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Paint them if the boxes and doors are solid and you like the layout. Replace them if they’re water-damaged, falling apart, or you’re changing where things go, because paint can’t fix any of that.
The money gap is large. Fixr’s January 2026 guide puts professional painting at $2,500 to $6,500 for a kitchen, refacing at about $8,250, and replacing at about $8,000 on average, with replacements often running $6,250 to $15,000.
The three options side by side
| Option | What changes | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | Same boxes and doors, new color and finish | $2,500 to $6,500 |
| Reface | New doors and drawer fronts, the boxes covered to match | About $8,250 |
| Replace | New boxes, doors and drawers | About $8,000 on average, often $6,250 to $15,000 |
Source: Fixr, updated January 27, 2026. National figures for a typical kitchen.
When painting is the right call
The doors open and close properly, the boxes are dry and square, and you’d keep the same layout. Then a new color and a hard finish change the room for a fraction of the cost. You also skip the demolition and the wait for new cabinets, because painted cabinets stay where they are.
When to replace instead
Swollen or soft wood under the sink, broken frames, doors that won’t stay on, or a plan to move the sink, the range or a wall. Any of those means new cabinets, and paint would only hide the problem for a while.
Permits
In the City of Sacramento, painting and cabinets don’t need a building permit. Related work can, such as moving electrical fixtures to fit new cabinets or counters.
Who paints cabinets near you
Around Sacramento and Roseville, see N Style’s Roseville cabinet painting page or call 916-234-3551. In the Bay Area, see cabinets and finishing or call 669-238-9984.
Book a free estimate Call 916-234-3551
Questions people ask
Is painting kitchen cabinets cheaper than refacing?
Yes, in most kitchens. Fixr’s 2026 guide puts painting at $2,500 to $6,500 and refacing at about $8,250.
How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets?
Fixr puts replacement at about $8,000 on average, often $6,250 to $15,000, before any new countertops.
When should I replace my cabinets instead of painting them?
If water has gotten into the boxes under the sink, the frames are cracked, or you’re moving the sink, the range or a wall.
Do I need a permit to paint kitchen cabinets in Sacramento?
No. The City of Sacramento lists painting and cabinets as work that doesn’t need a building permit. Moving electrical fixtures for new cabinets can.