Kitchen cabinets refinished in a rich espresso stain with the grain showing, doors laid on drying racks behind, drop cloths over the counters

Cabinet refinishing

Stripping and restaining solid wood cabinets so the grain shows again.

Find a certified company

What this covers

Refinishing is for solid wood or wood-veneer cabinets whose finish is worn but whose wood is good. Doors and drawer fronts are removed, the old finish is stripped or sanded, dents and scratches repaired, the wood stained or toned to the chosen color, and new clear coats sprayed. The boxes are refinished in place under masking. The grain stays visible, which painting would hide.

When to call

  • Solid wood cabinets with a dull, scratched or peeling finish.
  • A wish to change the stain color while keeping the wood look.
  • Smoke or water marks on cabinets that have been cleaned and dried.

What to expect

  1. Remove and stripDoors and fronts come off and are labeled; old finish is stripped or sanded.
  2. RepairDents, scratches and loose joints are repaired and the wood sanded.
  3. Stain and sealStain or toner is applied and clear coats sprayed, with the boxes done in place.
  4. ReassembleDoors are rehung and adjusted, hardware installed, and you check the result.

Get a certified company

Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.

Find a certified company

Text 844-7-RESTORECall 844-7-RESTORE

Questions people ask

Can the color go lighter?

Stripping removes most of the old stain, so a lighter color is possible, though some woods keep a tint. The company tests a door first.

Refinish or paint?

Refinishing keeps the wood grain. Painting covers it. If the wood is attractive and the finish is the problem, refinishing is the choice.

Is it done on site?

Doors go to the shop for stripping and spraying; the boxes are done in the kitchen under masking.

Related: Cabinet painting · Cabinet refacing · Cabinet hardware installation · All cabinets and countertops

This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.