Should You Refinish or Replace Your Cabinets? A Maryland Homeowner’s Guide

Thinking about updating your kitchen but not sure if you should refinish or replace your cabinets?

You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear from Maryland homeowners.

Cabinets take up a lot of visual space in your kitchen. If they look outdated, the whole kitchen does too.

But here’s the good news—upgrading your cabinets doesn’t always mean tearing everything out.

At Dorsey Painting Company, we help homeowners across Maryland breathe new life into their kitchens. Whether it’s a simple cabinet refinishing job or advice on a full replacement, we’re here to help you make the right call for your home and your budget.

TL;DR – Should You Refinish or Replace?

• Refinishing is best if your cabinets are solid, you like your layout, and you want to save money.
• Replacing is better if your cabinets are damaged, your layout doesn’t work, or you’re doing a full remodel.
• Refinishing usually costs $2K–$5K and takes 3–5 days.
• Replacing runs $8K–$25K and can take 2–4+ weeks.
• Dorsey Painting Company helps homeowners all over Maryland make the right call for their kitchen.

Let’s keep it simple.

Refinishing means you keep your existing cabinet boxes. You’re just updating the surface—usually with paint, stain, or new hardware.

Replacing means tearing out your old cabinets and installing brand-new ones. New layout, new materials, new everything.

Not sure which one’s right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Option	Pros	Cons
Refinishing	✅ More affordable ✅ Faster turnaround ✅ Keeps layout	❌ Won’t fix layout or structural issues
Replacing	✅ Fully customizable ✅ Fixes damage or poor layout	❌ More expensive ❌ Longer project time

Refinishing can make your old cabinets look brand new—without the new cabinet price tag.

Replacing gives you a clean slate. But it comes with more time, more cost, and more decisions.

Refinishing is a smart move if your cabinets are in good shape. No cracks, no sagging, no water damage.

You’re happy with how your kitchen is laid out? Even better. Refinishing works best when you don’t need to move anything around.

It’s also way easier on your wallet. Most refinishing jobs cost 50–70% less than a full cabinet replacement.

And it’s fast. A typical refinishing project can take 3–5 days, depending on the size of your kitchen.

If you just want to refresh the color, swap out old hardware, or get rid of that orange oak finish from the ’90s—refinishing delivers big results for a low cost.

💡 Dorsey Tip: Refinishing costs a fraction of a full replacement and still gives your kitchen a fresh, updated look. If you want an easy and affordable way to upgrade your kitchen, call us to paint your kitchen cabinets.

Call 301-490-0870

Sometimes, refinishing just won’t cut it.

If your cabinets are warped, cracked, or water-damaged, it’s probably time for a full replacement.

Same goes if your layout isn’t working. Want to add an island? Open up the space? Move appliances? That calls for new cabinets.

Replacement is also the better choice if you want a totally different style—like going from traditional oak to sleek, modern slab fronts.

And if you’re already planning a full kitchen remodel, it makes sense to replace everything at once.

Just keep in mind: replacing takes longer and costs more. A full cabinet replacement in Maryland can run anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000, depending on materials and layout.

Maryland Homeowners: What to Consider

Living in Maryland comes with some unique factors—especially when it comes to your home.

Humidity is a big one. If you’re near the Chesapeake Bay or in a coastal area, moisture can do a number on wood cabinets. Warping, swelling, or peeling finishes might mean it’s time to replace instead of refinish.

Home values also matter. In higher-end neighborhoods, brand-new custom cabinets may help with resale. In other areas, a quality refinishing job can add great value without overinvesting.

Don’t forget the age of your home, either. Older homes often have solid wood cabinets that are perfect for refinishing. Newer, builder-grade cabinets? Sometimes they’re not worth saving.

And of course, think about your budget and timeline. Refinishing is faster and more affordable. Replacing gives you more control, but at a bigger cost.

What’s the Cost Difference Between Refinishing or Replacing Cabinets?

Let’s talk numbers.

Here in Maryland, cabinet refinishing typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000 for an average-sized kitchen. The final price depends on the size of your kitchen, the condition of your cabinets, and the type of finish you choose.

Replacing cabinets? That’s a bigger jump. You’re usually looking at $8,000 to $25,000, depending on the materials, layout changes, and labor.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Project Type	Average Cost (MD)	Timeline
Refinishing	$2,000 – $5,000	3–5 days
Replacing	$8,000 – $25,000	2–4+ weeks

Refinishing is often the best bang for your buck. Especially if your cabinets are solid and just need a facelift.

At Dorsey Painting Company, we give you honest pricing up front. No surprises. No pressure.

Still Not Sure What’s Best?

If you’re on the fence, you’re not alone.

A lot of Maryland homeowners come to us unsure whether to refinish or replace. That’s totally normal.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

We offer free consultations where we walk through your kitchen, check out your cabinets, and give you honest advice based on your space, your goals, and your budget.

No pushy sales talk. Just real answers from pros who’ve seen it all.

Sometimes the best move is a fresh coat of paint. Other times, it’s a full reset. Either way, we’ll help you make the right call.

Final Thoughts

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Whether you refinish or replace your cabinets, the goal is the same—make it a space you love.

Refinishing is perfect if you want fast, affordable impact. Replacing is right when you need a full transformation.

At Dorsey Painting Company, we’re here to help Maryland homeowners make smart, stylish upgrades—without the stress.

Ready to give your cabinets new life?
Let’s talk. Reach out today for a free consultation and let’s figure out what’s right for your home.