How Much Does Cabinet Refinishing Cost in Aurora?

Modern Touch Painting
Mar 16
4 min read

Updated: Mar 23

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most visible features in any home, and over time they can start to look dated or worn. Many homeowners assume the only solution is a full kitchen renovation, but cabinet refinishing offers a much more affordable way to completely transform your kitchen.

If you’re wondering how much cabinet refinishing costs in Aurora, Ontario, the answer depends on several factors including the size of your kitchen, cabinet condition, and the finishing method used.

In this guide, we’ll break down typical cabinet refinishing costs in Aurora, what affects pricing, and why professional refinishing can deliver a factory-quality finish at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Average Cost of Cabinet Refinishing in Aurora

For most homes in Aurora and the surrounding York Region area, professional cabinet refinishing typically costs between $2,500 and $6,000+.

Here is a rough breakdown based on kitchen size:

Kitchen Size	Average Cabinet Refinishing Cost
Small Kitchen (10–20 pieces)	$2,500 – $3000
Medium Kitchen (20–35 pieces)	$3000 – $4,500
Large Kitchen (35+ pieces)	$4,500 – $6000+

While this may seem like a significant investment, it is dramatically less expensive than replacing cabinets, which can easily cost $20,000–$40,000+ for a full kitchen renovation.

For homeowners who like their current cabinet layout but want a modern update, refinishing is often the most cost-effective solution.

What Factors Affect Cabinet Refinishing Cost?

Several variables determine the final price of cabinet refinishing.

Number of Doors and Drawers

The biggest factor is simply how many cabinet doors and drawer fronts need to be refinished. More pieces mean more prep work, spraying, and finishing.

Cabinet Condition

If cabinets require repairs, filling, or heavy sanding, the preparation process becomes more time intensive.

Paint System and Materials

Professional cabinet refinishing typically involves specialized coatings designed for durability, not standard wall paint. High-performance coatings help ensure the finish resists chipping, staining, and wear.

Sprayed vs Hand-Painted Finishes

Most professional cabinet refinishing companies use spray finishing systems to achieve a smooth, factory-like appearance. Spray finishing requires specialized equipment and controlled workspaces, but produces significantly better results than brushing or rolling.

Additional Upgrades

Some homeowners choose to add upgrades during refinishing, such as:

New cabinet hardware
Soft-close hinges
Minor cabinet repairs
Colour changes to match a new design aesthetic

These additions can slightly increase the total project cost.

Why Cabinet Refinishing Is More Affordable Than Replacement

Replacing cabinets is expensive because it involves far more than just new cabinetry. A full replacement typically includes:

Cabinet demolition
Disposal fees
New cabinet manufacturing
Installation labour
Potential countertop removal
Plumbing and electrical adjustments

Cabinet refinishing, on the other hand, keeps your existing cabinet boxes and layout intact, dramatically reducing labour and material costs. For many Aurora homeowners, refinishing provides the look of a brand-new kitchen without the cost or disruption of a full renovation.

The Professional Cabinet Refinishing Process

Professional cabinet refinishing involves several detailed steps to ensure a durable and smooth finish.

1. Removal of Doors and Hardware

Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are removed so they can be refinished separately.

2. Deep Cleaning and Degreasing

Kitchen cabinets accumulate oils and cooking residue over time. Proper cleaning ensures coatings adhere correctly.

3. Surface Preparation

Cabinets are lightly sanded or scuff sanded to promote strong adhesion.

4. Priming

A high-quality bonding primer is applied to create a stable foundation for the finish coats.

5. Spray Finishing

Professional-grade coatings are sprayed to create a smooth, durable factory-style finish.

6. Reinstallation

Once fully cured, doors and hardware are reinstalled and the kitchen is reassembled.

This process typically takes 5–7 days depending on the size of the kitchen.

How Long Does Cabinet Refinishing Last?

When done properly using professional coatings, cabinet refinishing can last 10–15 years or more.

Durability depends on:

Proper preparation
Quality primer and coatings
Professional spray application
Regular cleaning and maintenance

High-traffic areas like kitchens benefit significantly from specialized cabinet coatings designed to resist wear and moisture.

Is Cabinet Refinishing Worth It?

For many homeowners, cabinet refinishing offers one of the highest return-on-investment upgrades in the home.

Benefits include:

✔ Dramatically lower cost than replacement ✔ Faster project timeline ✔ Minimal disruption to the home ✔ Ability to modernize kitchen colours and finishes ✔ Environmentally friendly (less material waste)

If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refinishing is often the smartest way to achieve a kitchen transformation.

Cabinet Refinishing in Aurora and York Region

If you're considering cabinet refinishing in Aurora, Newmarket, or the surrounding York Region area, working with a professional refinishing specialist ensures the finish is durable, smooth, and long-lasting.

Professional spray finishes can dramatically update the appearance of your kitchen while maintaining the strength and structure of your existing cabinetry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cabinet painting cheaper than replacing cabinets?

Yes. Cabinet refinishing usually costs 50–80% less than full cabinet replacement while delivering a similar visual transformation.

Can laminate cabinets be refinished?

In many cases, laminate cabinets can be refinished using specialized bonding primers and coatings designed for difficult surfaces.

Can Thermo foil covered cabinets be refinished?

In many cases, thermo foil covered cabinets can be refinished by carefully removing the thermo foil and exposing the MDF underneath. The MDF is then prepared using specialized cabinet coatings.

How long does cabinet refinishing take?

Most cabinet refinishing projects take 5–7 days, depending on the kitchen size and complexity.

Do cabinets need to be removed from the kitchen?

Typically, cabinet doors and drawer fronts are removed and refinished separately while cabinet frames are refinished on-site.

Get a Cabinet Refinishing Estimate

If you're planning to update your kitchen cabinets, professional refinishing can deliver a beautiful transformation without the cost of a full renovation. Modern Touch Painting provides professional cabinet refinishing services in Aurora, Newmarket, and across York Region.