How Much Does Cabinet Refinishing Cost?

The short answer: Cabinet refinishing typically costs between $4,500 - $10,000. However, the price will vary based on a number of factors such as the size of your kitchen, the quality of your existing cabinets, labour fees, and more.

How Much Does Cabinet Refinishing Cost in 2025?

Cabinet refinishing is the process of restoring the appearance of existing cabinets by applying a new finish, rather than replacing them. This typically involves cleaning, sanding, and repainting or staining your cabinets to give them a fresh, updated look. Cabinet refinishing is often the most cost-effective way to update your kitchen because it does not involve replacing your cabinets at all.

The total cost of cabinet refinishing depends on a number of factors, including:

• The size of your kitchen: Of course, the more cabinets you have, the more work there is to do! In addition, more cabinets will require more paint and if you are planning some extras, like wood grain filling or handle hole reconfiguration, that will also take more time and labour if there are more cabinets.

• The condition of your cabinets: If your cabinets are in mint condition, your team might be able to finish the project a bit quicker. However, if they are damaged with deep cracks, scratches or water damage, it will take longer to complete the project.

• Type of finish: If the company you are working with uses high-end, high-quality paints (like Renner - the paint we use here at 180 Transformations), it might increase the cost. However, using high-quality paint or stains will ensure that your cabinets not only look amazing now but will continue to look great for years to come, which will save you money over time.

• Location: Believe it or not, where you live can impact the price of the materials and labour needed to complete your cabinet refinishing project. Typically, services and products in bigger cities tend to cost more on average.

At 180 Transformations, our average cost for cabinet refinishing in the Kitchener-Waterloo area based on our 2024 data was $6,500 + HST. Our most expensive project was $12,100 and our lowest-cost project was $4,025. This range in price shows how factors like kitchen size, cabinet condition, chosen finish, and additional services can impact the overall cost of refinishing. Each project is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure high-quality results that fit your space and style.

How Much Will Cabinet Refinishing Cost For My Kitchen?

At 180 Transformations, we’ve created a super handy tool to help you budget for your upcoming kitchen renovation! Our cost calculator will provide an estimate for your project. Keep in mind that this is an estimate - as other factors might impact the final cost. However, it will provide you a general idea of what the final cost will be so that you can plan ahead.

Our cost calculator allows you to select from three refinishing options, including our standard service as well as two additional options. Then, you can choose how many drawers and doors there are in your kitchen (pricing starts at a minimum of 30 doors/drawers). After that, you can choose if you would like any add-ons, such as two-tone colour, handle hole adjustments or wood grain filling for oak cabinets.

Cabinet Replacing vs Cabinet Refacing vs Cabinet Refinishing Cost: A Comparison

If you are planning a kitchen renovation, you may be wondering if cabinet refinishing, cabinet replacing or cabinet refacing is the right choice for you, your home and your budget. Take a look at the comparison chart below to compare these different options. Remember, there are pros and limitations to each option. If you are still not sure what’s best for you, consider reaching out to the pros to learn more.

If your cabinets are made of solid wood and are still in good condition, we believe that cabinet refinishing is the right solution for most spaces. It is cost-effective and a wonderful way of preserving your existing cabinetry—without sacrificing your personal preferences! Cabinet refinishing can completely change the look of your space…more than you might think!

Is Cabinet Refinishing Right For Me?

Take a look at the before and after pictures below to see how cabinet refinishing can impact the overall look of your kitchen. As you can see from the pictures, very little changed in this kitchen aside from a fresh coat of paint on the cabinets. The backsplash, tiles, appliances and even the light fixtures are the same - however, look at the difference the new cabinet colours made in this space! Your dream kitchen could be just a few coats of paint away.

Before

After

If you’re still not sure if cabinet refinishing is right for you, here are some points to consider. Cabinet refinishing may be the perfect choice for your home if…

• You want to update the look of your kitchen without the cost and time of a full renovation.

• Your cabinet boxes are in good condition but the doors or finishes are worn or outdated.

• You’re looking for a budget-friendly option to refresh your kitchen.

• You prefer a new colour or finish for a modern or updated aesthetic.

• You’re happy with the layout of your kitchen and don’t want to change the cabinet structure.

• You want to improve the appearance of cabinets without the hassle of full removal and installation.

• You want to maintain a more environmentally friendly approach by reusing existing cabinet structures.

• You’re aiming for a quick project turnaround (typically a week or less).

If you’re ready to learn more about cabinet refinishing in the Waterloo Region, contact us today at 180 Transformations.

Ready For Your Dream Kitchen?

Ready for the kitchen makeover you’ve always wanted? You dream it, and we’ll make it happen! We have over 20 years of experience in the professional painting industry and offer services to businesses and homeowners in the Waterloo Region.

At 180 Transformations, we love helping homeowners transform their space into the home they’ve always wanted. We offer a clean, professional and efficient experience from start to finish.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen or give your bathroom a refresh, cabinet refinishing is an excellent way to bring life back into your home.