Painted vs. Stained Cabinets: Which Is Better
Take it from us: cabinets are at the core of any kitchen and play key roles in its functionality and aesthetic.
Blending these two elements together is the finish you choose for your cabinetry, whether that’s paint or a stain. But which one is best? There isn’t a direct answer - rather, consider asking “which finish is best for my kitchen?”
In this post, our kitchen design team will run through the basics of cabinet finishes and what each brings to your space.
Pros & Cons of Painted Cabinets
Painted cabinets are typically finished with an opaque paint, usually in a beige, grey, navy or white shade (although this depends on your preferences).
Common materials for painted cabinets include maple wood or MDF, as they provide a sleek, smooth surface perfect for painting. You’ll often see painted cabinets in homes featuring a contemporary and traditional style - AKA, transitional interiors.
The Breakdown
Pros of Painted Cabinets: Solid color, customizable, extremely versatile with other color palettes
Cons of Painted Cabinets: May show wear and tear, potential for more touch-ups
Curated Kitchen Co. remodel featuring painted custom cabinets.
Pros & Cons of Stained Cabinets?
Stained cabinets are finished with a pigment that enhances the wood’s natural grain and tone.
Often, you’ll see cabinets made from natural woods like oak, walnut, and cherry featuring a stained finish. Stained cabinets pair well in homes featuring a rustic, farmhouse, or coastal interior, although they can also complement more modern interiors too.
The Breakdown
Pros of Stained Cabinets: Showcases the natural beauty of the wood, more resistant to nicks/scratches
Cons of Stained Cabinets: Limited hues, natural variations of wood may be more visible (depending on what you want, this can be a pro)
Image by Chastity Cortijo / Unsplash
Durability & Maintenance
When choosing what finish you want for your cabinets, consider the upkeep of each option.
Painted cabinets may chip more easily than stained when it comes to high-traffic areas like other drawers or a sink. Conversely, stained cabinets can age a bit better, as they don’t feature a paint layer that can chip/peel.
Thankfully, there are multiple protective topcoats for both options that provide protection.
Protective finishes include:
Polyurethane
Acrylic/water-based urethane
Catalyzed lacquer
Image by RDNE Stock Project / Pexels
What Our Kitchen Interior Design Company Recommends
Since both painted and stained cabinet finishes provide beautiful results, it can be difficult to choose which one is best for your home. What it comes down to is preference and lifestyle.
If you have a more rustic interior, staining is also a good option as it showcases the beauty of natural wood cabinets. For those who have interiors that are more on the classic/traditional end of the spectrum, then painted may be a better option - especially if color contrast is wanted.
You can also have the best of both worlds - combining both painted and stained cabinets can be done for a bespoke vibe.
Experience the Beauty of Custom Cabinetry
Both painted and stained cabinet finishes provide your kitchen with the perfect touch of style without overpowering your space. While it can be difficult choosing which option to go for, our team is prepared to help you navigate your options - ensuring you get the custom cabinetry you’ve dreamed of.
Contact our team today to get started!
