The Short Answer
Cabinet refinishing is the fastest, lowest cost way to transform a tired kitchen. Doors and drawer fronts get sprayed in our climate controlled finishing area for a factory smooth finish. Boxes get scuffed and sprayed on site behind full masking. It costs a fraction of replacement, and you get a firm schedule with your estimate.
Cabinet Refinishing at a Glance
Estimates only. Every project is different. Use these as rough planning ranges. A real number takes a free walkthrough.
Most kitchens between $5K and $20K. Larger or custom can run higher.
Scheduled with your estimate
Solid boxes in good shape with a dated finish
About 8 to 12 years
When You Need Cabinet Refinishing
Cabinets look dated but the boxes are structurally solid
You want a refresh without 4 weeks of kitchen demolition
Original 1990s or 2000s oak, maple, or cherry that needs to come into this decade
You are listing the home and need a fast kitchen reset
Replacement quotes came in at $20,000 plus and you are not ready to spend that
What is Included in Every Cabinet Refinishing Project
How Our Cabinet Refinishing Process Works
- 01
Door Removal
Doors and drawer fronts come off, get labeled, and head to our finishing area.
- 02
Mask & Prep
Boxes are scuffed and degreased. Counters, floors, and walls are fully masked.
- 03
Spray Finish
Two coats of cabinet grade finish on every surface. Sanding between coats.
- 04
Reinstall
Doors come back on with adjusted hinges. New hardware installed if requested.
What Affects the Cost
Here is what moves the price up or down on a real cabinet refinishing project.
Number of doors and drawer fronts (the most visible work and main driver of cost)
Whether boxes need grain filling on oak for a smooth factory look (adds 10 to 20 percent)
Color change scope: same color refresh vs white over dark stain vs dark over white
Hardware: reusing existing vs ordering new hinges and pulls
Bath vanity add on in same project (adds $400 to $900)
Cabinet Refinish vs Reface vs Replace (Estimate Ranges Only)
| Option | OC Estimate Range | Days Down | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refinish (what we do)Our Service | ~$4,500 to $30,000 | 5 to 7 days | 8 to 12 years | Boxes in good shape, you want a fresh look fast |
| Reface (new doors + veneer boxes) | ~$10,000 to $40,000 | 1 to 2 weeks | 10 to 15 years | Doors are damaged but boxes are solid, partial reset |
| Replace (full new cabinets) | ~$25,000 to $120,000+ | 3 to 6 weeks | 25+ years | Boxes are damaged, layout needs to change, full remodel |
Common Questions About Cabinet Refinishing
Real questions from Lake Forest and south Orange County clients.
What Can Go Wrong (and How We Handle It)
The most common complaints homeowners post about cabinet refinishing. Here is how we avoid each one.
White finish yellowing within 18 months
We use waterborne non yellowing urethanes (Sherwin Williams Emerald, Dunn Edwards Aristoshield). No solvent based lacquers on whites.
Chipping at edges and high wear areas within a year
We scuff sand to 220 grit, apply bonding primer where needed, and spray two full coats of cabinet grade urethane with light sand between. The prep is where most cabinet refinishes fail. We do not skip it.
Oak grain telegraphing through white paint
We disclose this up front on oak boxes. If you want a smooth factory look, we offer optional grain filling for an additional 10 to 20 percent on the project. Sample boards available.
Solvent smell lingering in the house for weeks
We use waterborne urethanes that off gas in 2 to 4 days. No solvent based lacquers in occupied homes.
Off site doors come back warped from humidity swings
Our finishing area is climate controlled. Doors stay in our shop for 3 to 5 days at stable humidity, not in a garage, truck bed, or van.
Hidden charge creep after the quote
Color change, grain filling, hardware orders, and bath vanity add ons are all itemized in the original quote. No surprises after start.
Recent Cabinet Refinishing Projects
