The Best Time of Year to Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets in Chicago

Planning to update your kitchen? If cabinet refinishing is on your to-do list, you might be wondering when the best time of year is to tackle the project. In a city like Chicago, where the seasons are anything but predictable, timing can play a role in both scheduling and results.

At Cabinets Renewal, we help homeowners across the Chicagoland area refinish their cabinets year-round. But depending on your goals, your home’s layout, and the weather, some seasons may offer more advantages than others.

Here’s what you should know when deciding the ideal time to refinish your kitchen cabinets.

Can You Refinish Cabinets Year-Round in Chicago?

Yes, you can. Cabinet refinishing is not an exterior project, so weather doesn’t stop us from working during the winter. In fact, we refinish cabinets in homes across Chicago and the suburbs all twelve months of the year.

However, certain times of year may offer benefits in terms of scheduling, drying times, convenience, and planning around your personal life.

Spring and Fall: The Sweet Spot for Many Homeowners

Spring and fall tend to be the most popular seasons for cabinet refinishing. These transitional months offer ideal conditions for several reasons:

• Moderate indoor temperatures

• Low to average humidity levels

• Easier to ventilate when needed

• More comfortable for moving items in and out of the kitchen

For most homeowners, spring and fall feel like the “right time” to refresh and reset. If you’ve been thinking about a kitchen update, these seasons provide a natural opportunity to move forward.

Why Summer Can Also Work Well

Summer is often a good time for kitchen projects, especially if you have travel plans. Many of our clients schedule cabinet refinishing while they’re away on vacation or visiting family.

Benefits of summer refinishing:

• Dry air promotes faster curing times

• Flexible schedules for families with kids out of school

• Easier to open windows if needed for air circulation

• You can grill or eat outside during the project

If you’re planning a kitchen update before the holidays, summer is a smart time to get ahead.

Winter Projects Are Still a Go in Chicago

Even during a snowy Chicago winter, cabinet refinishing is very doable. In fact, winter can be one of the easiest times to schedule your project due to lighter demand.

Advantages of refinishing in winter:

• Shorter lead times and better schedule flexibility

• Less competition with other remodeling projects

• A great way to get a fresh start for the new year

• No need to wait for “ideal” weather since work is done indoors

At Cabinets Renewal, we use high-quality coatings that are cured properly regardless of outdoor temperatures. Your project won’t be delayed due to cold weather.

What About Drying and Curing in Different Seasons?

One concern homeowners have is how weather affects the drying and curing process. While Chicago’s humidity and temperature can vary wildly, our professional process ensures reliable results year-round.

Here’s how we handle it:

• All doors and drawers are refinished off-site in a controlled environment

• Cabinet boxes are refinished on-site using fast-drying, low-odor products

• Our products are formulated to dry and cure properly regardless of season

• We use proper ventilation, heat, or dehumidifiers when needed

In other words, you don’t need to worry about whether it’s too humid, too cold, or too dry. We’ve got it covered.

A Seasonal Comparison: Pros and Considerations

Here’s a simple overview to help you weigh your options based on the time of year:

When Should You Book Your Project?

We recommend booking your cabinet refinishing project at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance, especially during spring and fall. These are our busiest times of year, and early scheduling helps ensure you get your preferred dates.

If you have a specific event in mind, like a graduation, holiday gathering, or listing your home for sale, let us know during your consultation. We can help you plan accordingly and stay on schedule.

Tips for Picking the Right Time

Still deciding when to move forward? Here are a few tips to help make your choice easier:

• If you’re planning to sell soon, refinish early in the spring before showings

• Want a holiday-ready kitchen? Aim for a summer or early fall project

• Not in a rush? Winter may offer the best availability and pricing

• Going out of town? Use that time to schedule the work and return to a refreshed kitchen

• Updating multiple rooms? Consider bundling cabinet refinishing with other off-season projects

No matter when you choose, the results will be the same: beautiful, professionally refinished cabinets that look like new.

Why Work With Cabinets Renewal Year-Round

We don’t treat cabinet refinishing like a seasonal business. At Cabinets Renewal, we work year-round with homeowners across Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Our experienced team, streamlined process, and controlled environment mean we deliver consistent results no matter what the calendar says.

Here’s what you can count on:

• Flexible scheduling throughout all seasons

• Fast turnaround times with minimal disruption

• Clean, professional process from start to finish

• Expert color matching and finish options

• Year-round durability backed by quality materials

Whether it’s January, July, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help you refresh your kitchen on your schedule.

Ready to Plan Your Cabinet Refinishing Project?

The best time to refinish your kitchen cabinets depends on your goals, schedule, and comfort. Thanks to our professional equipment and year-round service, there’s never a bad time to start your project.

Contact Cabinets Renewal today for a free estimate and color consultation. Let’s plan a project timeline that works for you and deliver stunning, long-lasting results—any season of the year.