When a kitchen starts to look dated or worn, one of the first questions homeowners ask is whether to paint the cabinets or replace them entirely. Both options have benefits, but the real deciding factor for most people is cost. In British Columbia, where home renovation costs can be high, it’s especially important to choose the option that gives the best look at the best price.
In this article, we’ll compare cabinet painting and cabinet replacement and help you understand which one saves more money in BC homes.
What Is Cabinet Painting?
Cabinet painting is exactly what it sounds like — giving your existing cabinets a fresh coat of paint. This process usually includes:
- Cleaning and degreasing the surfaces
- Sanding or de-glossing
- Priming
- Spray painting or hand painting
Professionals often use spray methods for a smooth, factory-like finish. Painting does not change the structure of cabinets. It only updates the surface. Many homeowners choose professional kitchen cabinet spray painting as a cost-effective way to refresh their kitchens without a full renovation.
What Is Cabinet Replacement?
Cabinet replacement means removing your old cabinets and installing new ones from scratch. This may include:
- Custom or semi-custom cabinets
- New doors and drawers
- New hardware
- Adjusting layout if needed
Replacement involves more construction work. Cabinets are cut, fitted, and often require changes to plumbing or appliances.
Cost Comparison: Painting vs Replacement
Let’s look at why one option typically costs more than the other.
Cabinet Painting Costs
In BC, the cost to paint cabinets depends on:
- Kitchen size
- Number of doors and drawers
- Condition of cabinets
- Paint type and finish
Painting generally costs much less than replacement. The biggest expenses are labor and preparation. Painting takes time to prep surfaces so the finish lasts.
A typical cabinet painting project in BC may range from $1,500 to $5,000 for most kitchens. Larger kitchens or extensive prep can increase the cost.
Cabinet Replacement Costs
Replacement costs are significantly higher. Prices vary based on:
- Cabinet quality (stock, semi-custom, custom)
- Material type
- Hardware quality
- Installation complexity
In BC, cabinet replacement can easily range from $8,000 to $20,000 or more for a standard kitchen. High-end custom cabinets with premium hardware can exceed this range.
Replacement includes materials, fabrication, delivery, and installation — all of which add up quickly.
Time and Disruption
Cost isn’t only about money. Time and disruption also matter. Homeowners who want faster results often consider how long cabinet upgrades take, especially compared to how long spray painting kitchen cabinets takes.
Painting
Painting cabinets usually takes 3 to 7 days, depending on size and prep work needed. Homes remain mostly usable. The kitchen is still functional even if doors are off for a day or two.
Replacement
Replacement can take 2 to 4 weeks or longer. New cabinets must be delivered, fitted, and adjusted. Walls may need repairs. Plumbing and electrical work sometimes follow. This means more disruption to everyday life.
For many BC homeowners, the shorter timeline of painting is a huge advantage.
Visual Impact
Cost savings are important, but you also want the kitchen to look good.
Painted Cabinets
Painting can dramatically refresh a kitchen’s look. A fresh colour can lift the entire space, brighten the room, and even make the kitchen feel larger. When done professionally with proper preparation and quality paint, the finish can look smooth and modern.
Painting lets you choose a wide range of colours and finishes. Light colours reflect more light and help the kitchen feel open — a useful benefit in smaller BC homes.
New Cabinets
New cabinets do offer a complete transformation. You can change the layout, choose new door styles, customize storage, and install modern soft-close hardware. Replacement gives the most flexibility in design.
However, these upgrades come at a much higher price.
Longevity and Durability
How long will each option last?
Cabinet Painting
A professionally painted cabinet can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care. The key to longevity is in the preparation and quality of paint used. Poor preparation or low-quality paint will lead to chipping and peeling sooner.
Cabinet Replacement
New cabinets often come with warranties and are built to last. With quality materials and installation, they may last 20 years or more. However, the lifespan depends on how well they were made and installed.
Replacement cabinets may be more durable in the long run, but they come at a much higher upfront cost.
Impact on Home Value
Will painting or replacing cabinets affect your home’s resale value?
Painting
Painting can freshen the look of your kitchen and make it more appealing to buyers. It is often seen as a smart update, especially if the cabinets are in good condition. However, it is not usually a major selling feature on its own.
Replacement
New cabinets are often seen as a higher-end upgrade. They can add perceived value to the home. Buyers often equate new cabinets with a recently renovated kitchen.
That said, the cost of replacement is often not fully recovered in resale value. Painting may give you a better return on investment.
When Painting Makes Sense
Painting is the better choice when:
- Cabinets are still structurally sound
- You want a fresh, modern look
- Cost savings is a priority
- You plan to stay in the home for years
- You want minimal disruption
For many BC homes with older cabinets, painting gives a dramatic update without replacement cost.
When Replacement Is Worth It
Replacement may be the right choice when:
- Cabinets are damaged, warped, or water-logged
- You want a new kitchen layout
- You need more storage or modern features
- Cabinets are very old and worn
In these cases, painting may only be a short-term fix.
DIY vs Professional Work
Some homeowners consider DIY painting to save even more. While this can work, cabinets are tougher than walls. Proper cleaning, sanding, priming, and spraying require tools and skill. DIY may save money, but results may not last as long.
Professional painters use high-quality materials and techniques that deliver smoother, more durable finishes.
Replacement should always be done by professionals because installation affects durability and function.
Practical Examples
Let’s look at two BC homeowners:
Example 1: The Budget Renovator
Sarah has a Vancouver condo with solid cabinets but outdated colours. She chooses to paint cabinets a soft light grey. The project cost $3,000, and her kitchen looks modern. She saves thousands compared to replacement. Sarah’s kitchen will stay fresh for years.
Example 2: The Big Update
John has an older home with warped cabinet doors and uneven shelving. Painting would be temporary. He chose replacement with new storage solutions and soft-close drawers. The project cost $18,000, but he got the layout he wanted.
Both homeowners made smart choices based on their goals.
Final Comparison Summary
| Feature | Painting | Replacement |
| Cost | Low | High |
| Time | Short (days) | Long (weeks) |
| Disruption | Minimal | More |
| Visual Impact | Very Good | Best |
| Durability | 10–15 years | 20+ years |
| Resale Value | Moderate | Higher |
| Flexibility | Colour only | Full redesign |
Conclusion
In most cases, cabinet painting saves more money for BC homes than replacement. It gives a fresh look for a fraction of the cost and takes less time. If cabinets are in decent condition, painting is often the smart choice.
Replacement makes sense when cabinets are damaged or when you want a full redesign. It is a long-term upgrade but comes with a high price tag.
The key is to assess your cabinets, your budget, and your goals. Consult with a professional and compare both options before deciding.
For many BC homeowners, expert painting services offers the best balance of cost, beauty, and functionality. It makes kitchens look new again, keeps renovation stress low, and costs far less than replacement.