# Painted Cabinets Before Thanksgiving: The Plan > Counting back from the holiday in a north Denver kitchen: the decisions that take longest, why fall is painters' quiet season, and a planner for your date. Canonical page: https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/painted-cabinets-before-thanksgiving/ [All guides](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/)Planning # Painted Cabinets Before Thanksgiving: The Plan Counting back from the holiday in a north Denver kitchen: the decisions that take longest, why fall is painters' quiet season, and a planner for your date. Every September a few homeowners call with the same sentence: “We’re hosting Thanksgiving. Is there any way?” Usually there is. Fall is the quiet season for cabinet painters in Colorado, and the timeline problems we see are almost never about the painting. They are about the decisions that have to happen first. ## Where the time actually goes Cabinet paint is dry long before Thanksgiving. Color choice is what drags. The kitchens that miss a holiday deadline are the ones where the estimate happens, the schedule is set, and then a week disappears while the household debates sage versus cream. So the plan runs backwards from the table. Pick your date. Count back a buffer week for surprises. Then place the working dates, which your painter gives you at the estimate. Everything before that is yours: the color, the hardware, the packing. The planner below does the arithmetic for any date you choose and spaces your decisions across the time you have. Two things to know about the calendar you are counting on. First, the holiday itself moves; Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November, which lands anywhere from the 22nd to the 28th. Second, fall is when the phones are quietest. Google search interest for cabinet painting in the United States peaks in April and drops by more than half by December. In Colorado the pattern is the same, with June the busiest month. A painter who is booked six weeks out in spring can often be booked much sooner in October. ## The kitchen’s holiday beating The doors that wear first in any painted kitchen are the same ones that take the holiday punishment: the sink base, the trash pull-out, the dishwasher neighbor, and the cabinet by the coffee maker. A fresh finish handles that traffic; the question is whether hardware is back on so nobody is opening doors by the painted edge. That is one reason we like a buffer week at the end of a holiday schedule. Knobs and pulls on, everything closed and quiet, before twelve people arrive. trash pull-out sink base dishwasher side dishwasher coffee corner The four doors that see the most hands on a holiday Wear on painted kitchens concentrates on a few doors. Hardware back on before guests arrive keeps fingers off the painted edges. ## Decide these before anyone measures The estimate turns into a schedule fastest when three things are already settled. Color and sheen. Not from a phone screen. Painted samples held against your counters at night and again in the morning, because north-facing kitchens cool every color and afternoon sun warms them. If you are hosting, think about the room full and lit for dinner rather than empty at noon. Our [color guide](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-paint-colors-for-kitchen-cabinets/) has what neighbors are choosing this year and a tool to try combinations. Hardware. New pulls change the look almost as much as the color, and they are the last thing to go on. If you are switching from knobs to bar pulls or changing hole spacing, say so at the estimate so it is part of the plan and not a surprise. Anything that bugs you beyond the finish. A drawer that sticks, a door that never quite closed, a lazy Susan that fights back. Some of it can be addressed alongside the painting, some cannot, but the moment to raise it is before the schedule exists. ## The week of Cleared counters, a temporary coffee station in the dining room, and the acceptance that the kitchen is a construction site for a stretch. Families that do this well treat it like a short renovation: eat simple, use the microwave, and do the big shop after the doors are back. A buffer week before the holiday absorbs the surprise that every project has. If nothing goes wrong, you get a week of enjoying the kitchen before you have to cook in it. ## If the numbers don’t work Sometimes they do not, and a good painter will say so on the phone. Two backups. The first is a lighter scope for now, such as the island or the lowers, which changes the room for the holiday and leaves the uppers for January. The second is to skip the deadline entirely and book the dry season after New Year’s, when the calendar is at its quietest and, for solid wood doors, the wood is at its most stable. Our guide on the [best time of year to paint cabinets in Colorado](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) explains why winter suits oak. Either way, the sentence to say when you call is the one you started with: “We’re hosting Thanksgiving.” A date up front is the fastest way to a straight answer. ## Count back from your date Choose the day you want the kitchen back. The planner spaces your decisions across the time you have and shows how busy the season is. I want the kitchen back forThanksgivingChristmas EveNew Year's Evea date Thursday, November 26 79 days from today, about 11 weeks Comfortable. There is room to see samples in your own light, get the estimate on the calendar, and still keep a buffer at the end. Between now and then, Google interest in cabinet painting averages 43% of the spring peak. You are shopping in the quiet season. 1. Sep 8 Today Call or send the quote form 2. Sep 28 Color and sheen decided Live with samples in your light first 3. Oct 10 Estimate done You get the real working dates here 4. Oct 21 Hardware and small fixes chosen New pulls, hinge swaps, anything you want addressed 5. Nov 10 Kitchen packed Counters cleared, a temporary coffee station elsewhere 6. Nov 20 Buffer A week of slack for surprises 7. Nov 26 Kitchen back Hardware on, doors hung, guests welcome The strip spaces your own decisions across the time you have. Working dates for the painting itself come from the estimate, and they should sit inside the buffer. Demand data: Google Trends via DataForSEO, 'cabinet painting', past 12 months. ## When everyone else books Search interest for cabinet painting by month. The quiet stretch is the one you're in. ### When everyone else calls a cabinet painter Colorado Nationwide 050100this monthn/aJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepn/aOctNovn/aDecpeak Google Trends via DataForSEO, 'cabinet painting', past 12 months. 100 is the busiest month of the year; a 40 means search interest was 40% of that peak. Colorado's smaller sample leaves some months without a reading. ## Questions homeowners ask us How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?+ It depends on how many doors and drawer fronts you have, the finish you choose, and the condition of the wood, so the honest number comes from an estimate rather than an article. What we can tell you is where homeowners lose time: choosing a color. Decide that early and the rest of the schedule tends to hold. Is it too late to get cabinets painted before Thanksgiving?+ Ask, with the date up front. Fall is the quiet season for cabinet painters in Colorado, so calendars are more open than they will be in April. Fewer than three weeks out is tight for most kitchens; two months out is usually comfortable if your color is settled. Can I use my kitchen while the cabinets are being painted?+ Partly. Expect the counters to be cleared and the doors and drawer fronts to be away for a stretch, so the kitchen works for the fridge and the microwave but not for a full cooking day. Plan a temporary coffee-and-cereal station somewhere else, and do not schedule the big grocery run until the doors are back. Should I paint cabinets before or after the holidays?+ For solid wood doors, either side of the holidays is good. Both are in the dry season, when the wood has already shrunk to its winter size. Before means the kitchen is ready for guests. After means you skip the deadline pressure and the January calendar is quieter still. Our guide on the best time of year covers the wood side of that question. What should I decide before the estimate?+ Color and sheen, or at least a shortlist you have seen in your own kitchen light. Whether you are changing hardware. Whether anything beyond paint bothers you, like a sticking drawer or a door that never closed right. Those three answers turn an estimate into a schedule. Serving 13 north-metro cities · based in Thornton ## Your neighbors' kitchens, by the numbers Pick your city. Everything here comes from public records and search data, not guesses. * [Thornton](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/thornton/) * [Northglenn](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/northglenn/) * [Westminster](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/westminster/) * [Broomfield](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/broomfield/) * [Brighton](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/brighton/) * [Erie](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/erie/) * [Lafayette](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/lafayette/) * [Boulder](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/boulder/) * [Longmont](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/longmont/) * [Commerce City](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/commerce-city/) * [Federal Heights](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/federal-heights/) * [Henderson](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/henderson/) * [Denver](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/denver/) ### Thornton Our home base Most of Thornton was built between the mid-80s and mid-2000s, the peak years of golden oak. That one fact explains most of this report: the styles trending here are the styles that transform oak. Median home built 1997 Typical home value $499k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Thornton kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/thornton/) ### Northglenn 3 miles from Thornton Northglenn is one of the north metro's original planned suburbs, with a core built in the 60s and 70s and updates layered on since. That mix means everything from vintage plywood boxes to 90s oak, and nearly all of it is a strong painting candidate. Median home built 1974 Typical home value $459k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Northglenn kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/northglenn/) ### Westminster 5 miles from Thornton Westminster spans half a century of building, from 60s ranches near the old core to the big 90s wave around Legacy Ridge. The 90s stock dominates what we see: solid oak doors in kitchens ready for a color this decade actually wants. Median home built 1987 Typical home value $521k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Westminster kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/westminster/) ### Broomfield 7 miles from Thornton Broomfield's kitchens mostly date from the 80s through the 2000s, with newer Anthem-era builds on the north side. The older half is classic oak territory; the newer half already has paint-grade doors waiting for a better color. Median home built 2002 Typical home value $627k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Broomfield kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/broomfield/) ### Brighton 12 miles from Thornton Brighton grew fastest in the 90s and 2000s, so its kitchens skew toward builder-grade oak and early paint-grade doors. Both paint beautifully, and both are why repaint interest here tracks right with the metro. Median home built 1999 Typical home value $497k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Brighton kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/brighton/) ### Erie 12 miles from Thornton Erie is the newest housing stock on this list, dominated by 2000s-and-later builds. That means less golden oak and more paint-grade shaker and MDF already in place, so the conversation here is less about rescuing dated wood and more about choosing a braver color than the builder did. Median home built 2008 Typical home value $725k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Erie kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/erie/) ### Lafayette 11 miles from Thornton Lafayette mixes Old Town charm with 70s-90s neighborhoods, which puts a wide range of cabinet eras behind its front doors. Oak-era kitchens lead, with a meaningful share of older originals where paint is the practical way to keep character. Median home built 1994 Typical home value $672k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Lafayette kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/lafayette/) ### Boulder 18 miles from Thornton Boulder's housing stock runs older: 50s-70s ranches and decades of remodels since. Cabinet eras vary house to house, refinishing interest runs unusually strong here, and the reuse-over-replace instinct fits the city. Median home built 1977 Typical home value $956k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Boulder kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/boulder/) ### Longmont 22 miles from Thornton Longmont pairs an older core with ring after ring of 90s-and-later growth, so oak-era kitchens dominate the middle of the market. Demand here is strong and, unusually for the area, its hiring-related searches are competitive, a sign more companies court Longmont than its neighbors. Median home built 1991 Typical home value $552k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Longmont kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/longmont/) ### Commerce City 7 miles from Thornton Commerce City splits in two: the established core with mid-century and oak-era kitchens, and the Reunion-era north side built after 2000. The core drives the transformation work; the newer half mirrors Erie's choose-a-better-color pattern. Median home built 2005 Typical home value $488k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Commerce City kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/commerce-city/) ### Federal Heights 2 miles from Thornton Federal Heights is compact, with most homes dating from the 60s through the 80s. Kitchens here are the area's most original, and painting is the budget-realistic way a 40-year-old kitchen gets a real refresh. Median home built 1989 Typical home value $392k Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Federal Heights kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/federal-heights/) ### Henderson 7 miles from Thornton Henderson's subdivisions mostly went up in the 90s and 2000s, prime golden-oak years. It's a small area, so treat its numbers as directional, but the kitchens behind them are exactly the oak-era stock paint transforms best. Median home built 1990s–2000s Typical home value — Most-searched style Warm whites [Read the full Henderson kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/henderson/) ### Denver 9 miles from Thornton Denver is every era at once: 1910s bungalows, mid-century ranches, 90s suburbs at the edges, and new builds downtown. No single cabinet story covers it, which is exactly why its search interest dwarfs every suburb on this list, at roughly five times the typical city we track. Median home built 1975 Typical home value $533k Most-searched style Shaker profiles [Read the full Denver kitchen report](https://cabinetpainters.org/reports/denver/) [Call for a Free Quote](tel:+17204325029)[Or use the 60-second quote form →](https://cabinetpainters.org/contact/#quote-form) ThorntonNorthglennWestminsterBroomfieldBrightonErieLafayetteBoulderLongmontCommerce CityFederal HeightsDenverHenderson (unincorporated)ThorntonNorthglennWestminsterBroomfieldBrightonErieLafayetteBoulderLongmontCommerce CityFederal HeightsDenverHenderson Thornton, our home baseShow whole map January · indoor air, estimated 12% humidity once 34°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Panels are at their smallest Solid-wood door panels are at their winter-smallest, so any seam that will show is showing now. Search demand is quiet season. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) February · indoor air, estimated 13% humidity once 43°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Panels are at their smallest Solid-wood door panels are at their winter-smallest, so any seam that will show is showing now. Search demand is busy. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) March · indoor air, estimated 18% humidity once 53°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Panels are at their smallest Solid-wood door panels are at their winter-smallest, so any seam that will show is showing now. Search demand is busy. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) April · indoor air, estimated 19% humidity once 53°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Panels are at their smallest Solid-wood door panels are at their winter-smallest, so any seam that will show is showing now. Search demand is peak season. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) May · indoor air, estimated 29% humidity once 59°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Wood is losing moisture The furnace is on and door panels are shrinking toward their winter size. Search demand is peak season. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) June · indoor air, estimated 38% humidity once 72°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Wood is in the comfort zone Indoor humidity is in the comfort band, so door panels sit near their average size. Search demand is peak season. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) July · indoor air, estimated 47% humidity once 80°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Panels are at their fullest Summer moisture has door panels at their fullest; they will pull back when the furnace comes on. Search demand is busy. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) August · indoor air, estimated 48% humidity once 76°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Panels are at their fullest Summer moisture has door panels at their fullest; they will pull back when the furnace comes on. Search demand is busy. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) September · indoor air, estimated 38% humidity once 66°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Wood is in the comfort zone Indoor humidity is in the comfort band, so door panels sit near their average size. Search demand is quiet season. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) October · indoor air, estimated 29% humidity once 54°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Wood is losing moisture The furnace is on and door panels are shrinking toward their winter size. Search demand is quiet season. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) November · indoor air, estimated 17% humidity once 46°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Panels are at their smallest Solid-wood door panels are at their winter-smallest, so any seam that will show is showing now. Search demand is quiet season. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) December · indoor air, estimated 15% humidity once 39°F outdoor air is heated to 70°F Panels are at their smallest Solid-wood door panels are at their winter-smallest, so any seam that will show is showing now. Search demand is quiet season. [Why the month matters →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/best-time-of-year-to-paint-cabinets-colorado/) On the calendar 79 days until Thanksgiving [Kitchen back before then? →](https://cabinetpainters.org/blog/painted-cabinets-before-thanksgiving/) ![](https://cabinetpainters.org/_astro/kitchen-teal-island.Bc6245Gw_1felfS.webp) ## Ready to fall in love with your kitchen again? Free, no-pressure estimates for homeowners across the north Denver metro. We try to get back to you within 1 business day, but don't be surprised if we reach out right away! [Call for a Free Quote](tel:+17204325029)[Get a Free Quote](https://cabinetpainters.org/contact/#quote-form)