How much does it cost to have kitchen cabinets painted? What you need to know

If you are thinking of having kitchen cabinets repainted, you may be wondering about the cost.

Taking on a whole-kitchen renovation can be messy, time-consuming and expensive. However, if you're looking to give your kitchen fresh appeal, a simple respray could be the answer. But how much does it cost to have kitchen cabinets painted?

You may be pleasantly surprised. If your tired cabinets need a little TLC, a repaint could be the easiest – and most affordable – solution.

And, what's more, painted kitchen cabinets are a versatile way to add personality. With a huge range of colors to choose from, you can express your creativity, rethink your color scheme and change the whole look of your kitchen, whether you're repainting a classic Shaker-style kitchen or contemporary, clean-lined handleless design.

See: Kitchen ideas – decor and decorating ideas for all kitchens 

Stick to neutrals – white is enjoying a resurgence in modern farmhouse decor schemes – if you want to play it safe yet stylish. If you have a more expansive space with lots of natural light, you can give a stronger shade a showcase. 

And the beauty of a painted kitchen? You can always repaint it again at a later date if you change your mind on the aesthetic. 

We've got your top questions on how much it costs to have your kitchen cabinets painted below.

How much does it cost to repaint kitchen cabinetry?

It all depends on the size of your kitchen, but you can expect to pay between $75/£50 to $150/£100 per cabinet to have kitchen cabinets repainted. So, if you have 10 cabinets in your kitchen, you can expect to pay between $750/£500 to $1500/£1000.

Prices will vary according to the intricacy of the job – flat-fronted cabinet and drawer doors will be quicker and therefore cheaper to repaint than those with beading, for example. Don't forget to include side panels – and expect to pay much more for the interior of cabinetry to be factored in.

Is it cheaper to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?

It can be at least 50% cheaper to paint your kitchen cabinets rather than have them replaced, and possibly even more. If you want to go a step further in your update, it’s a great idea to swap the handles for new ones and even the countertop too. You will then be left with a refreshed kitchen that looks brand new, without the full cost of actually installing a new one.

As replacing kitchen cabinets can easily cost well over $15,000/£10,000, repainting is an inspired idea for a stylish makeover.

See: Kitchen color ideas – paint schemes and more ways to decorate your space

How much does it cost to respray kitchen cabinets?

Of course, each kitchen is different but, as a rule of thumb, budget around $75/£50 to $150/£100 for each cabinet, and multiply this by the number of cabinets that need spraying. 

Having cabinets resprayed rather than painted can create a more seamless finish – which will be important if you have chosen a kitchen cabinet paint with a glossy sheen.

How much does it cost to have cabinets professionally painted?

For the best finish, you should always have your kitchen resprayed by a professional, and the above costs – from around $750/£500 to $1,500/£1,000 - are what you can expect to pay an expert for 10 cabinets.

Will painting my kitchen cabinets bring down value?

Painting your kitchen cabinets, especially when done by a professional, will add value to your home. According to Zillow, a real estate and rental marketplace, neutral, painted cabinets in particular can help boost your home's re-sale value.

See: White kitchen ideas – bright and stylish spaces that never date

Sticking to a neutral palette is a good idea if you are painting your kitchen cabinets with a view to selling, due to its wide-reaching appeal. You can never really go wrong with white.

Thanks to deVOL for help with this feature.