Kitchen Tune-Up cost depends on the service, cabinet count, materials, and local labor rates. A cabinet painting project may cost $3,000-$8,000, while cabinet refacing often runs $8,000-$20,000; custom cabinetry or a broader kitchen remodel can exceed $30,000.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet painting | $3,000 | $5,500 | $8,000 | Existing doors and boxes stay in place |
| Cabinet redooring | $6,000 | $10,500 | $15,000 | New doors and drawer fronts |
| Cabinet refacing | $8,000 | $14,000 | $20,000 | New fronts and exterior cabinet covering |
| Custom cabinets | $20,000 | $35,000 | $50,000+ | Price depends on layout and cabinet grade |
What a typical cabinet tune-up costs by service
For a standard 10-by-10-foot kitchen with roughly 20-30 cabinet doors and drawers, painting is usually the least expensive refresh. Redooring replaces visible fronts but keeps cabinet boxes; refacing also covers exposed box surfaces. Most homeowners budgeting for a Kitchen Tune-Up-style cabinet update should plan on about $5,000-$20,000.
Costs assume sound, level cabinet boxes, standard access, and midrange finishes. Kitchen Tune-Up locations are independently owned, so available services and quoted prices can vary. A full cabinet replacement, layout change, or countertop and appliance work can move a project beyond these ranges.
Assumptions: Typical U.S. kitchen, standard materials, no major plumbing or electrical changes.
How doors, finishes, and installation shape the quote
Estimates commonly combine finish or door materials, preparation, installation labor, and any removal or disposal. Painting requires cleaning, sanding, masking, and applying a durable finish; refacing adds door fronts and veneer or laminate for exposed cabinet surfaces.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the amount | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint and surface prep | $1,500-$4,500 | Condition, finish type, detail work | Per kitchen |
| Replacement doors and drawer fronts | $2,500-$8,000 | Door count, wood species, profiles | $100-$350 per front |
| Veneer or laminate | $1,500-$5,000 | Cabinet area and material grade | $5-$15 per sq. ft. |
| Installation labor | $1,000-$4,000 | Fit, adjustments, site access | $50-$100 per hour |
| Removal and disposal | $200-$1,000 | Old fronts, debris, local fees | Per project |
These line items are broad planning ranges and may be bundled in a contractor’s quote rather than priced separately. Ask whether preparation, hardware, cleanup, and tax are included before comparing estimates.
Which cabinet sizes and conditions raise the price?
Door count and cabinet area are major drivers. A kitchen with more than 30 doors and drawer fronts may add $1,500-$5,000 to a redooring or refacing quote compared with a 20-front kitchen. Tall pantry units, island panels, glass inserts, and custom-shaped fronts also require more material or fitting time.
Cabinet condition matters as much as size. Loose hinges or minor surface wear may be repairable, but water-damaged boxes, swollen particleboard, or out-of-square cabinets can require rebuilding or replacement. If more than 10% of the cabinet boxes need structural repair, compare refacing with selective replacement before approving the work.
Three kitchen sizes show how project totals differ
A small kitchen with 15 fronts and a straightforward paint finish may total $3,000-$5,000, including preparation and labor. A 25-front kitchen with new doors and hardware may cost $7,000-$12,000. A 30-front refacing project with upgraded wood doors, finished end panels, and new hinges can reach $14,000-$20,000.
As a labor cross-check, a two-person crew working 3-5 days might log 48-80 combined hours. At $50-$100 per labor hour, that is $2,400-$8,000 in labor value before material costs; actual contractor pricing may include overhead and fixed project charges.
Why labor rates differ between U.S. markets
Labor and business overhead can push quotes higher in major coastal cities and dense metro areas. A comparable cabinet project may cost 10%-25% more in a high-cost city than in a lower-cost Midwestern or Southern market. Rural locations may have lower hourly rates but higher travel charges or fewer available installers.
Scope and scheduling can outweigh location. An occupied kitchen, difficult parking, limited work hours, or repeated trips for custom doors may add fees or extend the schedule. Compare written quotes based on the same door count, finish, hardware, and included preparation.
What hardware, repairs, and add-ons can add
New pulls and knobs commonly add $100-$600 for a typical kitchen, depending on quantity and finish. Soft-close hinges or drawer slides can add $300-$1,500, while glass inserts, crown molding, or finished island panels may add $300-$2,000 or more. These upgrades are optional and should be listed separately.
Replacing a countertop, sink, or backsplash is usually outside a cabinet-only price. Countertop work can add several thousand dollars, and moving plumbing or electrical lines may require permits and additional trades. Confirm which items are excluded so a low cabinet quote does not conceal a larger project budget.
Painting, refacing, and replacement deliver different value
Painting generally costs less when cabinet boxes are sound and the existing door style is acceptable. Redooring updates the visible design without covering every cabinet surface. Refacing provides a more complete exterior change, while full replacement makes sense when boxes are damaged or the layout needs to change.
For comparison, stock cabinet replacement may start around $8,000-$15,000 installed, while semi-custom or custom cabinets can cost $20,000-$50,000+. Those totals may not include new counters, flooring, or plumbing. Repairing or refinishing sound boxes can avoid paying for cabinet interiors that do not need replacement.
How to lower a cabinet update quote without cutting corners
Keep the cabinet layout, retain usable boxes, and choose standard-size doors and readily available finishes. Handle simple room clearing and countertop removal only if the contractor permits it; improper removal can damage cabinets or complicate installation. Ask whether existing hinges and pulls can be reused if they are in good condition.
Request two or three itemized bids with matching scope, including preparation, door count, material, finish, hardware, cleanup, and warranty. Avoid paying for decorative upgrades before confirming the condition of the cabinet boxes. A fixed scope and comparable written quotes are the most reliable ways to control the final price.