How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets?
Refinishing kitchen cabinets is one of those home improvement topics that sounds simple at first and then slowly reveals its many layers — a bit like peeling an onion, but with more paint fumes and fewer tears (ideally). Homeowners across Canada ask the same question every year: how much does it actually cost to refinish kitchen cabinets, and is it worth it?
Short answer: yes, it’s worth it. Long answer: let’s break it down properly, with real numbers, practical factors, and a little humor — because kitchens should bring joy, not stress.
What Does “Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets” Really Mean?
Before talking about costs, it’s important to clarify what refinishing actually includes. Refinishing is not the same as replacing cabinets, and it’s not always the same as a quick DIY paint job either.
Typically, professional cabinet refinishing includes:
- Thorough cleaning and degreasing
- Sanding or mechanical surface preparation
- Minor repairs (dents, chips, loose joints)
- Priming with professional-grade products
- Spray or fine-finish painting or staining
- Sealing for durability and easy cleaning
In other words, it’s a full makeover — without ripping your kitchen apart or emptying your savings account.
Average Cost to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets in Canada
In Canada, the average cost to refinish kitchen cabinets usually falls between $2,500 and $7,000, depending on several key variables. For most standard kitchens, homeowners tend to land somewhere around $4,000 – $5,500.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Small kitchen (8 – 10 cabinet doors): $2,500 – $3,500
- Medium kitchen (15 – 20 doors): $4,000 – $5,500
- Large kitchen (25+ doors): $6,000 – $7,000+
Compared to full cabinet replacement — which can easily cost $15,000 to $30,000 — refinishing looks very attractive.
What Factors Affect the Final Price?
Cabinet refinishing is not a “one-price-fits-all” service. Several factors influence the final cost, and understanding them helps set realistic expectations.
Cabinet Size and Quantity
More doors, drawers, and panels mean more labor. Each piece must be prepped, painted, and cured properly. A kitchen with many drawers can cost more than a kitchen with the same footprint but fewer components.
Cabinet Material
- Solid wood cabinets are ideal for refinishing and often cost less to prep
- MDF requires specific primers and careful handling
- Laminate can be refinished, but only with proper professional techniques
The better the surface, the better (and sometimes cheaper) the result.
Paint Type and Finish
High-quality cabinet paints are not the same as wall paint — and for good reason. Professional-grade coatings resist moisture, grease, scratches, and everyday abuse from cooking and cleaning.
Finishes also matter:
- Matte and satin finishes are forgiving
- High-gloss finishes look stunning but require more prep and precision
Colour Changes
Switching from dark to light (or vice versa) often requires additional priming and coats, which can slightly increase costs.
DIY vs Professional Refinishing — The Real Cost Comparison
DIY cabinet refinishing sounds tempting. A few YouTube videos, a weekend off, and suddenly you’re a “kitchen renovation expert,” right?
Here’s what DIY really costs:
- Paint and primer: $300 – $600
- Tools and supplies: $200 – $500
- Time: multiple weekends
- Stress: considerable
- Risk of uneven finish: very real
Professional refinishing costs more upfront, but it delivers:
- Factory-like spray finishes
- Proper surface bonding
- Faster turnaround
- Long-lasting durability
Many homeowners attempt DIY first — and then call professionals to fix it later. That second option usually costs more than doing it right the first time.
Why Cabinet Refinishing Adds Real Home Value
Refinished cabinets instantly modernize a kitchen, which is one of the most valuable rooms in any home. Realtors consistently point out that updated kitchens help properties sell faster and often at higher prices.
Cabinet refinishing:
- Improves visual appeal
- Makes kitchens feel cleaner and brighter
- Delivers a high return on investment
In competitive markets like Calgary, a professionally refinished kitchen can make a noticeable difference. This is why services such as cabinet painting Calgary are increasingly popular among homeowners who want maximum impact without full renovations.
How Long Does Cabinet Refinishing Take?
Most professional cabinet refinishing projects take 3 to 7 days, depending on complexity. That’s much faster than cabinet replacement, which can disrupt a kitchen for weeks.
Professionals plan the workflow to minimize inconvenience — because nobody enjoys brushing their teeth in the laundry sink for a month.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming all paints are equal. They are not. Another is skipping proper surface prep, which leads to peeling, chipping, and disappointment.
Other common issues include:
- Brush marks instead of smooth finishes
- Paint that never fully cures
- Hinges and doors that don’t align afterward
Professional painters avoid these problems through experience, proper tools, and tested processes.
Why Hiring Professionals Is the Smart Choice
Kitchen cabinets endure daily wear — heat, steam, grease, spills, and constant use. Professional refinishing ensures coatings bond correctly and last for years, not months.
Companies like Rennewservices specialize in all types of painting services and understand how to refinish cabinets properly, safely, and efficiently. Their experience allows homeowners to enjoy beautiful results without the risks and frustrations of trial-and-error projects.
Final Thoughts — So, How Much Should You Budget?
If you’re planning to refinish your kitchen cabinets, a realistic budget in Canada is $4,000 – $6,000 for a high-quality professional job. The exact cost depends on cabinet size, materials, finish choices, and condition.
What you get in return:
- A refreshed kitchen
- A modern, clean look
- Increased home value
- Zero renovation chaos
And perhaps most importantly — peace of mind. Because when it comes to kitchen cabinets, some things are better left to professionals with the right tools, skills, and steady hands.