How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Cabinets in Your Home? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to refinish cabinets is $3,116, based on 4,344 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $1,992 and $4,495, with the spread driven by cabinet size, finishing method, and material type. If your cabinets need repairs or upgrades, like under-cabinet lighting at $230 to $300 per light, budget an additional $300 or more to cover those extras.

Should You Refinish, Reface, or Replace Cabinets?

If coming home to a kitchen you love is high on your to-do list, you'll want to know the differences between cabinet refinishing and refacing. While the two sound similar, the pricing and the steps required vary for each. A third option, of course, is to replace your cabinets.

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet refinishing costs $4 to $10 per square foot, or between $2,000 to $4,500 total when you hire a cabinet refinishing pro. It's one of the most affordable and efficient ways to update structurally sound, solid-wood cabinets. The process involves stripping, cleaning, sanding, and then painting or staining the cabinet surfaces. If your cabinets are in poor condition, have an outdated design, or are made of fiberboard or non-wood particleboard, replacement is a better option than refinishing.

Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing costs between $4,300 to $10,000, making it more expensive and labor-intensive than refinishing. The process involves removing all cabinet doors and drawers and replacing them with brand-new ones while keeping the existing cabinet boxes in place. Because the existing boxes must be treated to match the new door colors, the project takes longer than a standard refinish.

Cabinet Replacement

When cabinets are beyond saving through refinishing or refacing, replacement is the best option, with installing new cabinets costs ranging from $2,000 to $11,000 on average. You'll also need to factor in removal and disposal of the existing cabinets, which adds to the total. If you're changing the layout, budget for additional work such as flooring, electrical, plumbing, drywall, and tile.

Cabinet Refinishing Costs: By Method

The finishing method you choose is one of the biggest drivers of your total cabinet refinishing cost, with options ranging from painting and staining to glazing, varnishing, and shellacking. More complex methods require additional steps and materials, which pushes the price higher. Here are a few finishing methods to consider:

Staining

Staining solid wood cabinets costs between $4 to $15 per square foot, with the total cost of staining kitchen cabinets running between $1,500 to $5,000. The process involves stripping, cleaning, and sanding the cabinet doors and drawers before applying stain in your chosen color. If you have veneer cabinets, staining is not recommended — choose a different finishing method instead.

Painting

The cost of painting kitchen cabinets ranges from $3 to $10 per square foot, with total costs between $400 to $1,500. Painting is one of the most accessible refinishing methods and can refresh your kitchen without any demolition. A refinishing pro will strip, clean, sand, and paint your cabinets using professional-grade cabinet paint to ensure a durable, long-lasting finish.

Glazing

Professional cabinet glazing costs between $9 to $25 per square foot, or $1,200 to $3,500 in total, making it one of the pricier refinishing methods. Glazing is the right choice if you want the rich, layered look of antique cabinetry. The process involves stripping, cleaning, sanding, and painting the cabinets, then applying a semi-transparent glossy solution over the dried paint.

Varnishing

Varnishing wood cabinets costs between $6 to $16 per square foot and is a strong choice for homeowners who want to protect their cabinets from stains and scratches while extending their lifespan. The process involves stripping, cleaning, and sanding the doors and drawers before applying a varnish finish. You can choose between polyurethane or a conversion finish, which is fast-drying and highly durable.

Shellacking

Shellacking cabinets costs between $6 to $16 per square foot for professional refinishing and delivers a semi-transparent, high-gloss finish that enhances the natural warmth of wood. The process starts with stripping, cleaning, and sanding the doors and drawers, followed by applying a natural shellac finish.

Based on responses from 7,500 Angi customers, painting is the most popular cabinet refinishing project, chosen by 39% of homeowners. Another 24% opted to restore their existing cabinet color, a choice that helps maintain the natural look of the wood while refreshing the overall appearance.

Cabinet Refinishing Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Several factors shape your total cabinet refinishing cost, including the size, location, and type of cabinets you have. Understanding these variables helps you anticipate where your budget will go before you get a quote.

Size

Cabinet size is one of the largest cost factors in any refinishing project, with prices ranging from $4 to $25 per square foot depending on the finish and dimensions. The more square footage you need to cover, the higher your total cost will be.

Number of Cabinets

The number of cabinets in your project directly affects the total cost of refinishing. More cabinets mean more time and labor for stripping, cleaning, sanding, and applying the finish, all of which add up quickly.

Cabinet Location

Kitchen cabinets are the most common refinishing project, but bathrooms and home offices are popular locations too, and the room you're working in directly affects your cost. Because kitchens typically have more cabinetry, you can expect kitchen refinishing costs to run higher than in other rooms. Here's a breakdown of average refinishing costs by room:

Type of Cabinet Material

Your cabinet material determines which refinishing methods are appropriate and directly influences the cost of the project. Solid wood cabinets work best for staining, while laminate cabinets perform better with paint. Here's how different cabinet materials compare on refinishing costs:

Prep

Prep work is a necessary step before any refinishing project and typically adds to your overall cost, with the cost of repairing your cabinets averaging $300 and usually not included in the refinishing quote. Prep involves taping off floors and counters, adding drop cloths, stripping existing paint or stain, cleaning, sanding, and patching any holes or cracks. Addressing these repairs before refinishing ensures a smoother, longer-lasting finish.

Custom Cabinet Finishes

Custom add-ons can significantly increase your refinishing budget, with options ranging from adding under-cabinet lighting at $230 to $300 per light to custom carvings or finishings that can add up to $5,000. These upgrades are worth considering if you want to elevate the finished look beyond a standard refinish.

Additional Kitchen or Bathroom Updates

While your kitchen or bathroom is out of order during cabinet refinishing, it's a good time to make other updates to your space. Here are some options:

• Hiring a local painting pro

• Replacing your faucet

• Switching out cabinet hinges

• Updating appliances

• Installing a tile backsplash

• Sink repair or replacement

• Countertop repair or replacement

Cabinet Refinishing Pro Costs: What to Expect

A local cabinet refinishing pro typically charges between $35 to $75 per hour, with an average rate of $55 per hour, which works out to $1,800 to $5,000 per project in total labor costs. Pros come equipped with all the tools and materials needed to complete the job. They'll also properly ventilate the space, apply the right refinishing techniques, and offer guidance to help you get the best possible results.

Why You Should Hire a Cabinet Refinishing Pro

Refinishing cabinets can be a tedious and time-consuming process, and DIY results can vary based on your prep steps and paint application skills. Hire a cabinet refinishing pro near you for professional results and a faster timeline. You'll save money by DIYing, but your results may not last as long or look as good.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a cabinet refinishing pro

Hiring a cabinet refinishing pro can be worth the extra cost—here's why:

• Pros have the equipment and setup to quickly give you the best finished results.

• A pro knows how to properly ventilate the area and use protective gear to minimize any health risks.

• Cabinet refinishing pros have experience working on many kinds of cabinet materials and finishes.

• A pro refinishing job will keep the mess to a minimum in your home.

• Professional results often last longer than DIY due to the prep, products, and techniques used.

If you want to DIY cabinet refinishing

You can save on labor costs by DIYing this project—here are some things to keep in mind:

• You'll need to invest in a quality sander, paint sprayer, shop vac, and protective gear if you don't have them already.

• Set aside plenty of time for each cabinet so you don't rush the process.

• Proper prep is key to good results, so ensure you're setting yourself up for success.

• Refinishing techniques vary depending on the cabinet material and the refinishing method—make sure you're using the right one.

How to Save on the Cost to Refinish Cabinets

Cabinet refinishing doesn't have to break the bank. You can save on costs by thoughtfully choosing your finishes and prioritizing your customizations. Here are a few ways to save on cabinet refinishing costs:

• Get quotes from at least three local cabinet refinishing pros.

• Ask pros for a discount on finishes and hardware if you can bundle extra work around your home.

• Perform the prep work yourself, like removing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware.

• Don't add any ornate customization to your cabinets.

• Choose cabinet paint that resists dirt, grime, and chipping—this way, you're less likely to find yourself paying for repairs down the road.

Does Cabinet Refinishing Increase Home Value?

Cabinet refinishing is a cosmetic upgrade, but it can still increase the value of your home. Kitchens are a major selling point for buyers, and updated cabinetry improves the perceived value of the space. On the other hand, an outdated or worn kitchen can be a turn-off for potential buyers. Minor kitchen remodels can have a return on investment (ROI) of about 96%.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.