Q: What’s the difference between cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refinishing keeps your existing doors and drawer fronts and updates them with a professionally sprayed finish. Cabinet refacing replaces the doors and drawer fronts with new, custom-sized pieces while keeping your existing cabinet boxes. I also refinish the exposed cabinet boxes to coordinate with the new doors for a consistent look.

Refinishing is a good option when you like your current door style. Refacing lets you change the style or replace damaged doors without replacing the entire kitchen and add soft close drawer boxes. 

Q: What is included in a cabinet refacing project?

Cabinet refacing includes new custom-sized doors and drawer fronts, preparation and refinishing of the exposed cabinet boxes, and installation and adjustment of the new fronts.

Optional upgrades include new 3/4-inch UV-coated drawer boxes with soft-close slides, soft-close hinges, new handles, and select cabinet modifications. Your proposal will clearly outline the materials, upgrades, and work included.

Q: Should I reface my cabinets or replace them?

Cabinet refacing is worth considering if your cabinet boxes are structurally sound and you’re happy with the overall kitchen layout. It allows you to update the door style and finish while keeping much of your existing cabinetry.

Full cabinet replacement may make more sense if the boxes have significant water damage, structural problems, or you want a major layout change. I’ll inspect your cabinets and explain which improvements are practical before recommending a scope of work.

Q: Can new cabinet doors match my existing door style?

In many cases, I can source a similar profile or have new doors made to closely match the original style. An exact match isn’t always possible, particularly with discontinued or unusual profiles. I’ll review the available options with you before the doors are ordered.

Q: How can I get an estimate?

Complete my online estimate form or text a few photos of your cabinets. I’ll typically provide a ballpark price within 24–48 hours. If the range works for you, I’ll schedule an in-person consultation to inspect the cabinets, discuss your project, and provide a firm price and formal proposal.

Q: Do you offer cabinet refinishing & refacing in the Tri-Cities and Knoxville areas?

Yes. Based near Morristown, I provide cabinet refinishing and refacing in Johnson City, Kingsport, Jonesborough, Greeneville, Knoxville, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and surrounding East Tennessee communities. Submit your project address through my online estimate form so I can confirm availability in your area.

Q: How much does a cabinet refinishing project cost?

Cabinet refinishing projects start at $5,000, with an average of $8,000. Pricing depends on the number of doors and drawers, kitchen layout, cabinet condition, wood type, and the amount of preparation required.

Q: How much does cabinet refacing cost?

Cabinet refacing typically costs about 50% more than refinishing a comparable kitchen because it includes new custom-sized doors and drawer fronts. Final pricing depends on the number and size of the doors and drawers, the selected door style, cabinet condition, and upgrades such as soft-close hinges or replacement drawer boxes.

For a ballpark estimate, complete my online estimate form and include a few photos of your kitchen.

Q: How long does a Cabinet Refinishing job take/ what’s a typical timeline?

Most cabinet refinishing projects take approximately 8–10 business days. I refinish the doors and drawer fronts off-site at my shop while completing the cabinet boxes inside your home.

A typical project includes:

• Removing and labeling the doors and drawer fronts
• Cleaning, sanding, and preparing every surface
• Priming and spraying the doors at my shop
• Masking and containing the kitchen
• Priming and spraying the cabinet boxes on-site
• Removing the masking and cleaning the work area
• Reinstalling and adjusting the finished doors and drawer fronts

The exact timeline depends on the size and condition of your cabinets.

Q: What Cabinet Coatings do you use and why?

I use professional two-component Novalk cabinet coatings designed specifically for cabinets, millwork, and other high-use wood surfaces.

Unlike ordinary wall or trim paint, these coatings provide excellent adhesion, moisture resistance, chemical resistance, and durability. They also produce the smooth, furniture-quality sprayed finish expected from professionally refinished cabinets.

Q: What should I look for when comparing cabinet painting quotes?

When comparing cabinet refinishing contractors, look for:

• An actual cabinet door sample you can see and feel
• Genuine, positive reviews and testimonials from past customers
• A clear scope of work explaining how the cabinets will be cleaned, sanded, primed, and finished
• True professional cabinet coatings- not standard wall, door or trim paint
• Spray application on both the cabinet doors and boxes
• Sanding between coats for a smoother, more durable finish
• A strong written warranty covering the coating and workmanship

If these details aren’t clearly explained, consider it a red flag.

Q: Can you “paint” over stained cabinets?

Yes. Most of the cabinets I refinish were originally stained and clear-coated. With thorough cleaning, sanding, and the correct primer, stained cabinets can be painted with excellent adhesion and long-lasting durability.

Q: Can you refinish oak cabinets, and will the grain still show?

Yes. Oak cabinets can be professionally refinished, but the wood’s open grain may remain visible through the painted finish. Painting changes the color; it does not automatically create a completely smooth surface.

If you prefer a smoother door appearance, cabinet refacing with new one-piece doors may be a better fit. We’ll discuss the expected appearance before your project begins.

Q: Do I have to empty my cabinets and drawers?

You do not need to completely empty your cabinets. Items should be moved approximately five inches back from the cabinet openings so I can properly prepare and spray the face frames.

Drawers must be completely emptied so they can be safely removed during the refinishing process.

Q: Are the cabinet doors and cabinet boxes both spray-finished?

Yes. I spray both the doors and the exposed cabinet boxes for a consistent finish. Doors and drawer fronts are finished off-site at my shop, while the cabinet boxes are prepared and sprayed inside your home with the surrounding kitchen carefully masked and protected.

Q: How should I prepare my kitchen for cabinet refinishing?

Before the project begins, please:

• Clear and clean the countertops
• Empty and dry the dishwasher
• Clean grease and residue from appliances
• Remove rugs, stools, pictures, furniture, and loose decorations
• Vacuum the kitchen floor
• Empty all drawers
• Move cabinet contents at least five inches back
• Turn off gas and power to the range when requested
• Maintain a temperature of at least 70°F during the project
• Move the refrigerator if you want the cabinet surfaces behind it refinished

I’ll review the preparation requirements with you before your scheduled start date.

Q: Can I replace my handles/ hinges?

Q: Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. Cabinet refinishing includes a two-year limited warranty covering coating or workmanship failures under normal household use. Cabinet refacing includes an extended five-year warranty when using one-piece HDF doors from New England Coatings.

Previously painted cabinets may have limited or excluded warranty coverage because the new finish depends on the preparation and adhesion of the existing paint underneath. Any warranty limitations will be explained before the project begins.

Q: Do you only refinish kitchen cabinets?

No. I also refinish bathroom vanities, built-ins, entertainment centers, fireplace mantels, pantry cabinets, and other painted or stained cabinetry throughout East Tennessee. I also offer cabinet refacing, which includes replacing the existing doors and drawer fronts for a more complete transformation.