Kitchen Cabinet Painting vs Replacement: Complete 2025 Cost Guide
Thinking about updating your kitchen cabinets? Discover whether painting or replacing offers better value, with real 2025 costs and expert recommendations for London & Hertfordshire homeowners.
📈Quick Answer: Which is Better?
Cabinet painting wins for most homeowners in 2025. You'll save £8,000-£15,000 compared to replacement while achieving a stunning transformation that lasts 10-15 years with proper preparation.
Only replace if cabinets are structurally damaged or you're changing the layout entirely.
2025 Cost Comparison: London & Hertfordshire
| Option | Small Kitchen (8 units) | Medium Kitchen (12 units) | Large Kitchen (16+ units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Painting | £1,200 - £2,000 | £1,800 - £3,200 | £2,500 - £4,500 |
| Full Replacement | £8,000 - £15,000 | £12,000 - £25,000 | £18,000 - £35,000 |
| Potential Savings | £6,800 - £13,000 | £10,200 - £21,800 | £15,500 - £30,500 |
*Prices include materials and professional installation. London prices typically 15-20% higher than Hertfordshire.
🎨Cabinet Painting
✅Advantages
- • 70-85% cost savings vs replacement
- • 2-3 day project vs 2-3 weeks
- • No structural work required
- • Eco-friendly option
- • Unlimited color choices
- • Maintains kitchen functionality
❌Limitations
- • Can't change cabinet layout
- • Won't fix structural issues
- • Limited style transformation
- • Requires quality preparation
🏠Cabinet Replacement
✅Advantages
- • Complete style transformation
- • Can change layout entirely
- • Modern storage solutions
- • Fixes structural problems
- • Higher property value increase
❌Disadvantages
- • 5-10x more expensive
- • 2-3 week disruption
- • Requires permits/planning
- • Generates significant waste
- • Complex project management
When to Choose Each Option
Choose Painting When:
- ✓ Cabinets are structurally sound
- ✓ Happy with current layout
- ✓ Budget under £5,000
- ✓ Want quick transformation
- ✓ Doors/drawers function properly
- ✓ Style is classic/timeless
Choose Replacement When:
- ✓ Cabinets are damaged/warped
- ✓ Want to change layout
- ✓ Budget over £15,000
- ✓ Doors don't close properly
- ✓ Need more storage space
- ✓ Planning full kitchen renovation
Alba Decor's Professional Cabinet Painting Process
Day 1: Preparation
- • Remove all doors and hardware
- • Deep clean and degrease surfaces
- • Sand and prime all surfaces
- • Protect surrounding areas
Day 2-3: Painting
- • Apply premium base coats
- • Hand-paint with precision brushes
- • Multiple thin coats for durability
- • Reinstall with new hardware
Our Guarantee: 5-year warranty on all cabinet painting work with premium Farrow & Ball or Little Greene paints.
Return on Investment Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does painted cabinet finish last?
With professional preparation and premium paints, painted cabinets last 10-15 years. Alba Decor uses only the highest quality primers and topcoats for maximum durability.
Can you paint over laminate cabinets?
Yes! Modern bonding primers allow us to paint over laminate, melamine, and even glossy surfaces. The key is proper surface preparation and using the right products.
What's the best paint for kitchen cabinets?
We recommend Farrow & Ball Estate Eggshell or Little Greene Intelligent Eggshell for their durability and beautiful finish. These paints resist moisture, grease, and daily wear.
How much disruption will there be?
Minimal! We work around your schedule, and you can still use your kitchen for basic tasks. Most projects are completed in 2-3 days with full functionality restored each evening.
The Bottom Line
For most London and Hertfordshire homeowners in 2025, professional cabinet painting offers exceptional value. You'll save thousands while achieving a stunning transformation that rivals a full replacement.
The key is choosing experienced professionals who understand proper preparation, use premium materials, and stand behind their work with comprehensive warranties.
Alba Decor Team
Professional painters and decorators serving London and Hertfordshire since 2015. Specialists in hand-painted kitchens, interior decorating, and premium finishes.
Learn more about our team →