Painting Kitchen Cabinets or Replacing Countertops - Which Should You Do First?
Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Are you wondering whether it would be better to paint your cabinets or replace the countertops first? Many homeowners face this dilemma when planning kitchen renovations. Both painting cabinets and installing new countertops can transform the look of your kitchen. But deciding which one to tackle first depends on several factors.
We'll look at budget, existing conditions, desired aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and impact on home value. With the right information, you can determine the best approach for your needs and the state of your current kitchen.
Assessing Your Budget
The cost of painting cabinets versus replacing countertops can vary significantly. Painting cabinets is generally the more budget-friendly route. The materials - primer, paint, brushes and other supplies - will only set you back about $100-250 for an average sized kitchen. You may also choose to hire a professional painter, which could cost $500-1000 or more depending on the size of your kitchen and geographical location.
In contrast, countertop replacement is a more expensive endeavor. Material costs for granite, quartz, or solid surface countertops range from $50-150 per square foot installed. The total cost for an average kitchen falls between $3000-5000. Hiring a countertop installation professional is highly recommended, as this also adds to the total cost.
If finances are a major limiting factor, painting cabinets is likely the better starting point. The small investment can still make a noticeable difference in your kitchen's appearance. However, if you have some financial flexibility, new countertops may be worth the higher price for a more dramatic update.
Sample Budgets
- Painting cabinets: $150 for supplies + $750 for professional painter = $900
- New quartz countertops: $125/sq.ft x 40 sq.ft. = $5000 installed
Evaluating Existing Conditions
The current condition of your kitchen cabinets and countertops will influence which upgrade makes the most sense. As you assess the state of each element, consider factors like:
- Age
- Visible damage - chips, cracks, stains, etc.
- Wear and tear on surfaces and hardware
- Structural soundness
- Existing functionality
For example, if your cabinets are structurally sound but looking worn, a fresh coat of paint could give them new life. On the other hand, if your countertops are visibly cracked or damaged, replacement may be the better first step. Upgrading your countertops can also make sense if they are very outdated and clashing with your cabinets.
Take time to thoroughly evaluate the condition of both components before deciding. If budget allows, consider starting with whichever aspect needs the most work.
When to Paint Cabinets
Painting makes sense if cabinets are:
- Structurally sound
- Showing surface wear - fading, scuffs
- Have an outdated but not damaged finish
- Clashing with desired kitchen aesthetic
When to Replace Countertops
Replacing countertops is best if they are:
- Extremely outdated in both style and material
- Damaged - cracks, stains, etching
- Worn down surfaces that can't be refinished
- Improved functionality needed - want integrated sink, bar seating etc.
Achieving Your Ideal Aesthetic
The look and feel you want your kitchen to achieve should also play a role in your decision. Painting cabinets or replacing countertops can both dramatically change the aesthetics of your space, but in different ways.
A fresh coat of paint allows you to transform the entire color scheme of your kitchen. Going from oak to white or adding a bold color like navy or green gives cabinets an entirely new look. It's an affordable way to align your kitchen with a more modern, farmhouse or contemporary vibe. The change may feel subtler though, as the cabinet structures remain the same.
In contrast, new countertops enable you to revamp one element with high visual impact. Materials like quartz, granite and concrete immediately provide a clean, updated appearance. Countertops also allow you to add custom details like integrated sinks, special edge profiles, and designer patterns or colors. The look transformation is bolder.
Determine which upgrade better suits your intended aesthetic. Paint for an inexpensive color change, or new countertops for a more noticeable style upgrade.
Design Styles
| Project | Best For These Styles |
|---|---|
| Painting Cabinets | Modern, contemporary, retro, cottage |
| Replacing Countertops | Contemporary, modern, transitional |
Comparing Durability and Maintenance
An important consideration is how durable each upgrade will be, and what type of maintenance it will require. Painted cabinets provide visual improvement, but the paint can chip and fade over time. Countertops made of materials like quartz are very durable, but sealing and cleaning is required.
Painted cabinets will likely show signs of wear sooner than replaced countertops. The paint may need to be redone every 5-10 years. With countertops, proper sealing and avoided damage means they can last up to 15-20 years. Granite, quartz and solid surfaces resist scratches, stains and heat better than painted cabinets.
Consider your habits and lifestyle. Countertops hold up better to heavy usage and cooking wear and tear. But if you don't mind gently re-painting cabinets as needed, the lower upfront cost could be worth the tradeoff.
Maintenance Comparison
| Project | Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Painted Cabinets | Re-painting every 5-10 years |
| New Countertops | Annual sealing, daily cleaning |
Impact on Home Value
Either kitchen upgrade can potentially increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. However, replacing countertops typically yields a higher return on investment.
New countertops are seen as a more significant kitchen upgrade. Materials like granite, quartz and concrete immediately give buyers an impression of high-end finishes. Even though painting cabinets improves aesthetics, it offers less of a tangible upgrade for prospective buyers.
If maximizing your home's resale value is a priority, investing in new countertops wins over painted cabinets. But if you plan to stay in your home long-term, paint could still add enough value for a fraction of the cost.
Return on Investment
| Project | ROI |
|---|---|
| Painted Cabinets | 50-75% ROI |
| New Countertops | 80-110% ROI |
Additional Pros and Cons of Each Option
Painting Cabinets
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly upgrade
- Cabinet boxes stay intact so no major construction
- Can be a DIY project to save costs
- Transforms color/style quickly
- Low commitment - easily change color again
Cons:
- Doesn't improve cabinet functionality
- Paint can chip or fade over time
- Provides only a cosmetic fix; existing issues remain
- Less dramatic than new countertops
Replacing Countertops
Pros:
- Greater durability and longevity
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Huge variety of material options
- Can be custom fit with added features like integrated sinks
- Boosts home value for resale
Cons:
- Significant expense for materials and installation
- Very messy demolition of old countertops
- Kitchen typically unusable during installation
- Permanent change - hard to alter or go back
Whether it's best to paint your cabinets or replace your countertops first depends on several factors - budget, existing condition, desired aesthetic, and more. Consider how much you can spend, the state of your current kitchen, your design style goals, and required maintenance level. Keep in mind that countertops tend to provide more dramatic and longer-lasting results, but at a higher price.
There is no universally right or wrong option. Choose the upgrade that makes the most sense for your specific kitchen situation. If affordable, we suggest starting with whichever element - cabinets or countertops - will give you the most impactful refresh. With some thoughtful planning, you can give your kitchen the makeover it deserves, whether that involves fresh paint or gleaming new surfaces.