Cabinet Painting Cost Guide

Real pricing breakdown for GTA homeowners - no "it depends" answers

$3,200 - $8,500
Typical GTA Kitchen Range

"How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets?" It's the first question everyone asks. And the answer you usually get - "it depends" - doesn't help much when you're trying to budget for your kitchen update.

Last week, Maria from Mississauga got quotes from four different contractors for cabinet painting. The prices ranged from $1,800 to $12,000. Same kitchen. Same basic service. Why such a huge difference?

We're going to break down exactly what cabinet painting costs in the Greater Toronto Area, what affects the price, and how to make sure you get quality work that actually lasts.

Table of Contents

Average Kitchen Cabinet Painting Costs in the GTA

Typical Range

Most GTA kitchens run between $3,200 and $8,500 for professional cabinet painting, including materials and labor.

Kitchen Size Breakdown

$2,800-4,500
Small Kitchens
Galley, condo kitchens
$4,000-6,500
Medium Kitchens
Typical family home
$6,000-9,500
Large Kitchens
Executive homes
$8,000-12,000+
Very Large
Complex kitchens

These prices include professional preparation, quality paint, and basic hardware installation. But the final cost depends on several factors we'll explain below.

What Affects Cabinet Painting Cost?

Kitchen Size and Cabinet Count

This is the biggest factor. More cabinets = more doors = more work = higher cost.

  • Door and Drawer Count: Professional painters typically price by the number of doors and drawers, not square footage. A typical kitchen has 15-25 doors and 5-10 drawers.
  • Upper vs Lower Cabinets: Some companies charge more for lower cabinets because they're larger and take more time to prep and paint.
  • Cabinet Style Complexity: Flat panel doors are faster to paint than raised panel doors with lots of detail work.

Current Cabinet Condition

Good Condition

Clean cabinets with solid paint or stain that just needs updating.

Fair Condition

Some wear, minor damage, or multiple paint layers that need extra prep work.

Poor Condition

Peeling paint, water damage, or grease buildup that requires extensive preparation. This can add 25-40% to the cost.

Paint Type and Quality

Paint Type Cost per Gallon Quality & Durability
Builder-Grade Paint $50-80 Looks okay initially but doesn't hold up to kitchen use
Quality Cabinet Paint $80-120 Better durability and finish quality
Professional Cabinet Coating $120-180+ Same systems cabinet manufacturers use. Lasts 10+ years with proper care

Professional vs DIY Cabinet Painting Costs

DIY Approach

Materials Only: $200-600

Paint, primer, brushes, rollers, sandpaper, and basic supplies

Time Investment: 40-80 hours

Typical kitchen over 2-3 weekends

Equipment Rental: $100-300

If you rent a paint sprayer for better results

Reality Check:

Most DIY jobs need repainting within 2-3 years because of inadequate prep work or wrong paint choice.

Professional Approach

Labor and Materials: $3,200-8,500

Includes proper preparation, professional-grade materials, and warranty

Time Savings: 3-5 days

Your kitchen is done instead of multiple weekends

Quality Results

Professional spray equipment and proper technique give you that smooth, factory finish

Durability:

Professional jobs typically last 8-12 years with quality materials and proper application.

Regional Price Differences in the GTA

Toronto

$3,800 - $9,200

Factors: Condo logistics, parking challenges, higher business costs

Specialty: Small space optimization, condo-specific solutions

Mississauga

$3,200 - $8,500

Factors: Mix of housing types, good contractor access

Specialty: Family kitchens, executive home upgrades

Oakville/Burlington

$3,500 - $9,000

Factors: Higher-end neighborhoods, quality expectations

Specialty: Heritage home character, upscale finishes

Vaughan/Richmond Hill

$3,400 - $8,800

Factors: Newer homes, family-focused neighborhoods

Specialty: Builder-grade cabinet upgrades

Hamilton/Outer GTA

$2,900 - $7,500

Factors: Lower overhead, growing market competition

Specialty: Value-focused solutions, practical upgrades

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Preparation Work

  • Cleaning and Degreasing: Should be included but some contractors charge extra for heavily soiled cabinets
  • Repair Work: Fixing loose hinges, filling holes, or repairing damage. Budget $100-500 depending on condition
  • Removal and Reinstallation: Taking doors to an off-site shop for better results. Worth the extra $300-800 for quality

Unexpected Issues

  • Lead Paint: Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint requiring special handling. Adds $500-1,500
  • Water Damage: Cabinets around sinks may need repair or replacement of damaged sections
  • Structural Problems: Loose cabinet boxes or damaged face frames need fixing before painting

Extras That Add Value

  • Crown Molding: Adding crown molding during painting runs $8-15 per linear foot
  • Interior Painting: Painting inside cabinet boxes and shelves adds $200-600 but creates a complete look
  • Under-Cabinet Lighting: Installing LED strips during the project runs $150-400 but transforms the space

Red Flags: When Quotes Are Too Good (Or Bad) to Be True

Suspiciously Low Quotes ($1,500-2,500)

Likely Issues:

  • Using wall paint instead of cabinet paint
  • Minimal prep work
  • No primer
  • Brush/roller application only

Long-term Problems:

  • Paint failure within 1-2 years
  • Brush marks
  • Uneven coverage

Extremely High Quotes ($12,000+)

Possible Reasons:

  • Including unnecessary work
  • Premium location markup
  • Trying to push you toward full renovation

Questions to Ask:

Why is this quote 2-3x higher than others? What specific extra work justifies the cost?

Quality Indicators in Good Quotes

  • Detailed Breakdown: Labor, materials, preparation work clearly itemized
  • Realistic Timeline: 3-7 days depending on complexity, not "done in one day"
  • Quality Materials: Specific paint brands mentioned, not just "high-quality paint"
  • Proper Process: Doors removed for shop painting, not everything done hanging in kitchen

Cabinet Painting vs Other Options: Cost Comparison

Service Cost Range Timeline Lifespan Best For
Cabinet Painting $3,200-8,500 3-7 days 8-12 years Good cabinet boxes, style you like, just want color change
Cabinet Refacing $8,000-18,000 5-10 days 15-20 years Solid boxes but want different door style completely
Cabinet Refinishing $4,000-12,000 7-14 days 15-25 years Solid wood cabinets where you want to restore natural wood beauty
New Cabinets $15,000-40,000+ 2-6 weeks 20-30 years Poor cabinet condition or major layout changes needed

Ways to Save Money on Cabinet Painting

DIY Preparation Work

  • Clean Cabinets Thoroughly: Remove years of grease and grime yourself to reduce prep costs
  • Remove Hardware: Take off all handles, knobs, and hinges to save labor time
  • Clear the Kitchen: Empty cabinets and clear counters so contractors can work efficiently

Smart Timing

  • Off-Season Scheduling: Winter months often have better pricing due to lower demand
  • Flexible Timeline: Contractors may offer discounts if you can be flexible with start dates

Strategic Choices

  • Keep Good Hardware: If your current hardware is in good shape, cleaning and reusing saves $300-800
  • Standard Colors: Popular colors like white and gray are easier to match and may cost less than custom colors
  • Package Deals: Some contractors offer discounts if you combine cabinet painting with other services

Maintenance to Protect Your Investment

Daily Care

  • Gentle Cleaning: Use mild soap and water, avoid harsh chemicals that can damage paint
  • Immediate Cleanup: Wipe up spills and splatters quickly to prevent staining
  • Soft-Close Hardware: Prevents door slamming that can chip paint over time

Annual Maintenance

  • Deep Cleaning: Professional cleaning or careful DIY deep clean once yearly
  • Hardware Tightening: Check and tighten loose handles and hinges to prevent wear
  • Touch-Up Work: Address small chips or scratches before they become bigger problems

Conclusion: Making the Right Investment

Cabinet painting can transform your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of renovation, but only if it's done right. In the GTA, expect to pay $3,200-8,500 for quality professional work that will last 8-12 years.

The key is finding contractors who use proper materials, follow professional processes, and stand behind their work. The cheapest quote usually costs more in the long run when you have to repaint in 2-3 years.

Whether you're in a Toronto condo, Mississauga family home, or anywhere else in the GTA, invest in quality work that will serve your family for years to come.

Ready to get started?

Contact us for a free design consultation and accurate pricing for your specific kitchen. We'll assess your cabinets and give you honest advice about whether painting, refacing, refinishing, or renovation makes the most sense for your situation and budget.

Get Your Free Kitchen Assessment Today

Professional advice, honest pricing, quality work that lasts.

Related Services

Cabinet Painting
Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet Refinishing
Kitchen Renovation