How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Cabinets in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Refinishing cabinets costs an average of $3,114, with most homeowners spending between $1,990 and $4,498. Costs depend on factors like your location, the size and quality of your cabinets, and the finishing method.

If your cabinets are looking worn or outdated, refinishing them is a budget-friendly way to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh new look without the cost of replacing them entirely. Here's what you need to know to plan your cabinet refinishing project.

Cost to Refinish Cabinets by Finishing Type

The method you choose to refinish your cabinets plays a big role in the overall cost. From staining and painting to glazing and varnishing, each finish offers a unique look and price point. Here's a breakdown of common finishing methods and what you can expect to pay for each.

Staining Cabinets

Staining is an excellent choice if you want to enhance the natural beauty of your solid wood cabinets. This method typically costs between $4 and $10 per square foot, totaling between $1,500 and $5,000. Keep in mind that staining works best on solid wood; if your cabinets have veneers, you might consider another finish. For the best results, choose a stain that's darker than the original color.

Painting Cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to give them a fresh, updated look without breaking the bank. This option costs between $6 and $14 per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $400 and $1,300 in total. Be sure to use high-quality paint specifically designed for cabinets to ensure a durable finish that resists chipping.

Glazing Cabinets

Glazing adds a semi-transparent layer over your painted cabinets, creating an antique or vintage look that's truly unique. Professional cabinet glazing costs between $10 and $25 per square foot. Since glazing can alter the color and appearance of your cabinets, it's important to select a glaze that complements your desired style.

Varnishing Cabinets

Varnishing is a great way to protect your cabinets while showcasing the natural beauty of the wood. Professional varnishing costs between $6 and $16 per square foot. You can choose from several types of varnish, like polyurethane or conversion varnish, depending on the look and durability you're aiming for.

Shellacking Cabinets

Shellacking offers a glossy, warm finish that enhances the natural character of your wood cabinets. Professional shellac refinishing typically costs between $6 and $16 per square foot. This method not only seals the wood but also provides a rich, semi-transparent finish that can transform the look of your space.

Cabinet Refinishing Cost Factors

Many local cabinet refinishing pros charge per project for cabinet refinishing, which averages $2,700, but this price fluctuates depending on various factors. Pricing changes slightly by the finish type, design complexity, and number of cabinets.

Size and Number of Cabinets

The size and number of cabinets are two of the most significant factors that affect the total cost. For example, refinishing kitchen cabinets—which tend to be larger and more numerous—cost about $1,500 to $5,000 per project, while refinishing office cabinets—which tend to be smaller and fewer—cost around $500 to $2,000 per project.

Labor

Most cabinet refinishing pros charge between $35 and $75 per hour for labor, averaging around $55 per hour. This means you can expect to spend between $1,800 and $5,000 for the labor portion of your project. When requesting quotes, some cabinetry pros may provide an overall project estimate, while others break down costs by materials and hourly rates.

Repair

The cost of repairing your cabinets usually isn’t in the overall refinishing price—so you’ll need to budget an extra $300 for cabinet repairs. If your cabinets require massive amounts of repair, consider replacing them instead to start fresh and save money.

Preparation

Wood cabinets need significant prep before applying any refinishing materials. A cabinet repair pro can wrap up much of this prep work into the overall project cost, including removing old paint, repairing splits, patching up holes, sanding surfaces, and fixing minor breaks.

Refacing

You can expect cabinet refacing to cost between $4,300 and $10,000. If your wood requires a lot of work to get it shipshape, some pros recommend refacing as an alternative to refinishing. Refacing keeps the overall structure of your cabinets, but replaces drawers, door fronts, knobs, and other aesthetic flourishes, in addition to placing veneers over the wood.

Custom Work

These customizations run the gamut from adding under-cabinet lighting, which costs between $230 to $300 per light, to adding custom carvings or finishings (all of which can add up to $5,000). Pros regularly turn cabinets into works of art, with ornate carvings and unique types of finishing materials. These complex and custom jobs take more time, expertise, and work, so you'll pay extra.

Location

Where your cabinets are located can also affect the cost. Kitchen cabinets tend to be larger and more expensive to finish, while bathroom and office cabinet refinishing is typically less costly.

Kitchen Cabinets

The cost to refinish kitchen cabinets is about $1,500 to $5,000 per project. Kitchen cabinets are the largest by size and the most common cabinet refinishing job due to the kitchen's moisture and heat, which can warp wood. An average kitchen requires 150 square feet of materials and labor.

Bathroom Cabinets

Refinishing bathroom cabinets cost about $200 to $2,000 per project. The bathroom is another prime source of moisture and heat, leading to more refinishing jobs. But since bathrooms are often much smaller than kitchens, the cost is generally less.

Office Cabinets

Refinishing office cabinets cost around $500 to $2,000 per project. Home offices are typically medium-size and don't come into contact with moisture or heat, minimizing refinishing needs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Cabinet Refinisher

If you're comfortable with power tools and experience working with cabinetry, you might consider refinishing your cabinets yourself. Doing it yourself can save you between $35 and $75 per hour in labor costs, potentially reducing your total expenses by $500 to $1,000. Keep in mind that refinishing requires precision and patience, and it typically takes two to three days to complete. Be sure to allocate enough time to achieve professional-looking results.

While refinishing your cabinets, also consider other remodeling tasks at the same time. The cost to remodel a kitchen is $26,000 on average, but homeowners can save costs on many smaller remodeling projects by handling it themselves.

Hire a professional cabinet refinisher today to give your cabinets a fresh new look.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.