This blog post dives into the average cost of repairing kitchen cabinets in the UK.
With prices ranging widely, it provides a helpful guide for homeowners considering a kitchen cabinet refresh.
How Much Does It Cost to Respray Kitchen Cabinets in the UK?
The cost to have kitchen cabinets painted in the UK typically ranges from £500-£1000 for a standard-sized kitchen.
This includes preparation, priming, painting and finishing of cabinet doors, frames and boxes.
Costs vary based on the size of the kitchen, the number of cabinets, the choice of paint and who does the work.
Key Points
- Respraying kitchen cabinets costs £500-£1000 on average
- New kitchen cabinets can cost £3000-£15,000+ to replace
- Respray is much cheaper than replacement
Our Opinion
In my expert opinion, repairing your existing kitchen cabinets is highly recommended as a cost-effective way to transform the look of your kitchen.
The entire process typically costs between £1,000-£1,500 which provides great value compared to replacing cabinets.
I think most homeowners would be surprised at how amazing their kitchen can look simply by repainting their cabinets at a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen.
Average Cost to Respray Kitchen Cabinets in the UK
When budgeting for a kitchen cabinet respray project, it’s wise to plan for a wide range. Prices can vary greatly depending on factors like cabinet size, materials, and special finishes. Here’s a rough overview of what to expect:
- The cost to respray standard wooden kitchen cabinets averages around £80 per cabinet. This assumes mid-range doors and frames.
- Larger cabinets like larders and pantries cost £100+ per cabinet to respray due to their size.
- For a full kitchen respray including all cabinets, islands, and utility spaces, expect to pay between £800 and £1,000 on average. This provides a complete facelift.
- According to Checkatrade, a trusted source, you can expect to pay between £800 and £1,000 to spray a typical kitchen. Their Option 2 with fronts and backs sprayed starts at around £700.
- Factoring in labour and materials, most kitchen cabinet respray projects fall in the £1,000 to £1,500 range for small to medium-sized kitchens.
While each job is different, this provides a fair assessment of typical costs. When budgeting for your kitchen cabinet respray, plan for approximately £800-£1,000 to be on the safe side.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Respray Kitchen Cabinets
Several key factors influence the overall cost of respraying your kitchen cabinets:
- Cabinet material – Wood, laminate, and metal cabinets have different preparation needs. Wood is the most common and affordable.
- Cabinet finish – Gloss, satin, and matte finishes range in price. Gloss costs more for its smoothness.
- Paint type – Standard cabinet paint suffices for most, but lacquer and enamel cost more.
- Colour change – Darker colours may require an additional coat, adding cost.
- Cabinet size – More and larger cabinets mean greater paint needs.
- Special effects – Distressing, glazing, and other effects increase complexity and price.
- Professional vs. DIY – Hiring a pro ensures an expert job but costs more in labour.
- Location – Prices are higher in London and surrounding areas vs. other regions.
While your exact costs depend on these factors, the averages provided above account for standard cabinet materials, sizes, and finishes to give you a reasonable estimate.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional to Respray Kitchen Cabinets
When deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional to respray your kitchen cabinets, consider the key differences:
- Labor – DIY is free but requires your time and effort. Professionals have experience and expertise.
- Quality – Pros use commercial equipment and techniques for a flawless finish. DIY risks imperfections.
- Speed – Professionals respray much faster than DIY. But DIY offers flexibility on timeline.
- Cost – DIY is cheaper in terms of cash outlay, while pros cost more for labour.
- Materials – Both options entail buying equipment and paint. Pros may have discounts.
- Prep work – Tasks like cleaning and sanding are required either way.
- Finish stages – Multiple coats of primer, paint and sealer are needed for best results.
- Safety – Professionals know how to safely handle paints and chemicals.
- Cleanup – Pros contain and dispose of messes. DIY means tackling cleanup yourself.
- Warranty – Professional jobs often come with guarantees if issues arise down the line.
Weigh your budget, skills and time to decide if DIY or hiring a pro makes sense for your kitchen cabinet respray.
Tips to Save Money When Respraying Kitching Cabinets
Here are some tips to save money when respraying your kitchen cabinets:
- Do prep work yourself – Tasks like cleaning, removing doors/drawers, sanding and filling imperfections take time but save on labour costs. Handle this grunt work before calling in a pro.
- Use high-quality paint – Investing in durable cabinet paint means fewer coats are needed and better long-term results. Quality over quantity here.
- Spray paint for efficiency – Brushing on paint takes ages. Opt for an airless sprayer rental to quickly coat surfaces.
- Buy supplies in bulk – For DIY, get paint and tools in large quantities. Pros may offer discounts on bulk orders too.
- Work with off-hours pricing – Ask pros about lower rates for evening/weekend work when demand is less.
- Get multiple job quotes – Compare estimates from at least 3 vendors to find the best deal.
- Time work for sales seasons – Schedule work to coincide with seasonal sales on paint and materials.
- Focus on visible surfaces – Only paint fronts/exposed sides if budget is tight. Skip insides/backs.
- Work in phases – Break up the project if needed to spread costs over time.
- Prioritize problem areas – Resolve flaws selectively first, then complete cosmetic updates.
With smart planning and cost-saving tips, you can respray your kitchen cabinets affordably in the UK.
Key Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes for Respraying Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some key questions to ask when getting quotes for respraying your kitchen cabinets:
- What preparation is included? Quality prep work like cleaning, sanding, and filling imperfections is key for good results.
- What type of paint do you recommend? Durable cabinet paints like enamel provide better protection and longevity.
- Do you spray or brush on the paint? Spraying is far more efficient than brushing for faster coverage.
- How many coats of paint do you apply? Multiple thin coats often produce a smoother finish.
- Do you use an airless sprayer or HVLP spray gun? Airless is quicker for large areas, and HVLP offers more control.
- How long does the paint need to cure before use? Cabinet paint fully cures in about 30 days.
- How do you prepare and protect the surrounding areas? Proper masking and drop cloths help minimize mess.
- Do you handle reinstallation of doors/drawers? Less hassle if they rehang everything.
- What are your working hours? Off-hour work can mean lower rates.
- What is your timeline for completion? Factor in drying/curing times between coats.
- Do you offer any guarantees on your work? Many back their labour with warranties.
Getting detailed quotes upfront ensures there are no surprises when respraying your kitchen cabinets in the UK.
FAQ
How much does it cost to have your kitchen cabinets painted in the UK?
The cost to have kitchen cabinets painted in the UK typically ranges from £500-£1000 for a standard-sized kitchen. This includes preparation, priming, painting and finishing of cabinet doors, frames and boxes. Costs vary based on the size of the kitchen, the number of cabinets, the choice of paint and who does the work.
How much should I pay for kitchen cabinets sprayed?
For professional spraying of kitchen cabinets expect to pay around £70-£100 per standard cabinet. Larger cabinets like larder units may cost £100-£150 each. The total cost for spraying a full kitchen will generally be £800-£1500 depending on size.
Is it cheaper to have cabinets painted or replaced?
It is usually much cheaper to have existing kitchen cabinets painted rather than replaced. Painting cabinets cost an average of £500-£1000 while fitting a brand-new kitchen with cabinets can cost £3000-£15,000+.
Is respraying a kitchen worth it?
Respraying cabinets is often worth the investment compared to the high cost of a full kitchen replacement. It provides an affordable way to refresh the look and feel of your kitchen. The process is fast, minimally disruptive and produces results that look like new cabinets.
Conclusion
Respraying existing kitchen cabinets offers a cost-effective way to transform the look of your kitchen compared to replacing cabinets. The cost to respray kitchen cabinets in the UK typically ranges between £1,000 to £1,500 for a small to medium-sized kitchen. Preparation, priming, spraying and finishing provide results that look like new cabinets at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Overall respraying kitchen cabinets is an affordable option to refresh your kitchen.
