New cabinets are one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel. Before you commit to replacing them, check whether you actually need to. If the boxes are solid wood or plywood, the doors close properly, and you like the layout, painting is usually the smarter move.
A professional cabinet paint job isn't just a coat of paint. Doors and hardware come off, every surface is degreased and sanded, a bonding primer goes on, and the finish is a hard cabinet enamel designed to resist chips and fingerprints. Skipping any of those steps is why DIY cabinet paint often peels within a year.
Replacement makes more sense when the boxes are water-damaged or falling apart, when you want to change the layout, or when the cabinets are a material that won't hold paint well. In those cases, new cabinets and countertops can be installed and painted to match the rest of the room.
Not sure which side you're on? A quick look in person usually answers it. We'll tell you honestly whether your cabinets are worth painting.