Cabinet PaintingFebruary 15, 2025 7 min read

Cabinet Painting vs. Replacement: A Complete Cost Comparison

The Kitchen Transformation Dilemma

Your kitchen cabinets are looking dated. The finish is worn, the color feels stuck in another decade, and you're ready for a change. But should you paint them or replace them entirely?

As Houston's leading cabinet painting specialists, we've helped hundreds of homeowners make this decision. Here's an honest, detailed comparison.

The Cost Breakdown

Cabinet Replacement

For a standard Houston kitchen (30-40 cabinets), complete replacement typically costs:

  • Stock cabinets: $15,000 - $25,000
  • Semi-custom: $25,000 - $45,000
  • Custom: $45,000 - $80,000+
  • These costs include demolition, new cabinetry, installation, and finishing. They don't include countertops, plumbing, or electrical work that often accompanies a full renovation.

    Professional Cabinet Painting

    For the same kitchen, professional cabinet painting from Paint HTX typically costs:

  • Full kitchen: $5,000 - $12,000
  • This includes door removal, professional-grade degreasing, sanding, priming, multiple coats of spray-applied paint, and reinstallation.

    Quality Comparison

    Modern professional cabinet painting delivers a factory-smooth, beautiful finish that's virtually indistinguishable from new painted cabinets. Our spray application process creates an even, durable coating that resists chipping and yellowing.

    Timeline Comparison

  • Replacement: 4-8 weeks (often longer with supply chain delays)
  • Professional painting: 5-7 business days
  • The Decision Framework

    Choose replacement if:

  • Your cabinet boxes are structurally damaged
  • You want to completely change the layout
  • You're doing a gut renovation anyway
  • Choose painting if:

  • Your cabinet boxes are in good structural condition
  • You love your current layout but hate the color or finish
  • You want a dramatic transformation without the cost and disruption
  • See Our Cabinet Work

    Browse our portfolio to see before-and-after examples of cabinet transformations we've completed across River Oaks, West University, and Memorial.

    Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

    Request a private consultation and we'll assess your cabinets and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote.

    Ready to Transform Your Home?

    Schedule your complimentary consultation with Paint HTX.