12 Factors That Affect Cabinet Refinishing Price

Understanding Cabinet Refinishing Pricing

When you request a quote for cabinet refinishing, professionals evaluate numerous factors to determine your price. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate costs and make informed decisions.

1. Door and Drawer Count

The most significant price factor is simply how many pieces need refinishing. Professional cabinet refinishers typically charge: - **$125-$175 per door** - **$65-$100 per drawer front**

A kitchen with 30 doors costs significantly more than one with 15 doors. Count your pieces before requesting quotes to estimate your range.

2. Wood Type and Grain

Different wood species require different preparation:

Oak (Most Expensive) Oak's prominent grain pattern requires filling before painting for a smooth finish. This adds: - 2-4 hours of additional labor - Specialized grain filler material - Extra sanding steps - **Price Impact**: +20-25%

Maple, Cherry, Birch These closed-grain woods are easier to refinish: - Standard prep work - No grain filling needed - **Price Impact**: Standard pricing

MDF or Thermofoil May require special primers or may not be suitable for refinishing: - **Price Impact**: Varies; some can't be refinished

3. Current Cabinet Condition

Your cabinets' current state affects prep work requirements:

Good Condition - Minor wear, clean surface - Standard prep - **Price Impact**: Standard pricing

Fair Condition - Some grease buildup, minor damage - Additional cleaning, spot repairs - **Price Impact**: +5-10%

Poor Condition - Heavy grease, peeling, damage - Extensive prep, repairs - **Price Impact**: +15-25%

4. Desired Finish Type

The finish you choose affects material and labor costs:

Painted (Standard) - Most common choice - Excellent coverage - **Price Impact**: Standard pricing

Stained - Shows wood grain - May require stripping - **Price Impact**: Similar to painted

Two-Tone - Different colors upper/lower - Double the masking - **Price Impact**: +10-15%

Specialty Finishes - Glazing, distressing, antiquing - Additional steps and skill - **Price Impact**: +15-30%

5. Color Selection

Color choice can impact cost:

Standard Colors White, gray, and common colors are readily available: - **Price Impact**: Standard pricing

Custom Color Matching Matching specific colors requires custom mixing: - **Price Impact**: +$100-$300

Dark Over Light (or Vice Versa) Dramatic color changes may require additional coats: - **Price Impact**: +5-10%

6. Kitchen Accessibility

The physical workspace affects efficiency:

Easy Access - Ground floor, open kitchen - Standard pricing

Difficult Access - Upper floors, tight spaces - Narrow doorways, stairs - **Price Impact**: +5-15%

7. Cabinet Style

Door style complexity affects painting time:

Shaker/Flat Panel - Simple, flat surfaces - Quick to paint - **Price Impact**: Standard pricing

Raised Panel - Multiple surfaces and edges - More masking and detail work - **Price Impact**: +5-10%

Ornate/Detailed - Intricate carvings or details - Significant additional time - **Price Impact**: +15-25%

8. Project Timeline

Timing affects availability and pricing:

Flexible Timeline - Can schedule during slow periods - May receive better rates - **Price Impact**: Potential discount

Rush Jobs - Tight deadline requirements - Overtime or priority scheduling - **Price Impact**: +15-25%

9. Location in Indianapolis

Geographic factors can influence pricing:

Urban/Accessible - Close to suppliers - Easy parking and access - **Price Impact**: Standard pricing

Suburban/Remote - Longer travel time - May affect scheduling - **Price Impact**: +5-10%

10. Hardware Requirements

Cabinet hardware affects your total investment:

Keep Existing Hardware - No additional cost - Clean and reinstall

New Hardware (Customer Provides) - Installation included - No material markup

New Hardware (Professional Provides) - Convenience fee applies - **Price Impact**: $5-$30+ per piece

11. Additional Services

Common add-ons affect total price:

Interior Cabinet Painting - Inside of cabinets - **Price Impact**: +20-30%

Island Refinishing - Often quoted separately - **Price Impact**: +$500-$1,500

Crown Molding - Cabinet-top molding - **Price Impact**: +$200-$500

12. Warranty and Guarantee

Professional warranties add value:

Standard Warranty (1-2 years) - Covers defects and peeling - **Price Impact**: Included

Extended Warranty (3-5 years) - Longer coverage period - **Price Impact**: +5-10%

How to Optimize Your Quote

1. **Clean thoroughly** before the estimate visit 2. **Remove contents** from cabinets to show condition 3. **Be flexible** on timeline if possible 4. **Choose standard colors** unless you have a specific vision 5. **Bundle services** for potential discounts 6. **Get multiple quotes** to compare fairly