Refinish vs. Remodel: The High-Impact, Low-Stress Way to Upgrade Your Kitchen

Jun 10

Save tens of thousands, skip the chaos, and still boost your home’s value—here’s how cabinet refinishing stacks up against a full kitchen remodel.

If your kitchen feels outdated, you’re not alone.
Between honey oak cabinets, faded finishes, and all the builder-grade basics, most 2000s kitchens are long overdue for a glow-up.

But when homeowners hear “kitchen update,” their mind jumps straight to remodeling—and that’s where things get expensive, fast.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to gut your kitchen to bring it back to life.
In fact, refinishing your cabinets is often the smartest (and most profitable) move you can make.

Let’s break it down.

The Sticker Shock of a Full Remodel

A complete kitchen remodel in Missouri typically costs between $40,000 and $60,000.
Here’s what you’re paying for:

Demolition
New cabinets and installation
Countertops
Flooring
Plumbing and electrical work
Appliances
Permits
Weeks (or months) of chaos

Even with a small kitchen, full replacement cabinets alone can run $15,000 to $20,000.

Add labor and design decisions, and you’re easily deep into five figures.

Refinishing: 80% of the Visual Impact for 10% of the Cost

At SwiftCoat, our average kitchen cabinet refinishing project costs around $4,500. That includes:

Complete degreasing, prep, sanding, and masking
Spraying all doors, drawers, and cabinet boxes with professional coatings
A clean, brush-free, factory-like finish
Done in 2 days flat with zero dust, zero drama

No plumbing. No permits. No walls torn down. Just a fresh, modern kitchen—without the chaos.

But Does It Add Real Value? Yes—Here’s How

If you’re prepping to sell your home or just want to boost its value, here’s the truth:

✓ Kitchens sell homes
✓ Buyers notice cabinets immediately
✓ A refinished kitchen feels remodeled, without the high-end price tag

According to real estate pros, cabinet refinishing delivers an ROI of up to 300%—especially when paired with modern hardware, updated lighting, and a deep clean.

Your $4,500 investment could easily translate into $10,000–$15,000 in added home value—or a faster sale at a higher asking price.

So… Why Remodel?

If your layout works and your cabinets are structurally sound, there’s no reason to rip them out.
You can get the designer look, add value, and love your kitchen again—without blowing your budget or losing your sanity.

Ready to Give Your Kitchen a Comeback—Not a Construction Zone?

Before you gut it…
SwiftCoat it.
And keep your money, your sanity, and your kitchen.

Joanna Johnsen