Arden Kitchen Remodel: Refinish vs. Replace — What Homeowners Should Know
A gorgeous kitchen doesn’t always require brand-new cabinets. For many Arden homeowners, refinishing (painting, hardware, and surface upgrades) delivers a like-new look at a fraction of the price and time. Here’s how to decide between refinish and replace — and what to expect from our process.
When to Refinish
- Boxes are solid (no rot, swelling, or sagging)
- Layout works; you want a style/color update
- Fast timeline (about 3–7 days for typical kitchens)
- Best ROI: new color + hardware = biggest visual impact
When to Replace
- Compromised boxes or poor layout you want to change
- Major reconfiguration (island move, appliances shift)
- Severe water damage or heavy wear on doors/frames
- Specialty storage or custom cabinet needs
Cost & Timeline (Typical)
Refinish (Most Popular)
Clean, sand, prime, and spray doors/frames; new hardware and caulk lines. Often 60–80% less than new cabinets.
Replace (Full Remodel)
New cabinets, potential plumbing/electrical changes, countertop lead times. Longest schedule, highest cost, biggest layout flexibility.
Our Refinish Process
- Protection & Prep: Mask floors, counters, and appliances; remove doors and hardware.
- Degloss, Sand, & Prime: Bonding primer is key for durability; we fill imperfections for a smooth, sprayed finish.
- Spray Finish: Pro-grade enamel (satin/semi-gloss) for cabinet doors/drawers; roll/brush frames as needed.
- Hardware & Reassembly: New pulls/hinges, soft-close options, and final alignment.
- Final Walkthrough: Touch-ups, caulk lines, and care instructions for a long-lasting result.
Not sure which path is right? We’ll inspect your cabinets in person and give you side-by-side options for your budget and timeline.
Serving Arden & WNC
We remodel and refinish kitchens across Arden, Asheville, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Mills River, and Fairview. Explore more on our Remodeling Services page or browse the Civil & Home Blog.