If you’re standing in your kitchen right now, staring at those dated oak cabinets or that tired cream finish, you’re probably asking yourself the same question hundreds of Irish homeowners ask every year: Should I replace or paint my kitchen?
It’s a €15,000 question—literally. That’s roughly what you’ll save by choosing professional kitchen spraying over full replacement. But what exactly does that money buy you, and more importantly, what are you giving up (or gaining) with each option?
As Ireland’s only City & Guilds certified spraying instructor with over 20 years in the business, I’ve seen both approaches up close. Let me break down the real costs, timelines, and results so you can make the smartest decision for your home.
The True Cost of Kitchen Replacement in Ireland
Let’s start with the numbers everyone wants to know.
Full kitchen replacement typically costs:
- Budget range: €8,000–€12,000 (basic units, laminate worktops)
- Mid-range: €12,000–€20,000 (better quality units, composite worktops)
- Premium: €20,000–€35,000+ (bespoke cabinetry, stone worktops)
But that’s not the whole story. Hidden costs include:
- Plumbing and electrical modifications (€500–€2,000)
- Appliance repositioning or replacement (€1,000–€5,000)
- Flooring damage repair (€300–€1,500)
- Decorating surrounding areas (€400–€800)
- Eating out for 2–4 weeks while kitchen is unusable (€500–€1,200)
Real total cost: €10,700–€43,500
The Cost of Professional Kitchen Spraying in Ireland
Professional kitchen spraying typically costs:
- Average kitchen (28–30 doors/drawers): €2,450 + VAT
- Larger kitchens: €2,800–€3,500 + VAT
- Includes all preparation, materials, and 3-year workmanship warranty
What’s included:
- Complete 12-step preparation and spraying process
- All doors/drawers sprayed in professional workshop
- Frames sprayed on-site to minimise disruption
- Premium water-based paints (Renner or Sayerlack)
- Choice of matt or satin finish in thousands of colours
- Kitchen back in use within 5–7 days
Real total cost: €2,450–€3,500 + VAT
Your savings: €8,250–€40,000
What You Get for €15,000: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Kitchen Replacement (€15,000)
Pros:
- New cabinet boxes and doors
- Can change layout if needed
- New hinges and hardware
- Opportunity to upgrade appliances
Cons:
- 2–4 weeks of disruption (no cooking, no sink access)
- Dust, noise, and tradespeople in your home daily
- Risk of discovering hidden issues (plumbing, electrical)
- Disposal of old kitchen (environmental impact)
- May need to take time off work to manage project
Professional Kitchen Spraying (€2,800)
Pros:
- Flawless factory-finish appearance
- Keep your existing layout (no learning curve)
- 5–7 days total timeline (kitchen usable within days)
- Minimal disruption (doors removed for 3–4 days)
- Eco-friendly water-based paints
- 3-year workmanship warranty
- €12,200 left in your pocket
Cons:
- Can’t change layout
- Existing cabinet boxes remain (though if they’re solid, why replace them?)
- Hardware stays the same (though you can upgrade handles separately for €200–€500)
When Kitchen Spraying Makes Perfect Sense
Professional kitchen spraying is ideal if:
- Your cabinet boxes are solid and well-constructed
- You like your current layout
- Your budget is €3,000–€5,000 rather than €15,000+
- You can’t afford 3–4 weeks of kitchen disruption
- You want to modernise without the waste of full replacement
- You’re preparing to sell and need maximum ROI
When Replacement Might Be Better
Full replacement makes more sense if:
- Cabinet boxes are damaged, warped, or falling apart
- You need to change the layout significantly
- You’re doing a full home renovation anyway
- Hinges and hardware are failing beyond repair
The Quality Question: Will Spraying Last?
This is the concern I hear most: “Will sprayed cabinets hold up as well as new ones?”
The honest answer: When done properly by a qualified professional, yes—absolutely.
Here’s why our sprayed finishes last:
- 12-step preparation process (most failures happen because of poor prep, not poor paint)
- Premium water-based paints tested across 16 manufacturers
- Workshop-controlled environment (consistent temperature and humidity for optimal curing)
- Professional-grade equipment (Tritech and Graco sprayers for flawless finish)
- 3-year workmanship warranty (we stand behind our work)
The proof: 99% of our clients report being completely happy, with 120+ five-star reviews. Our kitchens are still looking pristine 5, 7, even 10 years later with basic care.
What That Extra €12,000 Could Buy You Instead
If you choose spraying over replacement, you’ll save roughly €12,000. That’s enough for:
- A luxury holiday for the family (€3,000–€5,000)
- New appliances (€2,000–€4,000)
- Bathroom renovation (€5,000–€8,000)
- Home office setup (€2,000–€3,000)
- Or simply peace of mind in your savings account
Real Galway Kitchens: The Transformation Difference
Over 20 years, I’ve transformed hundreds of kitchens across Galway and beyond. The most common feedback? “I can’t believe it’s the same kitchen.”
Popular transformations:
- Dated golden oak → crisp modern white
- Tired cream → sophisticated grey
- Dark wood → light Scandi-style
- Builder-grade white → on-trend sage green
Every single one saved the homeowner €10,000+ compared to replacement, with results that look identical to a new kitchen.
The Environmental Case for Spraying
Here’s something most people don’t consider: the environmental impact.
Kitchen replacement means:
- Perfectly good cabinets going to landfill
- New materials requiring manufacturing and transport
- Significant carbon footprint
Kitchen spraying means:
- Existing cabinets stay in place
- Water-based, low-VOC paints
- Minimal waste (just masking materials)
If sustainability matters to you, spraying is the clear winner.
How to Decide: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself
1. Are my cabinet boxes in good structural condition?
If yes → spraying is viable and will save you €10,000+
2. Do I need to change my kitchen layout?
If no → spraying gives you a brand-new look without the disruption
3. Is my budget under €5,000?
If yes → spraying is your only realistic option for a complete transformation
What to Expect: The Professional Spraying Process
When you choose professional kitchen spraying with Bespoke Spraying Solutions, here’s what happens:
- Free consultation – We assess your kitchen and provide a detailed quote
- Colour consultation – Choose from thousands of colours (after booking fee)
- Preparation – Doors/drawers removed and taken to our workshop
- 12-step process – Degrease, sand, clean, prime, fill, shellac, topcoat (twice)
- Frame spraying – On-site spraying of frames with full protection
- Reinstallation – Doors/drawers returned and rehung
- Final inspection – Walkthrough to ensure you’re completely happy
Timeline: 5–7 days from start to finish. Your kitchen is back in full use within a week.
The Bottom Line: What €15,000 Actually Buys You
Option 1: Full Replacement (€15,000)
New kitchen, 3–4 weeks disruption, significant waste, high stress
Option 2: Professional Spraying (€2,800) + €12,200 in Savings
Transformed kitchen, 5–7 days timeline, minimal disruption, eco-friendly, money left for other priorities
For most Irish homeowners with solid existing cabinets, professional spraying delivers 95% of the visual impact of replacement at 20% of the cost.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
If you’re in Galway or within 90km and you’re tired of looking at your dated kitchen, let’s talk. As Ireland’s only certified spraying instructor, I’ve spent 20+ years perfecting the process—and I’d love to show you what’s possible.
Get your free consultation: Contact Bespoke Spraying Solutions today to see if your kitchen is a good candidate for spraying. We’ll give you an honest assessment and a detailed quote with no obligation.
Visit us at:www.bespokesprayingsolutions.ie
About the Author: Dermot is Ireland’s only City & Guilds certified spraying instructor and the founder of Bespoke Spraying Solutions in Athenry, Co. Galway. With over 20 years of experience and 120+ five-star reviews, Dermot has transformed hundreds of Irish kitchens through professional spray refinishing. Winner of the Irish Enterprise Award 2024.