Discover the cost to paint kitchen cabinets in Chicago, IL, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to help you budget and save on your next kitchen update.
How Much Does Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets Cost in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]
Cabinet refacing and refinishing costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
Chicago homeowners can expect to pay more for kitchen cabinet resurfacing due to the high cost of living.
Labor rates are higher in Chicago, which will increase the price of hiring a pro.
The type of resurfacing is the primary factor impacting overall cost.
Chicago has a significantly higher cost of living, so homeowners will need a bigger budget to resurface their kitchen cabinets. Resurfacing kitchen cabinets in Chicago, Illinois costs an average of $7,566, with a range of $4,671 to $10,587. The price will depend on factors such as your kitchen’s size and the type of materials you choose. Labor and the resurfacing method you pick will also affect the project's cost.
Kitchen Cabinet Resurfacing Cost Factors
Many factors will determine how much you can expect to pay for resurfacing kitchen cabinets, but the type of resurfacing is one of the major factors that will influence the price. For instance, painting cabinets can cost between $200 and $2,700, while refacing cabinets is more costly, with prices ranging from $4,000 to $13,500.
Outdated kitchens are common in Chicago, Illinois, due to the city's many historic houses, condos, and bungalows. So, if your cabinetry predates the 2000s, it’s time to give those cabinets a new look.
Here’s a breakdown of all the costs to help you determine how much you need to budget for the project.
Size
The size of your kitchen—measured in linear feet or the number of cabinets—directly affects the total cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets. Expect to pay $150 to $450 per linear foot for resurfacing kitchen cabinets in Chicago. More cabinets or a larger space means more materials, labor, and time.
A small galley kitchen, about 10 linear feet, will cost less than a spacious kitchen with 30 or more linear feet of cabinetry. Here’s how size and layout can impact costs:
| Kitchen Size | Linear Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 10 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Medium | 20 | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Large | 30+ | $4,500-$13,500 |
Material
Material selection is a major driver in the cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets. Veneer options include wood species like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut, each with its own price point. Laminate and thermofoil are more affordable and easier to maintain. For doors and drawer fronts, options range from solid wood to MDF (medium-density fiberboard), plywood, or rigid thermofoil (RTF).
Hardware upgrades—like new handles, pulls, hinges, or soft-close mechanisms—can add to the total cost. The quality and finish of materials matter, too: matte, gloss, and custom colors will each impact your final price.
| Material Type | Description | Cost per Lin. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Wood veneer | Oak, maple, cherry, walnut | $100–$250 |
| Laminate | Durable, easy-clean surface | $80–$150 |
| Thermofoil | Vinyl-wrapped, smooth finish | $60–$130 |
| Solid wood/plywood | Classic appearance, high durability | $200–$500 |
Type of Resurfacing
There are three main approaches to resurfacing kitchen cabinets: cabinet refacing, painting, or refinishing. Cabinet refacing involves replacing doors and drawer fronts and covering cabinet boxes with a new veneer or laminate. Cabinet painting updates the color and finish with paint, while refinishing means sanding and applying new stain or finish to existing surfaces.
The method you choose greatly impacts the cost of resurfacing kitchen cabinets. Refacing is the most expensive because it uses new materials and hardware. Painting or refinishing cabinets is more budget-friendly but may not deliver the same dramatic transformation as refacing. Custom cabinets or unique layouts can also increase costs compared to standard or stock cabinets.
| Type of Resurfacing | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Refacing | New doors, drawer fronts, and veneer on boxes | $4,000–$13,500 |
| Painting | Sanding, priming, and painting existing surfaces | $200–$2,700 |
| Refinishing | Sanding and applying new stain/clear finish | $2,000–$7,000 |
Kitchen Cabinet Resurfacing Pro Costs
Hiring a kitchen cabinet resurfacing pro in Chicago, IL, can cost between $85 to $125 per hour for labor. Due to higher labor rates in Chicago, you can expect to pay more than in other areas. The price will depend on the pros' experience, the job's complexity, and the materials. Although a pro may be more expensive in this city, it’s worth the cost because they will ensure the job is done efficiently and help you avoid costly DIY mistakes.
Does Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets Increase Home Value?
Chicago is a competitive market, and minor kitchen upgrades, such as resurfacing cabinets, can boost your home's value and make it more marketable. In fact, the average return on investment for minor kitchen upgrades is around 96%. Freshening up a drab, outdated kitchen will increase its appeal to buyers by allowing them to avoid a disruptive project and giving it a move-in-ready feel.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Cabinet refacing and refinishing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Chicago, IL
4.9★ avg. • 40 total reviews
- Edward C.
Being a General contractor it is so important you hire the right subcontractors. And there’s nothing better than hearing from your customer that they love the work that was performed and that was done by Chris., his attention to detail and refinishing my clients cabinets were nothing short of...
Vertex - Darrell P.
Hired this company to clean up a construction site. They were 10 minutes early, which is great also very respectable. I gave directions on what needed to be cleaned and dumped after that. I left for a meeting. Mr. Anthony advised me they should be done within four hours. I returned within...
- A W.
Tony built two cabinets for me with lots of pieces. He was on time and worked quickly. They were difficult builds and he did a wonderful job. They look and work perfectly. I will definitely hire in the future. Highly recommend!
Handyman Tony - Phyllis M.
Good Daniel is an excellent cabinet maker
***Daniels Precision Installs - Margaux S.
Ismael and his team did an excellent job. I highly recommend!! We are moving into a condo and there were some stains on the hardwood floors. The sanded and refinished. The floors look beautiful!! Ismael is so personable and was very easy to work with.
Traditional Quality Hardwood Flooring Inc - Estela T.
I was so happy with the work done by Raymond at New Color Cabinet. I was a little apprehensive at first after having read a review, but in the end I’m glad I hired New Color. I wanted my stained cabinet painted white and Raymond did an outstanding job. From explaining the process start to...
New Color Cabinets LLC - Calvin S.
I recently had my kitchen remodeled, and I could not be happier with the results. The team did an outstanding job installing new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and lighting fixtures. Their attention to detail and craftsmanship truly transformed my kitchen into a beautiful and functional...
- Dane O.
Did a great job and was very timely and good to communicate with. Only suggestion was putting up more dust barriers. He put them on the upper cabinets but the lower cabinets in our kitchen got dust in them.
Artelier Floors Company - Jessica R.
I hired NuEra to paint my kitchen cabinets. Erick and Naftali did a truly excellent job. Erick in particular, who spent the most time at my apartment, was extremely meticulous. He even insisted on painting two cabinets with different finishes for me, to begin, just so I could compare them...
NuEra Enterprises, Inc. - Matthew H.
The work was fantastic and I cannot recommend Montalbano enough. It is always a leap of faith entrusting something that is important enough to be refinished or repaired, but you can't go wrong here. I had a large dining room table that needed refinishing, repairs to the legs, and staining to...
Montalbano Inc
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