Cabinet Painting vs. Replacing: Which Is Right for Your Savannah Home?

Is your kitchen looking tired and outdated? If your cabinets are worn and dingy, you might be considering a kitchen renovation. But before you budget tens of thousands for new cabinets, let's explore the cabinet painting vs. replacing debate. Both options can dramatically transform your kitchen, but they have very different costs, timelines, and returns on investment.

Cabinet Painting vs. Replacing: Quick Comparison

Factor	Cabinet Painting	Cabinet Replacement
Average Cost (16 cabinets)	$2,500 - $5,000	$15,000 - $35,000+
Timeline	1-2 weeks	4-8 weeks
Disruption	Minimal (kitchen still usable)	Complete disruption
ROI	60-70%	50-60%
Durability	3-5 years before touch-ups	10-15+ years
Layout Changes	Not possible	Possible

Cabinet Painting: A Closer Look

What's Involved in Cabinet Painting?

Professional cabinet painting is much more than just applying a coat of paint. A proper process includes:

1. Removal: Doors, hardware, and shelves are carefully removed
2. Cleaning: All surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and degreased
3. Sanding: Surfaces are sanded to ensure paint adhesion
4. Patching: Any damage is repaired with wood filler
5. Priming: Surfaces are primed with quality bonding primer
6. Painting: Multiple coats of quality paint are applied
7. Finishing: Hardware is reinstalled and doors are rehung

This comprehensive process, while taking 1-2 weeks, ensures a finish that lasts and looks professionally done.

Cost Breakdown for Cabinet Painting

For a typical Savannah kitchen with 16 base and wall cabinets:

• Basic Cabinet Painting: $2,500 - $3,500
• Premium Cabinet Painting: $3,500 - $5,000
• Premium with Island: $5,000 - $7,000

Prices vary based on:

• Cabinet condition and prep work needed
• Paint quality (premium paints cost more but last longer)
• Color choice (complex colors may require extra primer)
• Hardware replacement
• Additional services (backsplash painting, trim work)

Advantages of Cabinet Painting

Cabinet Replacement: A Closer Look

What's Involved in Cabinet Replacement?

Cabinet replacement is a major kitchen renovation project that typically includes:

1. Planning: Design consultation and layout planning
2. Demolition: Existing cabinets are removed
3. Preparation: Walls may need repair; plumbing/electrical adjusted
4. Installation: New cabinets are installed and leveled
5. Finishing: Hardware, backsplash, and countertops are added

This process typically takes 4-8 weeks and completely disrupts your kitchen use.

Cost Breakdown for Cabinet Replacement

For a typical Savannah kitchen with 16 base and wall cabinets:

• Stock Cabinets: $8,000 - $15,000
• Semi-Custom Cabinets: $15,000 - $25,000
• Custom Cabinets: $25,000 - $50,000+

Additional costs may include:

• Countertop replacement ($2,000 - $8,000)
• Backsplash installation ($1,000 - $3,000)
• Plumbing adjustments ($500 - $2,000)
• Electrical work ($500 - $1,500)
• Flooring ($1,500 - $5,000)

Advantages of Cabinet Replacement

ROI Comparison: Painting vs. Replacing

One important consideration for many homeowners is return on investment (ROI). When you sell your home, how much of your renovation cost comes back?

Cabinet Painting ROI

Cabinet painting typically returns 60-70% of its cost. For a $4,000 painting project, you might expect $2,400 - $2,800 back in added home value. This is excellent ROI because the cost is low relative to the dramatic improvement in kitchen appearance.

Cabinet Replacement ROI

Cabinet replacement typically returns 50-60% of its cost. For a $20,000 cabinet project, you might expect $10,000 - $12,000 back in added home value. While the absolute dollar return is higher, the ROI percentage is actually lower than painting.

This is because home buyers don't value every dollar spent on kitchen renovations equally. They see a beautiful kitchen, but may not pay proportionally for premium cabinets versus painted ones.

Timeline Comparison

Cabinet Painting Timeline

• Estimate/Consultation: 1-2 days
• Prep & Removal: 1-2 days
• Sanding & Priming: 2-3 days
• Painting: 3-5 days (multiple coats)
• Reinstallation: 1-2 days
• Total Time: 1-2 weeks

Cabinet Replacement Timeline

• Design & Planning: 1-2 weeks
• Ordering: 2-4 weeks (depends on cabinet type)
• Demolition: 2-3 days
• Installation: 3-5 days
• Finishing Work: 1-2 weeks
• Total Time: 4-8 weeks (sometimes longer)

When to Paint vs. When to Replace

Paint Your Cabinets If:

• Your cabinets are structurally sound
• Doors and hardware are in good condition
• You like your kitchen layout
• You want a quick, affordable refresh
• You're selling your home soon
• Budget is a primary concern
• You want a modern look on existing cabinets

Replace Your Cabinets If:

• Doors are damaged, warped, or misaligned
• Structural damage or water damage is present
• Storage is inadequate for your needs
• You want to change your kitchen layout
• You plan to stay in your home 7+ more years
• You want premium features and customization
• You're doing a major kitchen renovation anyway
• Hardware is broken or missing

The Cabinet Painting Process Explained

Day 1-2: Preparation & Removal

Cabinet doors, hardware, and shelves are carefully removed and labeled. The workspace is protected with drop cloths. All surfaces are then thoroughly cleaned and degreased.

Day 2-3: Sanding & Filling

Surfaces are sanded to create a good base for primer and paint. Any holes, gouges, or damage are filled with quality wood filler.

Day 3-4: Priming

A quality bonding primer is applied to all surfaces. This is crucial for adhesion and provides protection against stains.

Day 4-6: Painting

Multiple thin coats of quality paint are applied, with proper drying time between coats. Most projects need 2-3 coats for excellent coverage.

Day 6-7: Finishing

Hardware is reinstalled, doors are rehung and adjusted, shelves are returned, and any touch-ups are made. Your kitchen is back to normal, just with beautiful new cabinets.

Cabinet Painting FAQs

How long does painted cabinets last?

With proper maintenance, professionally painted cabinets typically look great for 3-5 years before needing touch-ups. Some areas, like around the sink, may need touch-ups sooner due to moisture exposure. Quality paint and proper preparation extend this timeline.

Can I paint over existing cabinet paint?

Yes, but the existing finish must be properly sanded and prepped. If the existing paint is peeling or in poor condition, this prep work is even more critical.

What paint color is best for kitchen cabinets?

Popular options include classic white, soft gray, navy blue, and sage green. The best color depends on your kitchen style and personal preference. We recommend consulting with our design team.

Can painted cabinets withstand moisture and humidity?

Yes, when painted with quality paint designed for kitchens in humid climates. Savannah's moisture requires proper ventilation and moisture-resistant paint. Avoid moisture buildup by using your kitchen exhaust fan.

Is cabinet painting cheaper than staining?

Painting and staining are similar in cost. Paint offers more color options and can hide wood grain variations, while staining preserves wood character. The choice is about aesthetics and desired look.

Conclusion

Cabinet painting and cabinet replacement are both valid options for transforming your kitchen. Cabinet painting offers dramatic results at a fraction of the cost, with quick turnaround and excellent ROI. Cabinet replacement provides longevity and customization options for those planning a major renovation or long-term stay.

The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, kitchen layout needs, and long-term plans. At Global Painting, we specialize in professional cabinet painting that delivers stunning results. We can also help you assess whether your cabinets are good candidates for painting or if replacement might be better.

Contact Global Painting today for a free cabinet assessment and quote. Serving Savannah, Pooler, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and surrounding areas.