Painted vs Stained Cabinets: Which Are the Right Fit For Your Kitchen?

*Collaborative post.

When the urge strikes to update the kitchen, there are several ways to make a statement. Choosing a new colour scheme is a good start, but a pop of colour can enhance more than just the walls. Many homeowners are electing to take a non-traditional route by painting their cabinets with bright, bold colours. However, if sticking with a traditional approach is more of your style, freshly stained cabinets can liven up a kitchen, too.

Choosing Between Paint or Stain

Kitchens have come a long way in style and design. Homeowners are electing to add personality to this well-visited space. A kitchen is the heart of a home, so it only makes sense to make it warm and inviting. For the adventurous spirit, painted cabinets offer a way to infuse colour that custom matches the décor in the room. For homeowners who prefer the look of natural wood, stained cabinets may be the way to go. If you’re still on the fence about which choice best suits your needs, consider checking out Custom Kitchens Near Me to see display rooms for ideas.

The Pros and Cons of Painted Cabinets

When it comes to custom cabinets denver residents have praised the versatility of paint. When applied to kitchen cabinets, the possibilities are endless. One advantage of painting cabinets is that they can be colour-matched to obtain a specific hue. Paint provides a more contemporary look in a kitchen. Right now, cool tones are popular choices, including white, grey, blue, and green. Painting the cabinets works well for making a confined space feel light and bright. Solid colours help when trying to make a small room appear larger than it is.

On the downside, painted kitchen cabinets require more upkeep than stained wood does. Painted surfaces are subject to dings, scratches, and chips. When attempting to do touch-up work on kitchen cabinets, it’s often difficult to perfectly match the paint color, especially if the color was a custom choice. While the cost to use paint is less initially, the need for frequent maintenance may make it more expensive over time.

The Pros and Cons of Stained Cabinets

For homeowners who love seeing the variations in wood grain, applying stain to the kitchen cabinet allows the natural beauty of any wood to show through. Of course, this can also negatively showcase unsightly imperfections at the same time. Stained cabinets work well in kitchens where a traditional, rustic, or natural look is wanted. They also do not require much upkeep to maintain them, just a good cleaning, an occasional touch-up, or polishing now and then.

Stain choice colors are limited, which may deter some folks from using it. Yes, in most instances, purchasing stains is more expensive initially. However, stained cabinets require less maintenance over time. Without the need for constant touch-ups that painted surfaces require, stained kitchen cabinets may be less costly in the long run.

The Decision Between Paint and Stain is a Personal One

There are many things to take into consideration when deciding between using paint or stain on kitchen cabinets. Mainly, it’s a personal choice for a homeowner. For those wanting solid colours or a bright, bold tone incorporated into the kitchen design, paint offers all of this and more. For homeowners who love the natural beauty of the wood grain and want it to show through, stain brings that to the surface. Either way, updating a kitchen can rejuvenate this well-used family room. There are no wrong choices.