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If you’re considering updating your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, you’re not alone—cabinet painting has become one of Tampa Bay’s most requested home improvement services. It offers a dramatic transformation without the high price tag of cabinet replacement, and it’s ideal for homeowners who want a modern look that fits Florida’s bright, coastal-inspired style.
But the first question almost every homeowner asks is: “How much does cabinet painting cost in Tampa?” In this guide, you’ll find clear price ranges, real project examples, and the factors that go into determining the final cost. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to budget for your 2025 cabinet painting project.
Several elements determine the total price of cabinet painting in Tampa Bay. Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations and makes it easier to compare quotes from different contractors.
Humidity and climate play a significant role in how cabinet finishes cure in Florida. Professional painters must use appropriate products and techniques to ensure durability in Tampa’s year-round humidity. The U.S. National Weather Service provides useful data on local humidity patterns, which can impact curing times and material selection.
Below are the core cost drivers.
The type of cabinets you have significantly affects labor time and material requirements. Solid wood cabinets are ideal for painting because they accept paint well and allow for minor repairs. Laminate or thermofoil cabinets require more prep, adhesion primers, and sometimes specialized products to ensure the finish bonds properly—especially in humid environments.
If your cabinets have heavy grease buildup, peeling finish, or visible damage, your painter will need more prep time, increasing your overall cost.
Most Tampa Bay painters calculate pricing based on total door and drawer count. More pieces simply mean more labor—each door must be cleaned, sanded, primed, sprayed, cured, and rehung.
Typical breakdowns are:
Door count is one of the clearest indicators of total project cost.
Higher-end finishes require more prep work and more advanced spray systems. Professional cabinet painters typically use:
If your cabinets need caulking, gap-filling, or hardware hole repairs, your cost will increase. On the other hand, skipping proper prep can lead to peeling, bubbling, or premature wear—an especially common issue in Florida.
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Average investment: $2,000–$3,000
A small kitchen typically includes a compact layout seen in condos, apartments, and smaller homes in communities such as South Tampa and Davis Islands. The cost is primarily driven by door count, with minimal repairs and simpler layouts keeping costs lower.
Expect fast turnaround—often within 3–5 days from start to finish.
Medium Kitchens (20–35 doors/drawers)
Average investment: $3,000–$5,000
The medium-size kitchen is the most common layout in Tampa Bay. Homes in neighborhoods like Carrollwood, Brandon, and Riverview often fall into this category. Medium kitchens typically require more prep and masking due to larger surface areas and more door/drawer combinations.
This is the range most homeowners land in, balancing value and design impact.
Large Kitchens (35+ doors/drawers)
Average investment: $5,000–$7,500+
Large kitchens with extended cabinet runs, large islands, multiple pantries, or decorative features can reach the higher end of the spectrum. Homes in areas like Westchase, Lutz, and upscale new construction often fall into this category.
These projects require more time, more materials, and more advanced setup, but they deliver a dramatic, full-kitchen transformation.
Real Tampa Bay Project Examples
To help you visualize real-world pricing, here are some examples based on typical Tampa Bay homes.
Example 1: South Tampa Condo (Small Kitchen)
This condo had 14 cabinet doors and 4 drawers. The cabinets were in good shape but outdated. The homeowner chose a bright white finish to modernize the space.
• Total Cost: $2,400
• Timeline: 4 days
• Finish: Satin white, sprayed for factory-style look
• Result: A clean, modern aesthetic perfect for resale value
Example 2: Brandon Family Home (Medium Kitchen)
A 28-door kitchen with a central island, moderate wear, and oak cabinets needing extra prep. The homeowners opted for a soft greige tone to complement their tile floors.
• Total Cost: $4,100
• Timeline: 6 days
• Finish: Premium cabinet enamel with upgraded primer system
• Result: A warm, updated kitchen without remodeling costs
Example 3: Westchase Large Kitchen
A 40-door kitchen with crown molding and a built-in desk area. The homeowners selected a two-tone color scheme with navy lowers and white uppers.
• Total Cost: $6,500
• Timeline: 7–8 days
• Finish: Two-color spray system with added topcoat
• Result: High-end transformation comparable to new custom cabinetry at a fraction of the cost
What Makes Tampa’s Cabinet Painting Market Unique?
While cabinet painting costs vary nationwide, Tampa’s hot, humid climate introduces special considerations. Florida’s humidity can impact cabinet coatings, cure time, and long-term durability. That’s why many Tampa Bay professionals rely on specialized primers and high-performance enamel paints that withstand moisture better.
The Florida Climate Center offers helpful data on humidity and temperature patterns across the region.
These climate conditions mean homeowners should choose painters familiar with Florida challenges—not general contractors who treat all climates the same.
How to Get Accurate Cabinet Painting Quotes in Tampa
Pricing can vary widely between contractors, so it’s important to compare quotes carefully. Make sure each estimate includes:
This information ensures you’re comparing apples to apples—not wildly different scopes of work.
Homeowners often wonder whether there are ways to reduce costs while still getting great results. Here are strategies that keep your budget on track:
Cabinet painting is one of those services where paying for a professional finish actually saves money long-term.
For most Tampa Bay homeowners, professional cabinet painting falls between $2,000 and $7,500, depending on kitchen size, cabinet condition, complexity, and finish choices. With Tampa’s thriving housing market and high demand for modern kitchens, cabinet painting is a smart, budget-conscious way to update your home while maximizing value.
If you’re ready to explore options, request a detailed quote from a reputable cabinet painting professional, compare scopes carefully, and choose a team that understands Florida’s climate, materials, and design trends.
Most professional cabinet painting projects in Tampa Bay take 3–7 days, depending on kitchen size, door/drawer count, and the complexity of the finish. Larger kitchens or two-tone designs may take slightly longer due to additional prep and curing time required in Florida’s humid climate.
Yes—as long as the correct products and prep methods are used. Tampa Bay professionals typically use industrial adhesion primers and cabinet-grade enamel paints formulated to withstand high humidity. Proper curing conditions and spray application help ensure a long-lasting, factory-smooth finish.
Absolutely. Cabinet painting usually costs 70–85% less than full replacement. Most Tampa Bay homeowners spend between $2,000 and $7,500 for painting, whereas new cabinets can easily exceed $15,000–$30,000. Painting delivers a modern, updated look without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.
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