A kitchen refurbishment can cost a fraction of a new kitchen. Professionally repainting existing cabinets typically costs around £800 to £1,600, compared with an average of around £10,550 for a new fitted kitchen in the UK. Refurbishing makes sense when the cabinets are solid and the layout works. If the units are failing or the layout doesn't suit you, replacing is usually the better long-term buy.
At Oak & Pine by Design, we do both. We strip, restore and hand-paint existing woodwork, and we build new handmade kitchens in our Honley workshop. So we have no reason to push you one way or the other. Here's how to decide.
How much does a kitchen refurbishment cost?
| Refurbishment job | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| Professional repaint or respray of cabinets | around £800 to £1,600 |
| New solid wood worktops (5-metre run) | around £300 to £900 |
| New laminate worktops (5-metre run) | around £200 to £800 |
| New handles and hinges | a few hundred pounds |
| Full new fitted kitchen (for comparison) | around £5,250 to £28,400 (average £10,550) |
These are typical 2026 UK figures. A refurbishment that combines a repaint, new worktops and new handles can transform a kitchen for a small share of the cost of starting again.
When should you refurbish rather than replace?
Refurbishing is the smart choice when:
- The cabinets are solid wood or good-quality timber that's still sound and square
- You like the layout and don't need to move the sink, hob or appliances
- The problem is cosmetic: tired paint, dated colour, worn worktops, old handles
- You want to keep character, such as original pine or oak in a period home
Old solid pine and oak kitchens are often far better made than new budget units. Stripping and refinishing them keeps the craftsmanship and saves a skip full of waste.
When is it better to replace the kitchen?
Replace when:
- The carcasses are chipboard or MDF that's swollen, sagging or falling apart
- Doors won't hang straight because the cabinets have moved
- The layout doesn't work for how you cook and live
- You're changing the room, for example knocking through or extending
Painting over failing units only hides the problem for a while. In these cases, a new kitchen that's built to last is the better use of your money.
Not sure which camp your kitchen is in? Ask Daniel to take a look. The first consultation is free.
Ways to refurbish a solid wood kitchen
1. Strip it back to the natural wood
If your pine or oak kitchen has been painted or varnished in a colour you've fallen out of love with, it can be taken back to bare timber and re-oiled or waxed. Our paint stripping service handles doors, drawer fronts and furniture, including detailed period pieces.
2. Give it a new colour
A new colour changes a kitchen more than anything else. We have over 25 years' experience in hand-painting, and a colour-matching service if you already have a shade in mind. Ask us whether your existing doors are a good candidate. See our hand-painted kitchens for ideas.
3. Replace the worktops
New solid wood worktops instantly warm up a painted kitchen, and they can be sanded and re-oiled when they get marked.
4. Add or match units
Need a larder, a dresser or an island to finish the room? We can build new pieces to match what you already have. Our client Gavin had units made to match a kitchen fitted years before: "We still can't believe how well the units match. Delighted with the work and the attention to detail."
Refurbish or replace: quick checklist
- Open every door. Are the cabinets square, dry and solid?
- Check under the sink for swelling or water damage.
- Are the doors solid wood, veneer or MDF?
- Does the layout work for you?
- How long will you stay in the house?
Mostly "yes, solid, works, staying"? Refurbish. Mostly "no"? It's time for a new kitchen, and a handmade one will outlast the next two budget replacements.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to paint kitchen cabinets or replace them?
Painting is far cheaper, typically around £800 to £1,600 professionally, against an average of about £10,550 for a new fitted kitchen. It only works if the cabinets underneath are sound.
Can you paint an old pine kitchen?
Yes. Solid pine takes paint beautifully once it's properly prepared. You can also strip it back to natural wood if you prefer the original look.
How long does a kitchen refurbishment take?
A repaint and new handles can take days rather than weeks. Adding worktops or new units takes longer, and we'll set out the timescale in writing.
Can you help with a kitchen you didn't make?
Get in touch with a few photos. We'll tell you honestly what's worth saving, whether that's stripping the doors, adding matching units or starting again.
Save what's good. Build what's missing.
Whether your kitchen needs stripping, repainting, a few matching units or a complete handmade kitchen, it's all done by one team in one Honley workshop, led by master craftsman Daniel Fitzpatrick.
Visit us at Unit 3, Crossley Mills, Honley, HD9 6PL, or send us photos of your kitchen for an honest opinion.
Book a free consultation or call 01484 666 333.