When it comes time to remodel your kitchen, few design elements can make a bigger impact on the space than your cabinets. Aside from your appliances, your cabinetry commands more attention than any other component of your kitchen décor because of the scope of your cabinets and their prominent position at eye level. In many cases, they are the first thing that newcomers notice about your kitchen space upon entering, which is why so much attention is dedicated to finding the perfect wholesale kitchen cabinets during a remodeling project.
The wholesale kitchen cabinets on the market today come in a wide variety of colors and styles. However, there are two types of finishes that dominate the cabinet industry. Cabinets typically feature either a stained or painted finish. Each has its own pros and cons, and which type of cabinet finish you choose is a matter of the style you want to create in your kitchen as well as your personal preference. Keep reading to see a comparison of painted and stained cabinets so that you can decide which type of finish best meets your needs.
Painted Cabinets
Painted cabinets offer a range of benefits that are unmatched with other finishes. For example, when you opt for painted cabinets, you can select from a full rainbow of colors that can be tailored to meet your specific design requirements. Painted cabinets offer a smooth, uniform finish that will cover the grain of the wood used to construct the cabinets. They are perfectly suited to the smooth flat lines common in modern and Scandinavian-styled kitchens. A painted finish is also ideal for economy cabinets that aren’t crafted from hardwoods but rather from fiberboard. In fact, painted finishes are so effective at masking what’s underneath that it’s difficult to tell what materials were used to construct painted cabinets. That makes painted cabinets an ideal choice for those who want a smooth, sophisticated look while still saving money. Woods that don’t feature heavy grains, such as maple and birch, are perfect for painting. When applied to cabinets, paint is usually sprayed instead of brushed on to produce the smoothest finish.
Stained Cabinets
Stained cabinets allow the full glory of the natural materials to shine through to the observer. Cabinets that are selected to feature a stained finish are often crafted from fine hardwoods that feature a beautiful grain. Once stained, the character of the wood remains visible, as the grain can show through the thin, translucent nature of the stain. The tone of the wood can be changed by changing the color of the stain, but the natural appeal of the wood remains regardless of the color. Because of the importance of the appearance of the underlying wood when stained finishes are used, manufactured wood materials, such as fiberboard, can’t be used as the top layer of veneer for stained cabinets.
Cabinets with a stained finish are highly resistant to wear and tear, as fingerprints and other marks are almost invisible on the darker finishes. Also, because the stain soaks into the wood rather than remaining on the surface like paint, it’s easy to wipe off dirt and grime with a damp cloth. While stained cabinets can experience scratches, minor nicks usually go unnoticed. Deeper gouges may require touch-ups, but those minor repairs to the finish are simple and nearly invisible once completed. Stained cabinets cost less than their painted counterparts, which can help offset the cost of the more costly materials needed to make stained cabinets. Woods that feature prominent grains, such as oak and walnut, are perfect for staining. Stained cabinets are also less likely to show imperfections such as tiny cracks, joints, and seams.
If you’re in the market for new cabinets and not sure whether to purchase painted or stained cabinetry, consider the pros and cons of each type before deciding. To learn more about how painted cabinets compare with stained cabinets, contact iCabinetry at (877) 800-0420.
