How Much Does Cabinet Painting / Refinishing Cost in Chicago, IL?
Chicago pricing is 15% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, humid-continental climate conditions, and Chicago's finance-manufacturing-logistics economy.See our methodology
Cabinet Painting / Refinishing Pricing in Chicago, IL
In Chicago, cabinet painting / refinishing costs are 15% above the national average, reflecting the city's finance-manufacturing-logistics-driven economy. The union-heavy labor market means you have decent options when shopping for quotes. Most residents with a population base of 2.7M find the pricing competitive relative to the local cost of living.
Local climate plays a direct role in cabinet painting / refinishing costs here. Brutal winters create seasonal demand spikes for heating and snow-related services; summer is peak for outdoor projects.
Market-specific factors matter in Chicago: strong union presence means higher labor rates but consistent quality; city permit process can add 2-4 weeks.
Chicago has moderate permitting requirements. Depending on the scope of your cabinet painting / refinishing project, you may need local permits. A licensed contractor will handle the permitting process as part of the job in most cases.
Chicago vs National Average
What Affects Cabinet Painting / Refinishing Cost in Chicago?
Method
Professional spray painting: $2,000-$5,000. Professional brush/roll: $1,200-$3,500. DIY: $200-$600
Kitchen Size
Small kitchen (15-20 doors): $1,200-$2,500. Large (30+ doors): $2,500-$5,000
Chicago Market Conditions
strong union presence means higher labor rates but consistent quality; city permit process can add 2-4 weeks
Local Climate Impact
brutal winters create seasonal demand spikes for heating and snow-related services; summer is peak for outdoor projects
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Tips to Save on Cabinet Painting / Refinishing in Chicago
- 1.Painting cabinets costs 80% less than replacing them
- 2.DIY is possible but professional results require spray equipment
- 3.Replace hardware for a complete fresh look at minimal cost
- 4.Keep the same layout and cabinet boxes — just update the finish
- 5.Chicago has a strong union labor market. While rates may be higher, union contractors typically carry better insurance and offer workmanship guarantees.
📈 Cabinet Painting / Refinishing in Chicago Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2,735 | — |
| 2021 | $2,850 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $3,035 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $3,120 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $3,220 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Cabinet Painting / Refinishing in Chicago
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is cabinet painting worth it?
If cabinets are structurally sound, painting is one of the best kitchen ROI projects. You get a dramatic update for $2K-$4K vs $15K-$30K for new cabinets.
Why does cabinet painting / refinishing cost different in Chicago than other cities?
Chicago's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the finance-manufacturing-logistics economy, humid-continental climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and moderate permitting requirements. The union-heavy labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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