Based on my experience, refinishing is often the more affordable option, but there are some things to consider. Let me tell you about a couple of times when I had to make this decision with clients.
The Cost Difference: Refinishing vs Buying New Ones
I remember working with a couple who had just moved into an older home. Their kitchen was straight out of the 1970s, with dark, outdated cabinets. They were torn between replacing the cabinets or giving them a fresh look with refinishing. After weighing the options, they chose to refinish.
Refinishing those cabinets saved them a lot of money. Instead of tearing out the old cabinets and paying for new ones, we stripped off the old finish, sanded them down, and applied a new coat of paint. This process cost them much less than installing brand-new cabinets and gave their kitchen a completely fresh feel.
The Hidden Costs of New Cabinets
On the other hand, I once worked with a homeowner who decided to get new cabinets. They had saved up for a complete kitchen remodel and were excited about starting the project. We picked out the cabinets, planned the layout, and got to work. As the project progressed, though, the costs started to add up.
They quickly realized that buying new cabinets wasn’t just about the price tag on the cabinets themselves. There were extra costs for
installation, changes to the layout, and even some unexpected expenses like moving plumbing. By the time we finished, the total cost was much higher than they had anticipated. While the result was a beautiful new kitchen, they admitted later that they might have been just as happy with a high-quality
refinish for a lot less money.
Quality and Longevity
One of the best things about refinishing is that you can keep the quality of older cabinets. Many older cabinets are made from solid wood, which is often more durable than the materials used in some modern cabinets. I’ve refinished cabinets that were over 30 years old, and after refinishing, they looked and functioned like new.
A client of mine had cabinets that were still in great shape, except for the finish, which had become outdated. Instead of replacing them, we
refinished the cabinets with a modern color. The cabinets looked brand new and maintained their original quality. If they had replaced them, they might have ended up with new cabinets that weren’t as well-built or long-lasting.
Customization and Personalization
Refinishing also gives you the chance to customize your cabinets. When you buy new cabinets, you’re limited to the styles and finishes available from the manufacturer. But with refinishing, you can choose any color, finish, or hardware to match your style.
For example, I had a client who wanted a farmhouse-style kitchen. They couldn’t find new cabinets that matched their vision. As a result, we refinished their existing cabinets with a distressed white finish and added vintage-style hardware. The result was a
custom look that perfectly matched their dream kitchen. And they were thrilled that it didn’t cost nearly as much as buying new.
When Buying New Makes Sense
Of course, there are times when buying new cabinets is the better option. If your cabinets are damaged, waterlogged, or falling apart, refinishing might not solve the problem. In those cases, replacing them with new, sturdy cabinets might be the best choice.
I had one client whose cabinets had been damaged by a water leak. The wood was warped, and the cabinets weren’t functional anymore. No amount of refinishing would have fixed them. We ended up replacing them with new, water-resistant cabinets that would last longer and better withstand future leaks.
Making the Right Choice
In the end, whether you should refinish or buy new cabinets depends on your situation. If your cabinets are in good shape but need a fresh look, refinishing is usually the more cost-effective and satisfying option. However, if your cabinets are damaged or you want to change the layout of your kitchen completely, buying new ones might be the way to go.
From my experience, refinishing often offers the best of both worlds: the beauty of new-looking cabinets without the high price tag. And it’s always rewarding to see a client’s face light up when they realize they’ve got a beautiful
kitchen without breaking the bank.
So, if you’re trying to decide between refinishing and buying new cabinets, take a close look at your current cabinets. Think about what you want to achieve and what makes sense for your budget and your home. And if you’re still not sure, give us a call at Fort Collins Cabinet Kings. I’m always happy to help guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your home.
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