Why You Should Install Countertops Before Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets
If you’re gearing up for a kitchen refresh this year, one of the first big questions you might have is:
“Should I paint my cabinets first, or install new countertops first?”
At PGMSA, we hear this often—and our answer is simple: Always start with countertops.
Here’s why this smart sequence saves time, money, and stress—and how it helps your kitchen look its absolute best.
Countertops Are the Foundation of Your Kitchen Aesthetic
Countertops occupy a significant visual space in your kitchen. They anchor the entire design, influencing not just the color palette, but also the mood and lighting of the space.
When you install your countertops first:
You get to see how the stone reacts to the light in your space
You can pull cabinet paint colors from the natural movement and veining in the slab
Your final design feels cohesive and custom, not patched together
Paint Is Flexible—Stone Is Not
Paint can be easily changed. Quartz, granite, and marble? Not so much. Once a countertop is installed, it’s a permanent choice—and one that deserves to be the star of your design.
Imagine investing in new paint only to realize:
The color doesn’t complement your stone’s undertone
The room feels darker or more yellow than expected
You have to repaint it all over again to match the final look
Starting with countertops puts the most unchangeable material in place first, giving you full creative control over the rest.
Protect Your Investment: Avoid Paint Damage During Installation
Countertop installation is a physical process. Tools, slabs, and adhesives are heavy. Even the most careful installers may bump or nick surrounding cabinetry—especially on corners and exposed panels.
If your cabinets are already freshly painted, this can mean:
Scratches, scuffs, or touch-ups
Repainting full sections instead of a single coat
Additional cost and time to fix small issues
Instead, paint after the countertop is in. That way, you can smooth out any installation marks and get a clean, finished look.
Want to Stay on Budget? This Order Helps
Many homeowners try to stretch their remodel dollars—especially when they’re not doing a full gut renovation. By installing countertops first, you reduce the risk of duplicate labor or material waste.
You avoid:
Repainting cabinets that get scratched
Choosing the wrong color and needing more paint
Hiring painters twice due to changed decisions
Think Resale: Buyers Love Stone Countertops
If you’re updating your kitchen to increase resale value in the next few years, stone countertops add serious appeal. Buyers love seeing upgraded surfaces, and they often care more about countertops than cabinet paint color—which is more personal and easily changed.
By investing in countertops first, you’re adding real, visible value that can set your home apart in the market.
Final Touches Are Easier With Paint
Once your countertops are installed, it’s easier to plan paint colors, lighting, and even backsplash tile. You’ll see how light reflects off the stone, how your finishes interact, and how the overall kitchen feels. Then you can:
Test cabinet paint swatches next to the real countertop
Adjust your vision based on how warm/cool the space feels
Make finishing choices with confidence
And don’t worry about cabinet edges—paint is your best friend when it comes to refreshing or covering any side panels or filler strips affected by installation.
Quick Tip: Keep the Cabinets, Update the Kitchen
Many homeowners aren’t ready to rip out and replace cabinetry. If yours are in good shape, updating the countertop and adding a fresh coat of paint can give your kitchen a whole new look—without a full renovation.
It’s a practical, budget-friendly way to:
Modernize your space
Brighten your kitchen
Add value and visual impact
Plan Your 2026 Kitchen Refresh with PGMSA
Stone prices often increase at the beginning of the year. If you’re thinking about a kitchen refresh, now is the time to lock in your selection.
🔹 Visit our Bluffton showroom to see full slabs in person
🔹 Let our team guide you on what stone works best in your space
🔹 Schedule your install now to stay ahead of price increases
Countertops first, paint second—that’s the PGMSA way to start the new year right.
