Painting furniture or cabinets is a budget-friendly way to update your home’s look without full replacement. Costs vary widely by project size, location, and prep work. Nationally, a typical furniture repaint runs about $200–$500 per piece, while a full kitchen cabinet paint job averages roughly $935 (about $3–$10 per square foot or $30–$60 per linear foot of cabinets).
Miami-area rates tend to be on the higher side – painters here often charge around $25–$50 per hour – so local prices may be toward the upper end of these ranges. Below we break down the costs by item type and project size, comparing national averages with Miami-specific figures, and covering the impact of labor, materials, preparation, and finish.
Furniture Painting Costs
Furniture painting costs depend on the type and size of each piece. Small items are relatively cheap to paint, while large or elaborate pieces cost more. For example, common cost ranges are:
- Chair (dining or accent): about $120–$300 each. Basic chairs are quick to prep and paint.
- Side or end table: around $80–$200. These small tables have limited surface area.
- Coffee table: roughly $100–$240. Simple designs with flat surfaces come in on the lower end.
- Dresser / Chest of Drawers: about $150–$500 (larger or antique models can reach $750 or more). More drawers and intricate hardware increase the price.
- Dining table (alone): about $200–$650. (For a set with chairs, see next bullet.)
- Dining table + 4 chairs: roughly $700–$1,200. This quote covers one table and a matching set of four chairs.
- Bookcase or Armoire: around $300–$850. Tall or multi-shelf units take extra time to prep and paint.
Larger or more ornate pieces cost more than simple ones. Note that these are average national prices; Miami projects may run slightly higher due to labor costs and demand. For example, a local furniture painter in Miami might quote on the higher end of these ranges for large items.
The main cost driver is labor. Once the furniture is ready, paint and primer are relatively inexpensive, but sanding, repairs, and multiple coats take time. In fact, beyond the paint itself, most of the expense is labor. Prep work adds time: stripping old varnish, filling dents, or sanding curved legs can double the labor needed.
In general, expect labor to be 50–70% of the total cost. Paint and primer together often run on the order of a few dozen dollars per gallon – for instance, standard latex paint is about $15–$60 per gallon (sufficient for hundreds of square feet) – but paint choice can raise the material budget. Low-VOC cabinet-grade enamels, often used for high-touch furniture, can cost $50–$100+ per gallon.
Factor effecting Furniture Painting Cost
Several factors can raise or lower the price of painting a furniture piece:
- Surface preparation: Removing a thick varnish or repairing damaged wood adds hours of work. Freshly sanded, well-prepped surfaces yield the best finish but increase cost.
- Design complexity: Carvings, turned legs, and ornate trim take longer to sand and detail. A simple flat panel is quickest; an antique with embellishments may cost roughly twice as much in labor.
- Paint quality and finish: Premium paints last longer. High-end enamel or lacquer (used for kitchen-grade durability) can be $80+ per gallon. Likewise, specialty finishes (e.g. metallic or chalk paint) can be more expensive.
- Location: Labor rates vary by market. For instance, painters in high-cost areas (San Francisco Bay Area, etc.) charge ~$100/hr, while in rural regions it can be ~$40/hr. Miami’s painter rates ($25–$50/hr) are mid-range nationally.
- Logistics: Moving large pieces may incur pickup/delivery fees. Some shops add a trip charge if they must transport a sofa or headboard.
In summary, basic furniture pieces (chairs, tables, small dressers) often come in under $300 each, while large or detailed pieces (wardrobes, dining sets, armoires) can run $500–$1,000+. Labor and preparation complexity are the real cost multipliers; the paint itself is a minor portion of the total.
Cabinet Painting Costs
Painting cabinets (kitchen, bathroom, built-ins) is usually quoted by size (square feet or linear feet) or by door. Kitchen cabinets are priced higher than small furniture due to quantity. Nationally, expect:
- Per square foot: about $3–$10 per sq.ft. (this usually includes paint, primer, and labor).
- Per linear foot: about $30–$60 per linear ft. of cabinetry (linear footage typically excludes upper cabinets’ height).
- Per cabinet door: in Miami specifically, painters often charge around $70–$90 per door. (Drawers are often charged at roughly half a door.)
At these rates:
- A small kitchen (around 60 sq.ft. of cabinet space) could cost roughly $180–$600,
- A medium kitchen (100–200 sq.ft.) runs $300–$2,000 depending on size.
- Homeowners have reported entire kitchen jobs ranging from about $2,000 to $7,000, with an average near $4,000.
In Miami, estimates for 2022 were $5–$9 per sq.ft. of cabinets, or about $70–$90 per door. For example, repainting a 20-door kitchen might run around $1,380–$1,780. (A full remodel is far more expensive, so painting is often a budget-friendlier choice.)
Bathroom cabinets/vanities are smaller in scale. Reports show roughly $7–$15 per sq.ft. for painting bathroom cabinets. In practical terms, a small 24″-wide vanity might cost only about $60–$120, while a large 72″ vanity could be $180–$360. Since bathrooms have fewer doors, total costs are often under $500 unless it’s a double vanity or very large unit.
Built-in cabinets (like wall units, bookcases, entertainment centers) are typically priced similarly to kitchen cabinets, often by linear foot. Painters will usually charge $30–$60 per linear foot, or quote per unit. For a large custom wall cabinet, expect several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on size and detail.
Factors Effecting Cabinets Painting cost
As with furniture, labor dominates cabinet painting costs. Preparation (removing doors/drawers, sanding old finish, priming) can be half the work. Major cost factors include:
- Size of project: More doors/drawers = more labor. Each cabinet door might require sanding/priming/painting on both sides.
- Condition of surfaces: New or smooth cabinets need less prep. Old or rough wood, or cabinets with peeling finish, take longer.
- Paint type: Professionals typically use durable, cabinet-grade paints. For example, a gallon of high-quality trim enamel can cost $50–$100. Many pros prefer semi-gloss or high-gloss for cabinets (easier to clean).
- Additional tasks: Replacing hardware (knobs, hinges) is common. Hardware swaps can add anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on quantity and quality. (For example, at ~$5–10 per knob, a full kitchen’s worth of hardware can be a few hundred dollars.)
- Removal/installation: Some painters charge extra to remove and reinstall doors and drawer fronts, or to work around sinks and appliances.
In the end, a professional cabinet painting project will typically cost $1,000–$4,000 for a standard kitchen, though budget options exist if you do much of the prep yourself. Miami kitchens often fall at the higher end of this range due to labor costs.
Labor vs. Materials
Regardless of furniture or cabinets, labor costs outweigh material costs. As a rule of thumb, expect labor (sanding, spraying/rolling, and multiple coats with drying time) to be about 50–70% of the total cost.
Paint and primer (materials) are usually the smaller share: for example, a gallon of standard paint is $15–$60 and covers roughly 350–400 sq.ft. of surface. Even premium paints rarely exceed $100–$120 per gallon.
For a typical cabinet job, materials (paint and primer) might total only a few hundred dollars, while labor could be a few thousand. Similarly, repainting a dresser might involve only $20–$60 in paint, but several hours of a pro’s time. In short: “materials stay affordable; labor hours and intricate details push the bill.”
Paint Types and Finishes
The choice of paint and finish affects both look and cost. Common options include:
- Latex/Acrylic Paint: A general-purpose water-based paint ($30–$55/gal). It’s easy to clean up and dries quickly. Many furniture projects use a satin or semi-gloss acrylic latex for durability.
- Chalk or Mineral Paint: Specially formulated for a matte, “distressed” look. Chalk paint runs about $35–$45 per quart and often requires a wax or topcoat. Minimal sanding is needed, which can save time (and thus cost) in prep.
- Urethane or Alkyd Enamel: Oil-based or hybrid enamels (often labeled “cabinet paint” or “trim enamel”) are very durable and popular for high-traffic pieces. They can cost $50–$120 per gallon.
- Milk Paint: A natural, old-fashioned style of paint that gives a matte finish. Costs vary, but specialized milk paints are similar in price to chalk paints.
- Primer: Regardless of topcoat, a quality primer ($20–$40/gal) is often needed, especially on raw wood or to block stains.
Finish (sheen) also matters. Glossier finishes (satin, semi-gloss, gloss) tend to cost slightly more per can than flat or eggshell, but they clean more easily – important for kitchen cabinetry or desk/table tops. For cabinets, pros typically recommend semi-gloss or high-gloss enamel for its cleanability. For bedroom dressers, an eggshell or satin (moderate sheen) is common.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
You can save money by doing the work yourself, but it takes time and skill. DIY paint costs are mainly materials. Painting a single piece of furniture yourself typically costs $50–$120 in paint and supplies (maybe up to $300 for a very large item), plus your labor. You might save $50–$400 compared to hiring a pro.
For cabinet projects, DIY might require renting tools or taking weeks of evenings to finish. However, a professional painter brings expertise and speed. Expect to pay roughly $200–$500 per furniture piece.
For cabinets, a pro’s labor adds up quickly (often thousands of dollars for a full kitchen), but they ensure a flawless, durable finish in a few days. Pros also handle prep, clean-up, and may even arrange hardware replacement.
When is pro hiring cost-effective?
If the project is large or complex (like an entire kitchen, bathroom cabinets, heirloom furniture, or anything requiring extensive prep), the pro’s efficiency and quality are usually worth the extra cost. Mistakes or uneven paint from a rushed DIY can be costly to fix.
On small projects (one or two simple pieces), DIY might save a few dollars if you already have tools and enough skill. In summary, use DIY for one-off small items if you enjoy the work.
For multiple pieces or high-value projects, hiring a pro is often more economical in the long run. A well-painted kitchen or built-in cabinet can dramatically improve your home without the price tag of new cabinets.
Recommended Paint Brands
High-quality paint brands are key to a lasting finish. Here are some popular options by use case (brand suggestions are for reference, not endorsements):
- Cabinets (Kitchen/Bath): Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, Benjamin Moore’s Advance, or Behr’s Premium Cabinet Door & Trim Enamel are top picks.
- Furniture (Smooth Finishes): Sherwin-Williams’ ProClassic or Benjamin Moore’s Advance can also work on furniture. Behr Premium Ultra in a satin sheen gives a nice, hard finish. Rust-Oleum or Krylon sprays work well for outdoor furniture.
- Furniture (Distressed/Vintage Look): Annie Sloan or Dixie Belle chalk paints are famous for no-sand, matte finishes. Rust-Oleum’s chalked spray paints are a budget-friendly alternative.
- Specialty Finishes: Mineral oil or tung oil bring out wood grain. Epoxy or polyurethane topcoats (e.g. Varathane, General Finishes) add extra durability for high-wear surfaces.
Regardless of brand, always use paints labeled for “furniture” or “cabinet” use when possible. Pair them with the right primer if you’re going over a slick surface or need durability.
Transform Your Cabinets & Furniture with PaintlogsSummary
Whether you’re looking to revive a timeworn dresser or modernize your kitchen cabinets, cabinet and furniture painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your interior. From small nightstands to full custom built-ins, pricing depends on size, materials, prep work, and finish type. In Miami, where design trends meet tropical humidity, it pays to choose high-quality paints and professional service for a result that lasts.
At Paintlogs, we specialize in precision cabinet refinishing and custom furniture painting throughout the Miami area. Our experienced team handles everything—from sanding and priming to flawless finishes—with industry-grade tools and premium paints built to withstand daily use. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen cabinets, painting heirloom furniture, or planning a full color makeover, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
Don’t settle for less—choose Paintlogs, the trusted name in furniture and cabinet painting service in Miami. Contact us today for a personalized quote and see why locals call us the best in detail, durability, and design.