When to Paint vs. When to Replace Cabinets

How to Know Which Path Makes Sense for Your House (and Wallet)

If you're standing in front of your cabinets and saying "something needs to go," you're not alone. Cabinets are one of the first things that people notice in a bathroom or kitchen—and when they're old, scratched, or just plain worn out, the whole room can look that way too.

But let's get real

Should you paint them or bite the bullet and replace them?

Let's work through exactly how to make the decision, based on condition, cost, style objectives, and how long you are going to live in your house.

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When Painting Your Cabinets Makes Sense

Painting cabinets is generally the budget-friendly middle ground between doing nothing and beginning a full remodel. But it's not always the solution—here's when it is.

Your Cabinets Are Structurally Sound

If your cabinet boxes and doors are solid wood or a strong MDF (not warped or water-damaged), they're great candidates for paint.

Why it works: Paint can completely revolutionize the feel of your room for pennies on the dollar versus new cabinets—especially in older Boulder-area homes where the look is still great, but the surface is outdated.

You Like the Design and Storage

If you don't need to move walls or add storage space, painting allows you to keep the existing footprint but give it a fresh look.

Why it works: No demo, no dust, no permits. Just updated cabinets with a lot less headache.

You’re Going for a Style Update, Not a Full Overhaul

Paint is perfect if your goal is a new vibe (think creamy whites, forest greens, or deep navy) without a full tear-out.

Why it works: It's great with other small upgrades like fresh hardware, lighting, or a backsplash—ideal for individuals in Longmont or Lafayette who want a speedy kitchen glow-up for selling or entertaining.

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When It's Time to Replace Your Cabinets

There are instances when no sanding and Sherwin-Williams is ever going to cut it. Here's when a full cabinet replacement is the better option.

The Cabinets Are Damaged or Warped

If your cabinets are sagging, water-damaged, delaminating, or there are soft spots, painting is only a temporary band-aid.

Why replacement is better: New cabinets fix the root issue, not just the surface. You’ll avoid problems like mold or structural failure later.

The Storage Just Doesn’t Work for You

If you’re constantly short on storage, can’t open two doors at once, or your kitchen layout feels like a maze, paint won’t solve that.

Why replacement is better: You can reinvent the whole setup for better functionality—especially in older houses along the Front Range where kitchens were initially worked with an antiquated style of living.

You Want to Greatly Increase Home Value

If you are remodeling a major kitchen or bathroom to increase resale value, full cabinet replacement is typically expected in competitive markets like Louisville, Superior, or Fort Collins.

Why replacement beats out new:

Buyers love turnkey environments, and new cabinetry (especially with soft-close hinges, deep drawers, or tailored storage) is an enormous selling point.

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A Quick Cost Comparison: Paint vs. Replace

Feature	Paint	Replace
Cost	$2,000–$6,000 (pro job)	$8,000–$25,000+
Timeline	3–7 days	2–6 weeks (plus planning)
Impact	High visual refresh	Total design flexibility
Longevity	5–10 years (with good prep)	20+ years (with proper care)
Best For	Cosmetic upgrades	Layout changes or damage

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What If You’re Still on the Fence?

If you’re somewhere in the middle, here’s a good rule of thumb:

• If your cabinets work well and just look tired—paint.

• If your cabinets are not living up to life—replace.

You also can attempt to use a compromise strategy: leave the cabinet boxes alone and only replace the doors (a tactic called cabinet refacing). It gives a fresh look without incurring the cost of full replacement.

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Final Thoughts: Your Home, Your Call

There isn't one-size-fits-all—just the best for your goals, your home's condition, and your budget.

At Alpine Home Repairs, we help homeowners across Colorado's Front Range juggle these decisions week in and week out. Wherever you live in Boulder, Erie, or somewhere in between, we can help you with figuring out the smartest thing to do—paint, replace, or somewhere in between.

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Thinking about freshening up your kitchen or bath?

Let’s talk through what makes sense for your space. You bring the questions—we’ll bring the answers (and the tools).

Alpine Home Repairs