Is it worth getting cabinets painted and installing backsplash

last year

last modified: last year

We are planning to sell our home in 1-2 years. Do you think it would be worth the cost to get the cabinets painted and put in a backsplash? I got a quote from local painters for $3200. We would do the backsplash ourselves (I’m guessing around $300).

Comments (22)

Rho Dodendron
last year
One never recoups 100% cost when remodeling. If a backsplash will make you happy---put one in. The cabinets look to be in mint condition. Painting them will be a downgrade.
Martha F
last year
I would definitely add a back splash. I painted my cabinets 2 years ago and while they look great I’ve been really disappointed that they chip so easily.
Related Discussions
Vertical Backsplash? A Backsplash Regret?
Q
Comments (28)
I can see why it might be advisable to remove the left/rt portions of tile, but I would be inclined to wait until ithe kitchen is completed before deciding. If, as your gut tells you, it "needs" to come down, nothing is really lost except a little more time with it up. Perhaps knowing you are not "locked-in" or committed to it, will help give the perspective to view it more objectively while deciding for sure. This way you will not only have the chance to see it with everything else in place, but you will also have the opportunity to get used to it, before deciding if you truly dislike it, or just haven't gotten used to it being there. As subtle (in color) as our tile is, after months of looking at white painted Sheetrock, it still looked "different" and stood out when we looked at our kitchen. Once we became accustomed to it, we couldn't imagine our walls without it. That's how I am with many things--after living with a blank wall or empty space for any period of time, even a long awaited piece of furniture or decor item jumps out at me, and almost seems like too much, until I get used to the vacant space being filled. Thanks for the compliments on our backsplash Laura and andreak100! It's the Opera Glass tile from Artistic Tile (Stilatto pattern) in Wolfgang White. It does read greenish-blue(-grey) in certain lights or times of day. We had to think about that one while deciding if we wanted to use it, and obviously decided to go for it! Good luck Laura! Honestly, whatever you decide will look terrific!
...See More
Installation order: cabinets, counter, backsplash
Q
Comments (2)
Cabinets counter backsplash is correct Leave enough gap between splash and counter to get caulk in there, not grout- 3/16 to 1/4 Since you have wood counter leave a small gap at wall to allow movement and attach to cabinets allowing movement. Oversize hole in cabinet, screw with washer thru it to counter.
...See More
To backsplash or not to backsplash...
Q
Comments (13)
Ooooh, you have me a little worried. I am planning a white on white kitchen...but back to the topic at hand. No I definitely don't think a lip of a backsplash is at all unfinished. In fact, i think most houses just have a lip? I wonder if the wall of a BS is a new thing. In fact i just took a quick look at property listings (no I am not a realtor, haha) and the 3 houses I clicked on (close to a million$) all had a lip of a backsplash. I think it is personal preference. And your right it is a dust catcher=). but better to have dust than me rub off my wall every time I wipe my counters down. (good paint may well solve that dilemma) but I do think that it looks naked with nothing. We cook alot ( and I am messy) so I have to have something behind my stove...and personally i do like the full wall of backsplash. If you have soapstone, that may break up the white enough to not make it so stark. You could possibly consider the lip of soapstone and then tile above that....? Best of luck
...See More
Backsplash? No backsplash? What kind of backsplash?
Q
Comments (25)
didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )
...See More
Connecticut Yankeeeee
last year
Don’t paint those - they’re very nice! Cabinets require special materials and skill to paint them successfully. You already have a backsplash of sorts. If you were to install a full splash, then remove that first.
jmm1837
last year
Agree with the majority - leave the cabinets alone. I don't think the presence or absence of a backsplash will have any impact on the saleability of the house, so only do it if you want one yourself.
Amy A
last year
Leave the cabinets!
Amy A
last year
I wouldn’t even add a backsplash either it looks great and the new owners can add whatever backsplash they please which would be a plus for me when buying a home w. A Kitchen like this
kempek01
last year
It looks like you already have a 4 inch backsplash.

I would not add another backsplash on top of that. If you want a different backsplash it will make you happy, please remove the 4 inch piece first.
Verbo
last year
$3200 is a bad housepainter cost. A professional cabinet finisher would be double to triple that for something that would last well enough to not be a chipped mess at resale.

Wood cabinets are back among the most popular of choices. Spend that $3200 on better lighting.
daisychain Zn3b
last year
Light countertops and backsplash would be where I'd spend money in your kitchen.
nickel_kg
last year
You'd be wasting money & materials. Your kitchen looks clean, well maintained, not a turn-off. In a year or two, the new owner will decide what if any changes they care to make.
Jennifer Hogan
last year
You will be spending money that will have a zero return on investment. Homes sell at a price that is based primarily on three things, location, square footage and general overall condition.

This kitchen is fine and any money you spend will be a gift to the new owner and money you can't spend on your new home.
tder12 thanked Jennifer Hogan
Caroline Hamilton
last year
I would not paint those cabinets. I would add hardware to them and they will instantly have a different look. Something in a transitional silver finish style. I would do a backsplash, probably off white / ivory handmade subway tile. I would also change the pendants to a larger size and change the bar stools completely. They are farmhouse-y and your kitchen is not farmhouse. These little fixes will cost a lot less than $3200 and it will give your kitchen a whole new look.
chispa
last year
A lighter counter would make the biggest difference in that kitchen, something like Taj Mahal quartzite would look great with the cabinets and floors, BUT I would only make that change if it was for me and I was staying in the house.

For selling, make sure the kitchen has plenty of lighting and clear the counters.
Helen
last year
As others have said, I wouldn't do a thing. Painting even by a professional would be a downgrade in terms of quality as the wood stain looks great.

You don't do a backsplash when you already have the splash guard that matches the counter. You have one or the other. The purpose of a having tile or other waterproof surface where the counter meets a wall is to protect the wall from damage from inevitable wet.

When you sell the new owner can make aesthetic decisions which might include replacing the counter and having a backsplash because the new counter doesn't have the six inch splash guard.

Or they might decide to completely gut the kitchen and install new cabinets - it looks like all of the lower cabinets are doors instead of drawers which isn't very functional.

However your kitchen in its present kitchen is quite lovely and would NOT be a detriment to any normal buyer.
worldatlarge
last year
Agree with Caroline on adding hardware. I think it will make a big difference.
cat_ky
last year
Leave the cabinets. Add a backsplash, and put hardware on the cabinets. I would not paint those cabinets. Add a bit of interest. I do see some things on one counter, that appears more like clutter, but, there is nothing anywhere else to make that kitchen feel cozy and inviting.. The window could use something, and a rug in front of the sink.
Jeanne Cardwell
last year
Hardware.
ci_lantro
last year
No cabinet paint. Add hardware. No backsplash. Maybe change the wall color to something more lively & with a hint of aqua. Or a white that is ever so slightly greenish.
elcieg
last year
No.
mle0782
last year
Declutter, cabinet hardware and maybe a new faucet to match and then I’d get a colorful runner of some sort.
Angie K
last year
Add some cabinet hardware. Backsplash if you like.
PRO
User
last year
Leave it alone. The buyer will probably rip it all out anyway.

Is it worth getting cabinets painted and installing backsplash

Comments (22)

Rho Dodendron

Martha F

Related Discussions

Connecticut Yankeeeee

jmm1837

Amy A

Amy A

kempek01

Verbo

daisychain Zn3b

nickel_kg

Jennifer Hogan

Caroline Hamilton

chispa

Helen

worldatlarge

cat_ky

Jeanne Cardwell

ci_lantro

elcieg

mle0782

Angie K

User

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US