Your kitchen looks dated, and every renovation show says “gut it.” But if your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, there’s a much cheaper path to a brand-new look. Let’s compare the real numbers for a typical Richmond kitchen.
The Cost of Replacing Cabinets
- Stock cabinets: $8,000–$15,000 installed for an average kitchen
- Semi-custom: $15,000–$30,000
- Custom: $30,000 and up
Add demolition, disposal, plumbing/electrical adjustments, and the 2–6 weeks your kitchen is out of commission, and replacement is a serious renovation project — not a refresh.
The Cost of Professional Cabinet Painting
Professionally refinishing the same kitchen typically costs 70–80% less than replacement. The doors come off, everything is degreased and sanded, and sprayed coatings go on for a factory-smooth finish — no brush marks. Most projects take 3–5 days, and your kitchen stays largely usable throughout. See exactly what’s included on our cabinet refinishing page.
When Replacing Actually Makes Sense
- Cabinet boxes are water-damaged, delaminating, or structurally failing
- You’re changing the kitchen layout entirely
- You want different door sizes or drawer configurations
If none of those apply, painting wins on value almost every time — and it’s the single highest-ROI kitchen update for resale.
Get an Honest Assessment
We’ll tell you straight if your cabinets are good candidates for refinishing — and if they’re not, we’ll say that too. Call (804) 781-2177 for a free in-home assessment anywhere in the Richmond metro.
What Richmond Homeowners Say About Us
Get a Free Quote
Call (804) 781-2177 or fill out the form below for a free, no-obligation quote anywhere in the Richmond metro.
