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# Cabinet Painting vs Replacement Toronto — Cost Comparison & Pros/Cons
Your kitchen cabinets look dated, and you want a change. The big question: paint them or replace them? In Toronto, professional cabinet painting costs $3,000–$7,000 while new cabinets run $15,000–$35,000+ installed. For a broader look at painting options, see our Complete House Painting Guide Toronto 2026.
Cost Comparison
Cabinet Painting Costs
| Kitchen Size | Number of Doors | Painting Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (8-10 linear ft) | 15-20 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Medium (12-16 linear ft) | 20-30 | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Large (18-25 linear ft) | 30-45 | $5,000–$7,500 |
| Extra large (25+ linear ft) | 45+ | $7,000–$10,000 |
Cabinet Replacement Costs
| Cabinet Grade | Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed) | 12 ft Kitchen | 20 ft Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (IKEA, Home Depot) | $200–$400 | $5,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Semi-custom | $400–$800 | $8,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
| Custom | $800–$1,500+ | $15,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$45,000+ |
Total Cost for a Typical Toronto Kitchen
| Item | Painting | Replacement (Semi-Custom) |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $4,500 | $18,000 |
| New hardware | $200–$500 | Included |
| Countertops | Not needed | $3,000–$8,000 (often needed) |
| Backsplash | Not needed | $1,500–$3,000 (often needed) |
| Plumbing/electrical | Not needed | $500–$1,500 |
| Total | $4,700–$5,000 | $23,000–$30,500 |
Cabinet painting costs roughly 80-85 percent less than replacement when you factor in related work.
Need professional painting?
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Get Free Estimate →When Painting Is the Right Choice
- Boxes are solid — Structurally sound, no water damage or warping
- Layout works — Happy with current configuration
- Budget is limited — Dramatic change for under $7,000
- Timeline is tight — 5-10 days vs 4-8 weeks
- Wood or MDF construction — Both paint well with proper prep
What Painting Cannot Fix
- Damaged or warped cabinet boxes
- Poor layout or insufficient storage
- Cabinets physically falling apart
- Particle board with water damage
When Replacement Is Better
- Boxes are damaged — Water damage or structural failure
- Layout is wrong — Need to reconfigure the kitchen
- Major renovation — Also doing countertops, backsplash, and flooring
- Long-term home — Planning to stay 15+ years
For the refacing option, see our Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs Replacing Toronto guide.
ROI: Which Adds More Home Value?
- Cabinet painting ROI: 75-100 percent — spend $5,000, add $5,000–$7,000 in perceived value
- Cabinet replacement ROI: 50-70 percent — spend $25,000, add $15,000–$20,000 in value
Cabinet painting has higher ROI because the cost is lower while the visual impact is nearly identical to buyers.
The Painting Process
- 1. Consultation and colour selection (Day 1)
- 2. Door and drawer removal (Day 2) — Every piece labeled
- 3. Cleaning and degreasing (Day 2) — TSP or degreaser
- 4. Sanding (Day 3) — 150-grit for adhesion
- 5. Priming (Day 3-4) — Shellac-based primer — the most critical step
- 6. Spray finish coats (Day 4-6) — 2-3 coats with proper dry time
- 7. Hardware installation (Day 7)
- 8. Reinstallation (Day 7-8)
- 9. Curing (7-14 days) — Paint reaches full hardness
For paint selection, see our Cabinet Paint Guide. For GTA pricing, see our Cabinet Painting Cost GTA.
Common Concerns
Will painted cabinets chip or peel?
Not if done properly. Professional spray application with bonding primer and acrylic alkyd finish lasts 8-12 years.
Can you paint thermofoil or laminate?
Yes, with specialized bonding primer (Zinsser BIN or STIX).
How long until I can use the kitchen?
Doors off for 5-7 days. Full cure takes 14-21 days — avoid scrubbing during this period.
Related Guides
- Complete House Painting Guide Toronto 2026
- Cabinet Paint: How to Choose and Apply
- Cabinet Painting Cost GTA
- Kitchen Cabinet Refacing vs Replacing Toronto
- Interior Painting Cost Toronto 2026
- How to Choose a Painter in Toronto
- Kitchen Cabinets Toronto
