Cabinet Finishes: Painted vs. Stained
Before diving into the advantages and disadvantages of painted versus stained cabinets, it is important to first understand what makes the two different from one another.
Cosmetic Difference Between Painted and Stained Cabinets
The primary distinction between finish styles is wood grain visibility: stain enhances the natural grain while paint conceals it completely.
Base materials differ accordingly. Stained cabinets typically use solid wood or wood-grain veneer. Painted cabinets often utilize MDF, which provides a more stable substrate that reduces cracking at joints and yields a smoother surface finish.
Color options also vary by finish type. Stained cabinets traditionally feature natural wood tones (tans and browns), with grey stains gaining popularity. Painted cabinets excel with whites, grays, and accent colors, particularly cooler tones like navy blue, teal, and seafoam green.
Are painted cabinets right for your kitchen? Check out the video below to learn more.
Painted vs. Stained Cabinet Cost
The cost difference between painted and stained cabinets depends primarily on wood species, not the finish itself. Stained birch or maple cabinets might cost the same as standard painted cabinets, while mahogany or cherry will be significantly more expensive.
Wood species only matters for stained cabinets since painting covers the natural grain. This means stained cabinets have higher cost potential, though affordable options exist.
For refinishing existing cabinets, repainting ($6,000-$11,600) is less expensive than restaining ($7,000-$15,000). Painting requires simple preparation, while staining demands complete stripping and sanding of surfaces, making it approximately 30% more labor-intensive.
If you have questions about how much your kitchen remodel will cost, check out our Kitchen Remodel Cost guide. Or, to get specific answers about your kitchen, connect with our team.
Durability: Painted vs. Stained Cabinets
Painted and stained cabinets present different durability trade-offs. Painted finishes provide better initial protection against dings and scratches, but damage becomes highly visible once it occurs. Stained cabinets naturally conceal damage better due to their inherent color variations and character.
Maintenance requirements also differ. Painted cabinets show dirt quickly, prompting more frequent cleaning that helps prevent potential stain hazards. Stained cabinets require less frequent cleaning to maintain appearance, but this allows dust and grime to accumulate longer, potentially increasing the risk of long-term damage.
Which Cabinet Finish Will Look Best in my Home?
Most cabinet manufacturers offer both stained and painted options across their product lines, making it easier to find options that match your taste and home style.
For contemporary design preferences, consider light or dark gray painted cabinets or lighter white-yellow wood stains. Traditionalists may prefer darker wood stains (cherry, walnut, oak) or classic white painted cabinetry.
Two-tone cabinetry has become a popular design choice for kitchen remodels—combining white wall cabinets with navy blue base cabinets, or installing an accent-colored island. If you’re struggling to choose between paint and stain, this approach offers flexibility. Since finding complementary stain combinations can be challenging, we recommend pairing two different paint colors or combining paint with stain.
In fact, we recently completed a kitchen remodel featuring walnut base cabinets with off-white upper cabinets. Check out the portfolio below.
Other Cabinet Considerations
Your lifestyle, particularly having children, significantly impacts the best finish choice for your cabinets.
For families with young children in the “tornado phase,” stained finishes are generally more practical as their wood grain naturally camouflages inevitable damage (like that surprise potato peeler incident). Laminate cabinets offer an even more durable alternative with their resilient outer shell.
Families with older children might find painted cabinets more suitable, as they can better withstand occasional scuffs while maintaining their appearance.
Ready to Get Started?
Still have questions about which cabinet finish is right for your home? We’re here to help. Schedule a call with one of our Design Consultants for expert guidance on your kitchen remodel.
