Staining cabinets typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 depending primarily on the cabinet size and type of stain.
The cost to stain cabinets runs between $1,500 to $5,000, or an average of $4 to $15 per square foot. If you want to completely transform your kitchen, bathroom, office, or living areas, consider refinishing and staining your cabinets. That process involves removing the old stain, sanding and repairing the cabinet surface, and applying a new stain onto the wood. This simple process can give your kitchen a brand-new look in just a weekend. Learn more about how much it costs to stain cabinets.
Your overall costs for staining your cabinets will depend on several factors, including the size, materials, labor, prep, and decorative add-ons. Here are the costs associated with staining cabinets:
| Room | Average Square Footage | Average Cost to Stain |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | 100–200 square feet | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Bathroom | 60 square feet | $200–$2,000 |
| Home Office | 50–150 square feet | $500–$2,000 |
| Living Room Bookcase | 40–54 square feet | $150–$1,500 |
You’ll pay between $1,500 and $5,000 to stain kitchen cabinets between 100 to 200 square feet in size. Kitchens are the most sought-after location for cabinet refinishing—as homeowners love the look of an upgraded kitchen. However, staining kitchen cabinets also tend to cost the most because kitchens often have a large number of cabinets.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $2,000 to stain an average of 60 square feet of bathroom cabinetry. Bathroom cabinets are typically smaller than kitchen cabinets. However, depending on the size of your bathroom, they can still pack a punch. Since the bathroom has lots of moisture, you’ll want to ensure the stain is water-based and has a durable coating.
You’ll pay $500 to $2,000 to stain 50 to 150 square feet of office cabinetry. Office cabinetry has become much more in demand in recent years as many more homeowners continue to work from home. For many, the home office has become a full-time workplace, so you’ll want to choose a stain color that’s timeless and elegant.
You can expect to pay $150 to $1,500 to stain a 40 to 50-square-foot bookcase in your living room. With many homeowners choosing custom built-in bookshelves, it’s no surprise that homeowners want to choose a stain finish that will not only last a long time but will also continue to look fresh and new for years to come.
Generally, one quart of stain will cover 125 to 150 square feet of cabinets using one coat. Here’s what you can expect to pay for different types of stains:
| Type of Stain | Average Cost per Quart |
|---|---|
| Water-Based Stain | $15–$20 |
| Oil-Based Stain | $12–$25 |
| Varnish | $20–$60 |
| Eco-Based | $25–$60 |
You can expect to pay between $15 and $20 for a quart of water-based stain. Water-based stains are perfect for homeowners who don’t want a heavy odor during the staining process. Water-based stains also dry quickly, allowing homeowners to reinstall the cabinetry more quickly.
You’ll pay $12 to $25 for a quart of oil-based stain. Oil-based stains are prominently used in kitchens and bathrooms—places that collect a lot of moisture due to their high durability. Oil-based stains also tend to last longer than water-based, and they do a better job of standing up to the elements.
You’ll pay $20 to $60 for a quart of varnish. Varnish coats the outside layer of wood with a protective barrier—hardening the wood and helping it remain vital for years. Varnish typically comes in a clear coating, making it easy to apply a coat over your wood cabinetry.
You can expect to pay between $25 and $60 for a quart of eco-based stain. You’ll pay slightly more for these types of stains, but you’ll also get many benefits, including:
Zero VOCs (gas emissions)
Non-toxic
No skin irritation
No nausea
No headaches
No respiratory irritation
No polyurethane
Environmentally-friendly
High-performance
You can expect a local cabinet refinishing professional to charge between $35 and $75 per hour, with total labor costs averaging $500 to $1,000 per project. You can expect a refinishing pro to charge more when working with woods that are more challenging to sand and stain.
Labor costs typically make up 60% to 80% of your overall budget. Costs can vary slightly based on the material of your cabinets and the complexity of the desired design.
Before staining your cabinets, you’ll need to ensure that your cabinets are in good working condition. You may need to hire a cabinet repair professional near you to patch any holes and cracks in your cabinetry, as well as repair minor breakages. You can expect to pay an average price of $300 for cabinet repairs.
Once your cabinets are fully stained and dry, you’ll probably want to add fresh accent pieces to your cabinetry. The cost to install cabinet hardware ranges from $100 up to $10,000, depending on the type of cabinet hardware you choose.
If lighting is your thing, you can expect to pay $230 to $300 for under-cabinet lighting. If you want to add media accessories to your cabinetry, you’ll pay between $75 and $485 to install an outlet.
Staining your cabinets yourself will save you money compared to hiring a pro, but the process is time-consuming. It will take about 30 to 50 hours for you to complete, which equals three to five full days. And not having a functional kitchen for weeks in a house full of hungry kids (and parents) may be a recipe for disaster.
That said, going the DIY route will save you money, so if budget is a concern, this is the way to go. Cabinet painting professionals near you can refinish and stain your cabinets in two to three days on average, or about 14 hours, charging between $35 and $75 per hour. That means that by putting your DIY skills to the test and staining your own cabinets, you could save somewhere between $500 and $1,000.
Staining cabinets yourself will require tools, patience, and space. You will also need a large, well-ventilated space to strip and refinish cabinet doors, like a garage or backyard.
While you’re having your cabinetry stained, it’s also a good time to work on other projects. Here are a few ideas to add to your cabinetry staining project:
Backsplash installation: $600–$1,300
Paint the kitchen or bathroom: $967–$3,041
Replace appliances: $350–$8,000
Install new flooring: $1,500–$4,460
Staining cabinets takes time and patience. There are ways to reduce costs, including:
Get at least three quotes from refinishing professionals in your area.
Purchase the stain yourself during a sale or at a discount.
Repair any cracks, dents, and abrasions on your cabinets before starting the project.
Prep the room by putting up plastic sheeting, cover all belongings, and remove furniture and valuables.
Remove cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware yourself.
Skip the customizations.
Clean up everything and dispose of dirt and debris after the pro leaves.
We know that staining cabinets costs an average of $1,500 to $5,000. And the cost to paint kitchen cabinets ranges from $422 to $1,417. However, these are both averages, and it all depends on the size of the cabinetry, the type of paint or stain you choose, the application process, and labor cost.
Yes, sanding cabinets before you stain them helps the new stain better adhere to the surface. If you’re adding a darker stain to previously stained wood, you only have to sand them lightly enough to remove any finish and rough up the wood to improve adhesion. On the other hand, if you’re trying to stain wood that is a darker color or that has paint on it, you need to sand down to the original wood, or the color will show through the new stain.
Small to medium-sized cabinetry typically takes three to five days, whereas large cabinetry takes around seven days. The complete process includes:
Removing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware.
Removing the existing stain or paint.
Sanding cabinet frames, doors, and drawers.
Staining each side of the cabinetry one at a time. You’ll have to wait for the first side to dry before staining the other side.
Waiting for the doors, drawers, and frames to dry fully.
Reattaching hardware and hinges.
Putting the doors and drawers back on the cabinet boxes.
With the proper maintenance and care, stained cabinets can last for 30 years. You’ll need to properly clean your stained cabinets with a gentle mixture of vinegar and warm water and repair minor cracks and scratches when required. As long as you commit to maintaining stained wood cabinets, you can enjoy their beauty for many years to come.
