A kitchen update that works for your home
If you love your home but your kitchen feels tired, you might be wondering: Is it time to replace the cabinets, or can I get away with painting or refacing them?
That’s one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Lancaster, Berks, and Chester Counties. The good news is that there’s no one “right” answer. It depends on the condition of your cabinets, how you use your kitchen, and the kind of investment you want to make.
If you’re choosing between painting, refacing, or replacing your kitchen cabinets, understanding the pros, cons, and costs of each can help you make the right investment for your home.
Painting your cabinets
Painting your cabinets can be a great option if the structure is solid and you simply want a fresh look. It’s the fastest and most budget-friendly way to make a visible impact without starting from scratch.
When painting makes sense
- Your cabinet boxes are still sturdy and made of solid wood.
- You like your current layout but want a new color or style.
- You need a quick turnaround or a smaller budget project.
A professional painter or reno team can sand, prime, and refinish your doors and frames with durable, long-lasting paint. We often recommend high-performance finishes like Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, which provides a smooth surface that holds up well to everyday use.
What to keep in mind
Paint can’t fix damaged cabinet boxes, poor-quality materials, or an outdated layout. It’s a refresh, not a renovation. Over time, even the best paint may need touch-ups around handles or high-traffic areas.
If your cabinets are well-built and just need a new finish, painting can be an excellent choice that gives your kitchen new life at a fraction of the cost.
Refacing your cabinets
Refacing is a step up from painting. It involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes but replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, then adding a matching veneer or laminate over the boxes. The result looks like a brand-new kitchen without replacing the structure underneath.
When refacing makes sense
- You’re happy with your kitchen’s layout and functionality.
- Your cabinets are structurally sound, but look outdated.
- You want a design update that’s more dramatic than paint but less expensive than a full replacement.
Why homeowners love it
Refacing typically costs 30–50% less than replacing cabinets and can often be completed within two to three weeks. It allows you to choose new styles, colors, and finishes while keeping your existing layout intact.
At Custom Kitchens & Design, we often guide homeowners toward semi-custom cabinetry lines for refacing projects. Brands like Shiloh and Bertch offer flexibility in door styles, finishes, and storage features, giving you a personalized look that feels high-end without the cost of going fully custom.
What to keep in mind
Because refacing works with your existing cabinet boxes, it won’t address layout changes, additional storage needs, or damage. But for many homeowners, it strikes the right balance of style, value, and efficiency.
Replacing your cabinets
When your kitchen layout no longer fits your needs or your cabinets have seen better days, a full replacement may be the best investment. This option allows you to completely redesign your kitchen from the layout to the materials and finishes for both beauty and function.
At Custom Kitchens & Design, we offer a range of cabinetry options to suit every home and budget:
Stock Cabinets
If you’re looking for a faster turnaround or a more budget-conscious project, stock cabinetry lines like Fabuwood and Wolf deliver excellent quality and dependable durability. They come in standard sizes and finishes, making them ideal for quick remodels or secondary spaces like laundry rooms and basements.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom lines such as Shiloh and Bertch offer more flexibility in design. You can adjust dimensions, choose from a wide range of finishes, and add storage features that make your kitchen truly functional. This is a great option if you want a tailored look without the cost of a fully custom option.
Fully Custom Amish Cabinets
For homeowners who want something truly special, our Amish-built custom cabinetry is unmatched. Each piece is made locally by skilled craftspeople who design, build, and finish your cabinets to exact specifications. You choose the wood, the stain, the style, and every detail in between.
These cabinets are built to last for generations, a true investment in craftsmanship and quality.
How to decide which option is right for you
Side-by-side comparison: painting vs. refacing vs. replacing
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick comparison to help guide your decision:
| Option | Average Cost | Timeline | Best For | Expected Lifespan |
| Painting | $ | 1–2 weeks | Cosmetic updates on solid cabinets | 5–10 years |
| Refacing | $$ | 2–3 weeks | Keeping the existing layout with a style refresh | 10–15 years |
| Replacing | $$$ | 4–8 weeks | Full redesign or damaged cabinets | 20+ years |
Ask yourself:
- Do I love my current kitchen layout?
- Are my cabinets in good condition?
- How long do I plan to stay in my home?
- What kind of investment makes sense for my goals?
If your kitchen is well-built but looks dated, painting or refacing may be all you need. But if your layout feels cramped or your cabinets are worn out, replacement is often the smarter long-term move.
Why homeowners in Lancaster County trust Custom Kitchens & Design
For more than 40 years, our team has helped homeowners across Lancaster, Berks, and Chester Counties create kitchens that fit their lives and their homes. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand your vision, your budget, and your everyday needs before recommending the right path forward.
Whether you’re looking for durable stock cabinets or handcrafted Amish pieces built to last a lifetime, you’ll find a level of care and expertise that’s hard to match.
Ready to explore your options?
Ready to start your kitchen remodel? Visit our Lancaster showroom or get a free estimate for your project today to compare painting, refacing, and replacement options side by side.
