Selecting your cabinets can be the biggest kitchen remodel decision you’ll make. There are so many materials and styles to choose from. You can go the metallic route, select from various woods, have louvered, slab, or shaker doors[1] , and choose virtually any color you can fathom.

 

However, there’s still one more decision you need to make: stained cabinets or painted cabinets.

Both stained cabinets and painted cabinets have their pros and cons when it comes to:

●     Aesthetics

●     Cost

●     Maintenance and Repair

●     Durability

●     ROI and Added Value

 

Stained Cabinets vs. Painted Cabinets

Let’s break down the advantages of each and where they size up in each of these categories:

 

Aesthetics

Stained cabinets offer a more classic look. When stain soaks into the wood, it highlights the knots and grains, giving your cabinets a very natural feel. Designers are continuing to gravitate toward natural kitchens in 2022, so stained cabinets will likely remain popular.

Meanwhile, painted cabinets provide a cleaner, more modern look. Paint creates a smooth, monochromatic finish that covers the wood entirely. It also gives you the freedom to make your cabinets any color you like, whether you choose to reside in the black, white, or gray palettes, or go bold with a kelly green, bright orange or red.

When it comes to aesthetics, both stained and painted cabinets are winners. Both offer a ton of character and a distinct look and feel that can woo any homeowner or guest.

 

Cost

Selecting your cabinets is a huge modern kitchen remodel decision. It’s also usually the most expensive.

On average, painted cabinets cost 15% more than stained cabinets. This percentage greatly varies depending on the type of material you select. In a few cases, staining your cabinets can actually be more expensive.

If your budget is the primary driver of your final decision, stained cabinets are probably your better option. Still, we recommend narrowing down your selection before getting a price check.

 

Maintenance and Repairs

Stained cabinets are usually easier for upkeep. Stain absorbs into the wood, so when the temperature changes, it can expand and contract to avoid chips and cracks. When touch-ups are needed, a simple stain pen will do the trick.

Not only are painted cabinets more susceptible to chips and cracks—they’re also harder to repair. If you DIY it, paint touch-ups can be uneven, leave unwanted marks, and even degrade your cabinet’s surfaces. You’re better off hiring a professional, further widening the price gap between painted and stained cabinets.

Painted cabinets are also more complicated to clean. Stained cabinets can be cleaned with a washcloth and some water (assumed you’re cleaning regularly). Painted cabinets require a little more elbow grease. If you go with a lighter color, it’s also easier to tell when they’re dirty.

 

Durability

Because stained cabinets are easier to maintain, they tend to last longer. The average lifespan of these cabinets is 20-30 years. With excellent care, these cabinets can make it to 50.

Painted cabinets don’t allow the wood beneath to adapt to the temperature, making it more prone to chipping and cracking. As a result, their lifespan tends to be about half that of a stained cabinet.

 

ROI and Added Value

Despite stained cabinets winning the cost, maintenance and repairs, and durability categories, stained and painted cabinets both increase your ROI and add value to your home. Each speaks to a buyer’s aesthetic, so it comes down to personal preference. No matter your final decision, we recommend refinishing your cabinets before you’re looking to sell your home to optimize your aesthetic.

 

Whether you choose stained or painted, we can help you find the perfect cabinet for you.

link to 5 types of kitchen cabinet doors article