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Stained vs. Painted Cabinets: What’s the Difference?

Are you trying to decide between staining or painting your new cabinetry? Here is a brief guide on the differences between stained and painted cabinets.

Published
Mar 30, 2023
Author
Keith Ingle
Stained vs. Painted Cabinets: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between stained or painted cabinetry is one of the most important decisions you will make when remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. While both options have their advantages, there are some key differences that can guide you in making the right choice for your space and needs. Here’s a brief guide on the differences between stained and painted cabinets.

Stained Cabinetry

Stained cabinetry is a classic choice for many homeowners due to its warm, natural look. You create this style of cabinetry by staining wood with a color that brings out the grain and enhances the overall appearance. Stained cabinets are common in traditional and modern designs, making them versatile enough to fit into any kitchen design scheme.

Stained cabinetry is more cost-effective than painted cabinets since it doesn’t require additional finishing or priming before installation. One of the disadvantages of stained cabinetry is that they are more challenging to maintain. For example, if you need to re-stain them, you will have to strip the cabinets of their current stain and start from scratch.

Painted Cabinetry

Painted cabinetry is a great choice for those looking to create an updated, modern look in their kitchen space. This style of cabinetry involves applying a layer of paint onto the surface of the cabinets, which you can do in any color or finish. Painted cabinets are also ideal if you want to get creative with your design since you can easily customize them to create a unique appearance for your space.

One of the main advantages of choosing painted cabinetry is its resilience. Unlike stained wood, which may fade over time due to wear and tear, painted finishes remain vibrant and eye-catching regardless of how often you use them.

The Differences

When deciding between stained or painted cabinetry, there are several factors to consider. The most important is your space’s overall look and feel, as both styles can provide a unique visual appeal. You’ll also want to think about how much time and effort you’re willing to dedicate toward maintenance. While both options require some basic upkeep, stained cabinets may require more frequent refinishing and polishing than painted ones.

In terms of cost, it’s usually more economical in the long run to go with a stained cabinet since they don’t require any additional finishing beyond staining. However, if you’re looking for something with a more modern design aesthetic, painting may be the better option, as these finishes tend to look more contemporary and will last longer over time.

Now that you know the differences between stained and painted cabinets, you can select the best option for your project. Check out iCabinetry’s stunning selection of Starmark cabinets online when picking new cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom.

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