Cabinet Painting vs. Cabinet Replacement: What’s Better for Your South Florida Home?

When it comes to kitchen or bathroom upgrades, cabinets are a game-changer. They set the tone for your entire space, visually and functionally. But if your cabinets are looking dated or worn, do you paint or replace them?

In South Florida, where style, moisture-resistance, and home value all matter, the answer isn’t always black and white. Cabinet painting can offer a dramatic transformation at a fraction of the cost. Replacement, on the other hand, might be the right move if you need a complete overhaul of your layout.

Let’s break down when to paint, when to replace, and how to choose what’s right for your home and budget.

Painting your cabinets—also known as cabinet refinishing—involves keeping your existing cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers but updating the finish with professional-grade paint and sealer. It’s a popular option for homeowners who want a fresh look without having to gut their kitchen.

Pros of Cabinet Painting

• Cost-effective: Often 60–70% less than replacement
• Faster timeline: Completed in days, not weeks
• Eco-friendly: Less waste and fewer materials
• Custom color options: From crisp whites to moody navies or earthy tones
• Preserves layout: Ideal if your current setup works for you

When Cabinet Painting Is the Best Option

• Your cabinets are structurally sound.
• You like your existing layout.
• You want to upgrade the style without a complete remodel
• You need results quickly (e.g., for resale or rental turnover)
• You want to modernize without overspending.

What to Watch Out For

• Poor DIY jobs won’t last—professional prep, sanding, and sealing are essential.
• Doesn’t solve issues like damaged wood or dysfunctional layouts
• The quality of the finished product depends heavily on the products and methods used.

In humid Southeast Florida, it’s also crucial to use paints and sealers that resist moisture and prevent mildew or bubbling. At Hartzell Painting, we specialize in long-lasting finishes that withstand our climate beautifully.

Cabinet replacement means tearing out your current cabinetry and installing entirely new boxes, doors, and hardware. It offers more design freedom and can increase resale value, but it comes at a higher price point and with more prolonged disruption.

Pros of Cabinet Replacement

• Complete design control: Choose new layouts, sizes, and features
• Addresses wear or damage: Ideal for cabinets with warping, water damage, or poor construction.
• More options for modern storage solutions: Soft-close drawers, pull-outs, etc.
• Boosts home value when done right

When Cabinet Replacement Makes Sense

• Your cabinets are severely damaged or warped.
• You’re reconfiguring your kitchen layout.
• You want to upgrade to premium custom cabinetry.
• You’re doing a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel
• Your current cabinets are of low quality or builder-grade.

What to Consider

• Higher cost: Typically, the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel
• Longer timeline: Often 2–6 weeks, depending on materials and contractor
• More invasive: Demolition and carpentry may require permits or inspections.
• Disrupts daily life: Can limit kitchen/bathroom access during installation

In Southeast Florida, replacement can be worth the investment, especially in high-end neighborhoods or when resale value is the primary goal. But for many homes, it’s overkill.

If you’re upgrading to sell your home, cabinet style matters. Buyers love fresh, bright kitchens with updated finishes, and the good news is, painted cabinets often check that box.

Popular colors in our region:

• Classic White – clean, timeless, and great for resale
• Soft Greige or Taupe – warm, neutral, and elegant
• Navy or Charcoal Island Accents – modern and bold (when paired with light uppers)
• Earthy Green Tones – trendy yet soothing in natural light

Done right, a fresh cabinet finish can make your entire kitchen look new, without the mess or price tag of replacement.

At Hartzell Painting, we always start with a thorough in-home consultation. We’ll evaluate your cabinet material, age, wear, and layout. In many cases, high-quality wood or MDF cabinets are excellent candidates for refinishing. Are your cabinets cracked, warped, or sagging? We’ll be honest and help you explore replacement options.

We also help you choose finishes and colors that withstand South Florida’s humidity and coordinate with your flooring, countertops, and lighting.

Many of our Southeast Florida clients come to us thinking they need to replace everything, but leave thrilled with a painting result that exceeded expectations.

For example:

• A Coral Springs family saved over $15,000 by painting their solid oak cabinets with a warm satin white finish
• A homeowner in West Palm Beach chose a deep sage green for their lower cabinets, paired with brass pulls, which completely refreshed their kitchen.
• In Miramar, a rental property owner increased the monthly rent after repainting the cabinets, rather than replacing them.

Painting doesn’t just look good—it’s often the smart, high-ROI move.

When deciding between cabinet painting and cabinet replacement, the right choice ultimately depends on your goals, current setup, and budget. For many homes in Southeast Florida, a professional cabinet painting service offers all the aesthetic upgrades without the cost or hassle of a full remodel.

Hartzell Painting is proud to deliver precision cabinet refinishing services to clients across Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Pembroke Pines, and Miramar. We also specialize in interior painting, exterior painting, waterproofing, and commercial painting—always with an eye toward quality, professionalism, and long-term satisfaction.

Want to discover what your cabinets are truly capable of? Let’s talk. Call us today at 954-280-6327 to request your free consultation—or book online now. We make stunning results simple.