How much does it cost to refinish cabinets?

Refinishing your kitchen cabinets can make a world of difference, but doesn’t come cheap. How much should expect to pay for this renovation? Read on to find out more about the costs of refinishing kitchen cabinets in Canada.

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• Cost factors for refinishing cabinets >
• Cabinet refinishing related Smart Tips >

• The cost of refinishing cabinets in Canada can range from $938 to $7,106, with the median cost coming in at $3,268.
• Refinishing cabinets is a great way to bring new life to your existing cabinets without the hefty price tag of purchasing new ones. The cost of labour is likely the most significant part of this project as it requires much prep work and skill to complete. The process is not complicated, so if you have some experience, you can cut down on cost by completing the work yourself. However, refinishing does require some knowledge and precision to complete, so it is usually best to hire a professional Canadian contractor.
• The prep work needed to ready the cabinets for a new finish is the bulk of the work required for this project. Before any staining can take place, cabinets have to be stripped of all previous coats of paint, stain or varnish. Any damage or splintering must be repaired and the entire surface has to be sanded smooth so the new finish will adhere properly. Cabinets that require a lot of prep work will obviously come with a higher price tag.
• Smooth front cabinetry with no details or carving is much easier to refinish than those with complex designs.  Cabinets with intricate details require more time and skill to prep and refinish and therefore are more expensive.
• The more cabinets you have to refinish, the higher your total project cost will be. However, most Canadian contractors will charge you less per cabinet if you refinish multiple cabinets. If you are planning to do so, it makes the most financial sense to refinish them all at once.
• Stains and varnishes come in a variety of colours and qualities. While you want to use the best materials possible during any home improvement project, you can cut down on costs by using a less expensive option. In some cases you may find a low cost option with the same quality as a more expensive counterpart, so try doing some comparison shopping before making a final decision.

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