If you’re tired of looking at outdated oak cabinets or dingy finishes from the early 2000s, you’re not alone. Kitchen cabinet painting has become one of the most popular home upgrades in Austin—and for good reason. It’s more affordable than a full remodel, quicker than replacing your cabinetry, and the transformation can be stunning.
But how much does it actually cost to paint kitchen cabinets in Austin? Let’s break it down in a way that makes it easy to understand and even easier to estimate.
The Average Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Austin
The average cost to professionally paint your kitchen cabinets in Austin is around $100 per drawer face and $175 per cabinet door. That means for a medium-sized kitchen, you can expect to pay about $5,500. Smaller kitchens can run closer to $3,000, while large, complex kitchens can exceed $10,000.
Why such a wide range? Because every kitchen is different. The number of doors and drawers, the layout, the style of the cabinets, and even whether or not you have an island all affect the final price. But here in Austin, these estimates are based on real-world projects completed by local painters.
Think of it like getting a custom suit tailored. You’re not paying just for paint—you’re paying for time, detail, prep, and a flawless finish.
A Simple Way to Estimate Your Cabinet Painting Cost
Don’t worry about measuring square footage or calculating linear feet. Just count the number of cabinet faces (drawer fronts and cabinet doors), and you’re well on your way to an accurate cost estimate.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Count your surfaces: Look around your kitchen and count every cabinet door and drawer face.
2. Determine your kitchen size:
- Small: Fewer than 20 cabinet surfaces
- Medium: 21 to 40 surfaces
- Large: 41+ cabinet surfaces
3. Adjust for unique features:
Add about 10% to your estimate if your cabinets include glass-front doors, detailed profiles, or crown molding that adds labor time.
4. Don’t forget the extras:
- Have a kitchen island? Add $500
- Wine rack? Add $250
- Pantry built-ins or desk nooks? Estimate those separately, as they often require additional materials and care.
This method keeps things straightforward and prevents any surprises when it comes time to get quotes from local painters.
Cabinet Painting Cost by Kitchen Size
Small Kitchens:
For kitchens with fewer than 20 total cabinet openings, the cost is typically $130 per drawer and $200 per cabinet door.
Example: A kitchen with 6 drawers and 14 doors would cost about $3,580.
Because these jobs are smaller, they tend to cost more per unit due to setup and material minimums.
Medium Kitchens:
Medium-sized kitchens (21–40 surfaces) are the sweet spot for pricing.
At around $110 per drawer and $185 per door, a kitchen with 9 drawers and 22 doors plus an island would cost roughly $5,560.
Large Kitchens:
If you’ve got a large kitchen (or maybe you live in a custom home in Westlake, Bee Cave, or Steiner Ranch), you’ll benefit from volume pricing.
Large kitchens with over 40 openings typically cost $90 per drawer and $170 per door.
Example: 18 drawers, 33 doors, an island, and a wine rack? You’re looking at a total around $8,230.
Why Are Austin Cabinet Painting Prices What They Are?
Austin isn’t the cheapest city when it comes to home improvement—especially with growing demand and limited skilled labor. But what you do get in return is high-quality workmanship, experienced professional house painters, and often, eco-friendly practices using low-VOC paints like those from Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore.
Also, Austin kitchens are increasingly design-forward. Whether it’s a sleek modern look in East Austin or a cozy farmhouse vibe in Dripping Springs, painters in the area are used to working with bold, trendy color palettes and specialty finishes.
So while the price may be higher than in smaller markets, you’re also paying for experience with high-end results.
Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
Let’s be honest: DIY painting can save money—but it’s a serious commitment. If you’ve got the patience and tools, it’s possible. But you’ll need:
- High-quality enamel paint (like Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane)
- A strong bonding primer (we recommend Extreme Bond Primer)
- A sprayer or high-density foam rollers
- Sandpaper, degreaser, tape, drop cloths, and at least a week of free time
Expect to spend $15–$20 per cabinet surface in materials. For 30 surfaces, that’s $450–$600, not including tools or your time.
Keep in mind: A pro painter will spend about 2 hours per cabinet surface. A DIYer may need double that to get a clean, streak-free finish.
DIY is great if you’re on a tight budget and have the time. But if you want guaranteed, durable, and showroom-quality results, hiring a pro is well worth it.
What Styles Are Trending in Austin?
If you’re unsure what look to go for, check out what’s trending in Austin kitchens right now:
- Soft white with brushed gold hardware – A timeless favorite in Circle C and Mueller.
- Sage green or navy blue lowers with white uppers – Great for a two-tone look.
- Matte black or charcoal – Bold and dramatic, popular in modern downtown condos.
- Natural wood + painted combos – Keeps warmth while adding contrast.
Your painter can help you choose the right color and finish that complements your countertops, flooring, and backsplash.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen cabinet painting in Austin is an excellent investment—whether you’re updating for resale or just want to love your kitchen again. It’s more affordable than a full renovation and still delivers a high-impact transformation.
Use this guide to estimate your cost and plan your next project. The only thing standing between you and a brand-new kitchen look might just be a coat (or two) of paint.
