How Much Does Kitchen Cabinet Painting Cost vs Replacement?

Nothing transforms the look and feel of a kitchen like updating its cabinets. If you’re a homeowner in Kern County, CA, and your cabinets are looking tired, you’re likely facing a big decision: should you replace them entirely, or is professional cabinet painting a smarter, more cost-effective choice?

At Steve Holloway Painting, we’ve been helping our neighbors in Bakersfield, Fresno, and the surrounding areas achieve stunning kitchen transformations since 1982. We understand that this is a significant investment, and we want to provide you with a clear, honest comparison to help you make the best decision for your home and budget.

How Much Does Cabinet Replacement Cost?

When you consider replacing your kitchen cabinets, the initial sticker shock can be substantial. The cost of new cabinetry alone can range from $4,500 to over $15,000 for an average-sized kitchen, depending on the material, style, and whether you choose stock, semi-custom, or custom options.

But the cost of the cabinets themselves is only the beginning. A full replacement project involves several other major expenses:

• Demolition and Disposal: Removing the old cabinets and disposing of them properly entails cost.
• Installation: Professional installation is crucial for a perfect fit, and this labor can be expensive, especially for complex layouts.
• Countertops and Backsplash: Often, replacing cabinets requires you to replace your countertops and backsplash as well, as they may be damaged during the process or simply won't fit the new configuration. This can easily add thousands of dollars to the total.
• Downtime: A full kitchen gut-and-remodel can take weeks or even months, leaving your kitchen unusable for an extended period.



When all is said and done, a full cabinet replacement can easily cost upwards of $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the scope of the work.

How Much Does Professional Cabinet Painting Cost?

In contrast, professional cabinet painting offers a dramatic transformation at a fraction of the cost. While prices vary based on the size of your kitchen, the number of doors and drawers, and the complexity of the finish, you can typically expect to save 50% to 70% compared to replacement.

For a homeowner in Bakersfield, the price of a high-quality, professional cabinet painting job typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Specialty finishes, glazing, or custom colors can push the cost above $7,000. This range is an estimate. We always provide a detailed, free quote after assessing your specific kitchen. 

What You’re Paying For: Quality and Durability

When you choose Steve Holloway Painting for your cabinet refresh, you’re investing in a durable, factory-like finish that will last for years. Our process is meticulous and sets us apart:

• Expert Preparation: We carefully remove all doors and drawers, clean them thoroughly to remove years of grease and grime, and lightly sand all surfaces. This preparation is the secret to a long-lasting finish.
• High-Quality Materials: We use premium, specialized coatings designed for cabinets, not standard wall paint. These products offer superior adhesion, durability, and resistance to chipping and fading.
• Flawless Application: Our experienced team uses professional spraying techniques to ensure a smooth, even, and flawless finish that looks brand new.
• Minimal Disruption: The bulk of the work on the doors and drawers is done off-site, meaning we minimize the disruption to your daily life. Your kitchen is typically back in use much faster than with a full replacement.



The Decision: When to Paint vs. When to Replace

The choice between painting and replacement ultimately comes down to two factors: the condition of your existing cabinets and your budget.

Choose Painting When:

• Cabinet boxes and frames are structurally sound and in good shape
• You’re happy with your current kitchen layout and functionality
• You want a high-impact change for the most cost-effective price
• You need a fast, low-disruption update

Choose Replacement When:

• Boxes are warped, damaged by water, or falling apart
• You need to change the footprint, add an island, or reconfigure the space
• Budget isn’t a primary concern, and you want a completely new look and layout
• You can tolerate a lengthy, complex renovation project



For the vast majority of homeowners, if the cabinet boxes are in good structural condition, painting is the clear winner. 

Start Your Kitchen Transformation Today

Steve Holloway Painting specializes in durable, factory-quality finishes that completely rejuvenate your kitchen without the mess, stress, or expense of a full renovation.

We offer flexible financing options to make your dream kitchen affordable, and our track record speaks for itself—just read our customer reviews from homeowners across Bakersfield and Kern County who trusted us to transform their kitchens.

Contact Steve Holloway Painting today for a free consultation and discover why we're Bakersfield's highest-rated painting and concrete coating company. Your beautiful, updated kitchen is closer than you think.