Refinishing your cabinets instead of replacing them is one of the highest-return upgrades in any NYC kitchen — but only if you understand what you're paying for. Here's the honest breakdown of what it costs in 2026 and what moves the price.
The short version: most NYC kitchens land between $3,500 and $7,500 to refinish, versus $20,000–$40,000+ to replace. You're paying mainly for labor and a durable sprayed finish — not expensive materials.
What's included in a refinishing quote
- Labeling, removing and transporting doors and drawers
- Degreasing and sanding every surface for adhesion
- Bonding primer on all faces
- Sprayed, self-leveling catalyzed topcoat
- Boxes finished in place with dust containment
- Reinstall, hardware adjustment and inspection
What drives the price
Cabinet refinishing is priced mostly by door and drawer count, since each piece is removed, prepped, primed, and sprayed individually. Beyond count, the main factors are color change (white over dark wood needs more coats), two-tone or glazed finishes, current condition, and whether you're refinishing bathroom vanities at the same time.
- Number of doors and drawers (the biggest factor)
- Color change and number of coats
- Two-tone, glazed, or specialty finishes
- Current condition and grease/wear
Refinishing vs. replacement
Refinishing typically runs 30–50% of replacement cost while delivering a comparable factory-smooth look — and without weeks of demolition, dust, and a torn-apart kitchen. If your boxes are solid and your layout works, it's almost always the smarter spend.
Cabinet refinishing cost NYC cost
Typical NYC cabinet refinishing prices by kitchen size:
| Project | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Small kitchen (≤15 doors) | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| Standard kitchen (15–30 doors) | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| Large / two-tone kitchen | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| Bathroom vanity (add-on) | $650 – $1,800 |
Replacement for the same kitchens typically runs $20,000–$40,000+. Every kitchen is quoted individually after we count doors and check condition — the estimate is free.
Frequently asked questions
Most NYC kitchens run $3,500–$7,500 depending on door count, condition, and color change. Small kitchens start around $3,500; large or two-tone kitchens can reach $12,000.
Significantly — typically 30–50% of replacement cost, with a comparable finish and far less disruption. New cabinets for the same kitchen usually start around $20,000.
Mostly door count and process. A sprayed, catalyzed finish (what we do) costs more than a quick brush-and-roll — but brushed cabinets chip within months, so the cheaper quote usually costs more in the end.
Yes — removal, refinishing, hardware adjustment, and reinstallation are all included. New hardware (if you want it) is a simple add-on.