If your cabinets look worn, dated, or just plain tired, you don’t have to gut your kitchen to fix it. Cabinet refinishing gives you a dramatically updated look at a fraction of what full replacement costs — and Brush & Build handles the entire process with the same meticulous prep work we bring to every project across Glen Allen and the greater Richmond area.
Jill Knowles recently shared his painting experience:
“Jordan communicated with me every step of the job. Henry did a wonderful job painting my kitchen cabinet bases and my new kitchen cabinet doors and drawers look beautiful!! The job was done quickly and I am so pleased.”
Cabinet refinishing isn't just slapping a coat of paint over old wood. Done right, it's a multi-step process that starts long before a brush touches a surface. Here's how it typically goes:
Before anything starts, we come to your Glen Allen home, assess the cabinets, talk through your goals, and give you a clear picture of what the project involves and what it will cost. No guesswork.
This is where most of the real work happens — and where shortcuts cause problems down the road. Cabinet doors and hardware are removed. Surfaces are cleaned, deglossed, and sanded to ensure the finish bonds properly. Any dents, dings, or surface damage are addressed before finishing begins.
Depending on your cabinet material and the finish you choose, we apply primer and finish coats with careful attention to coverage, adhesion, and a smooth, even result. This isn't a spray-and-run operation.
Once the finish is fully cured, doors and hardware are reattached, and we do a thorough walkthrough with you before calling the project complete.
Most residential cabinet refinishing projects in Glen Allen take between 3 and 5 days, depending on kitchen size and cabinet count. During that window, your kitchen will have limited usability — primarily during the painting and curing phases. We'll give you a clear day-by-day picture before we start.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is in expert hands.
Cabinet refinishing works well in a wide range of situations, but it’s not the right call for every kitchen. Here’s how to tell if it makes sense for yours.
Good candidates:
– Cabinets that are structurally sound — doors that open and close properly, frames without rot or major warping
– Kitchens where the layout works but the look is outdated
– Homeowners who want a meaningful upgrade without the cost or disruption of a full renovation
– Those preparing a home for sale and looking to maximize perceived value with focused investment
Wood types: Refinishing works well on oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and most other solid wood species. Painted or stained surfaces can typically be refinished. Thermofoil and some laminate cabinets present more limitations — we’ll be upfront with you during the estimate about what’s realistic for your specific cabinets.
When refinishing may not be the answer: If cabinet boxes are structurally compromised, doors are heavily damaged, or you’re looking to change the actual layout of your kitchen, cabinet refacing or full replacement may be a better fit. We’ll tell you honestly either way.
One of the reasons homeowners in Glen Allen choose cabinet refinishing over full replacement is the flexibility it offers — without the price tag of new cabinetry.
Color options: You’re not limited to white or gray. Whether you want a classic off-white like Chantilly Lace, a deep navy, a warm greige, or something bolder, the color palette is essentially open. We’ll help you think through how your cabinet color interacts with your countertops, flooring, and natural light.
Finishes: Matte, satin, and semi-gloss are the most common choices for kitchen cabinets. Semi-gloss tends to hold up best in high-traffic kitchens because it’s easier to clean. We’ll talk through the trade-offs based on how you actually use your kitchen.
Hardware: A refinishing project is also a natural moment to consider updating pulls and knobs. New hardware can significantly change the character of a kitchen without adding much to the overall cost.
Brush & Build was founded by Jordan Albright, a veteran whose military background shaped how we approach every project: with discipline, attention to detail, and a genuine sense of responsibility to the people we’re working for. That’s not marketing language — it’s how we actually operate.
We’re locally owned, based in Richmond, and serve Glen Allen as part of the community we live and work in. When we finish a project at your home, we care how it looks because our reputation depends on word of mouth from neighbors, not on anonymous reviews.
Licensed and insured — you’re protected throughout the project, not just on paper
Meticulous prep work — we don’t cut corners on the steps that determine how long your finish lasts
Consistent communication — we show up when we say we will and keep you informed throughout
3-Year Limited Warranty — our Premium Package includes a 3-year limited warranty covering workmanship defects including peeling, blistering, and flaking under normal conditions. If something goes wrong within three years, we’ll repair it at no cost to you
Free on-site estimates — no commitment required to find out what your project would actually involve
We’ve built our reputation in Richmond and the surrounding area — including Glen Allen, Tuckahoe, and Midlothian — through consistent results and straight talk. That approach doesn’t change project to project.
Cabinet refinishing typically costs significantly less than full cabinet replacement, which can run into tens of thousands of dollars when you factor in materials, installation, and the potential for related work like countertop or flooring adjustments. Refinishing focuses on the surface — which is often all that needs attention when the underlying cabinets are in good shape. The exact cost depends on the number of cabinets, their current condition, and the finish you choose. We provide free on-site estimates so you’ll have a clear number before committing to anything.
Most projects in Glen Allen take 3 to 5 days from start to finish. During the active work days, your kitchen will have limited use — primarily during painting and curing phases. We’ll walk you through the timeline in advance so you can plan accordingly. Some homeowners set up a temporary coffee and snack station in another room; it’s a short disruption for a result that lasts years.
The color options are broad — from classic whites and off-whites to deep blues, greens, grays, and beyond. Finish options typically include matte, satin, and semi-gloss. Semi-gloss is a popular choice for kitchens because it holds up to cleaning and daily use. We’ll talk through your options during the estimate, taking into account your countertops, flooring, and the light in your kitchen.
Yes — solid wood species like oak, maple, cherry, and hickory are well-suited to refinishing. Most previously painted or stained wood cabinets can be refinished. Laminate and thermofoil present more limitations, and results can vary depending on the condition of the surface. We’ll give you an honest assessment during the on-site estimate rather than overpromising on materials that may not hold up well.
Our Premium Package includes a 3-year limited warranty covering workmanship defects — specifically peeling, blistering, and flaking under normal use conditions. If any of those issues appear within three years, we’ll repair the affected areas at no charge. A properly refinished cabinet surface, maintained with routine cleaning, typically holds up well for many years. Avoid abrasive cleaners and excessive moisture around the cabinet edges, and your finish will last.
If you’re in Glen Allen and thinking about cabinet refinishing, the best first step is a free on-site estimate. We’ll look at your cabinets, talk through your goals, and give you a straight answer on what the project would involve — including timeline and cost — with no pressure to move forward.
Call us at 804-340-9717 or visit Brush & Build to get started.
