Repaint Kitchen Cabinets or Replace? 5 Considerations

The cabinets in any kitchen are a huge part of its aesthetic and functionality. They're also one of the biggest costs when remodeling your kitchen. Do you want a simple solution that can save you money and time while allowing you to continue with the renovation? Then you may want to repaint rather than replace. Is this the right choice for you? If you fall into any of these situations, it might just be. 

1. You Aren't Changing the Layout

The first question a homeowner must answer is whether or not they're changing the cabinet layout. If you plan to make a completely new kitchen floor plan, existing cabinets may or may not work in it. However, if you're happy with the layout and just need a modernized new design, you could be a great candidate for repainting the cabinets already in place. Today's techniques can help you achieve that modern feel even with older cabinets. 

2. You Want an Updated Color

Because they have such a large footprint in the kitchen, any changes to the cabinets can make a massive difference in the feel of the kitchen. Switching out a dark wood color, for example, in favor of a fresh, neutral palette makes the room feel lighter, more airy, and even larger. Conversely, you could create a trendy kitchen design with a darker base cabinet color and a pale upper cabinet shade. 

3. The Cabinets Are in Good Condition

Have your cabinets professionally inspected prior to deciding between repainting and replacing. What is their overall condition? How have they fared in the sometimes-humid and often high-traffic environment of the kitchen? Relatively new cabinets and those which were made from hardy materials often have plenty of life left in them. With a fresh coat of paint or stain, they could serve for many more years. 

On the other hand, cabinets which have already suffered warping, rot, breakage, or too much wear and tear may need to be replaced. The good news is that you may be able to save some cabinets while replacing others, using some careful planning and a unified color palette. This can save tremendous amounts compared to full replacement even in less than ideal circumstances. 

4. They're Expensive Materials

What are the existing cabinets made from? Are they high-quality, expensive wood and other materials? The more you or the previous homeowner spent on them, the more you should try to recoup that investment by making them last longer. It's an option not all homeowners enjoy. 

Anyone who is remodeling their kitchen to extend its use should want to use quality materials. However, you may find it cost-prohibitive to try to replace expensive cabinets with new and similarly expensive cabinets. You may not even be able to match the quality of older cabinetry with today's mass-produced choices. 

5. You Need a Shortcut

Finally, do you need some way to shorten the time frame of your renovation? The kitchen is one of the most-used areas of many homes, and it's the room you can often least do without for a long period. Simply repainting cabinets while leaving them in place can seriously cut down on how long your kitchen is ripped apart. That it also protects your budget from swelling is an added bonus. 

Could repainting be the right call for your new kitchen? If you find yourself in any of these situations, start by learning more about cabinet painting. Call Elevation Painting LLC to get more answers to your questions. We provide a range of painting services to fit all your renovation needs, starting with assessing your kitchen's candidacy for this simple and quick makeover option. Make an appointment today.