
Painted cabinets are often more expensive—up to 15% more expensive than stained alternatives. Painting looks better than staining on cabinets made of lower-cost MDF (medium-density fiberboard). In general, staining is less expensive than painting.
Is it more expensive to paint or stain kitchen cabinets?
Jul 09, 2020 · Painted cabinets aren’t exactly budget-friendly. They can be, but if you’re comparing them with stained cabinets, you’ll find that they often carry a steeper price tag. How much higher? The answer ultimately depends on who’s making the cabinets and where you’re buying them from, but typically they cost about 10% to 15% more.
Is chalk paint the same as stained cabinets?
Dec 02, 2021 · Painting requires more care and extra coats to achieve a smooth finish, resulting in a slightly higher cost than staining. Your total labor costs will depend on how many cabinets you have. Professional paint application costs $2,000 to $5,000 on average, while stain application costs about $1,500 to $4,000.
Should you stain your cabinets dark or light to save money?
Painted cabinets are typically 15% more expensive than stained cabinets, so there is an upcharge for the clean, sleek look of paint.
What are the pros and cons of painted cabinets?
Price - Because painting cabinets requires more time and labor than staining them, having cabinets painted is slightly more expensive. Cracks - Painted cabinets can develop cracks over time. Staining Cabinets Overview Stained cabinets offer a more traditional look.

Is staining cabinets cheaper than painting?
Staining is more affordable than painting as a general rule. However, depending on the type of material you select, staining could be more expensive. If you make your decision based solely on budget, then you may find stained cabinets to be the better choice.Jul 3, 2020
Which is better stained or painted cabinets?
Both are solid options that look and perform differently. Painting your kitchen cabinets will completely cover the wood grain for a smooth, modern look, while stain will get absorbed by the wood for a natural, traditional aesthetic that's long-lasting and easy to maintain.Dec 2, 2021
Is it more expensive to Restain or paint kitchen cabinets?
Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a less expensive option than replacing cabinets. It also makes everyday life easier, as replacing the cabinets will mean the kitchen is out of action for longer, and they'll be more mess and disruption.Nov 27, 2021
Are stained cabinets outdated?
Although not as popular, stained cabinets have not become extinct. Stained cabinets are not outdated. They very much still have a place in modern kitchen designs. While not the most popular, the stained cabinets have taken on different tones and remained relevant in designs such as the transitional kitchen trend.Sep 28, 2020
Does painting kitchen cabinets decrease value?
Painting your kitchen this color could reduce resale value According to the analysis of over 50,000 sold homes from around the country, the online real estate company found that homes with kitchens painted in warm yellow hues yielded the highest sale premium. They went for $1,360 above expected values.Jun 27, 2016
What color kitchen cabinets are popular in 2020?
Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors of 2020Gray. It's no secret that gray has become the new neutral over the past few years. ... Natural Wood. As mentioned previously, dark cherry and mahogany cabinets were very popular in the 2000s. ... White. ... Black. ... Blues. ... Two-tone. ... Final Thoughts.Jul 8, 2020
Is it cheaper to get new cabinets or refinish?
Opting to refinish, rather than replace, kitchen cabinets is more cost-effective, too; Ballard says it can save you up to $5,000. Of course, if your cabinets aren't wood, refinishing may not be an option.Sep 18, 2018
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace cabinets?
If budget is your main consideration, refinishing is often the cheaper option. Estimates have shown that refinishing cabinets costs about 2/3 the cost of refacing, and refacing costs about 70 to 80 percent the cost of installing replacement cabinets.
How much does staining kitchen cabinets cost?
Prices to stain your cabinets typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how many cabinets you have and their material, but can go up from there based on many different factors.Oct 28, 2021
Are oak cabinets Coming Back in Style 2021?
However, oak cabinets are currently in the middle of making a comeback. There are several possible reasons for this. First, homeowners are looking for warmth and authenticity in their kitchens. Natural wood checks all the boxes.
Are white cabinets going out of style 2022?
First, let's talk about white kitchen cabinets … these aren't going anywhere in 2022. A white kitchen is classic and never goes 'out of style'. It may not always be the current trend, but white kitchen cabinets are always beautiful. We'll also continue to see the two-tone cabinet color trend in 2022.Dec 15, 2021
Are white kitchens going out of style?
When looking for kitchen color ideas, you may be tempted to opt for a classic all-white palette – but according to designers, this desired tone may have fallen out of favor. The hue has endured for decades, however, changing paint trends suggest that this neutral shade is no longer in vogue.Jan 12, 2022
Why is repainting more expensive than painting?
In most situations, repainting is more expensive because the professional has to take more care and may need extra coats to get a smooth finish. The difference in price is small, however, and depends on how many cabinets you have and how many coats you’ll need.
What is paint grade wood?
Paint-Grade vs. Stain-Grade Wood. Paint-grade cabinetry is usually a smooth, flat wood made of lower-quality materials because the paint will cover the grain.
Is stain or paint better for cabinets?
The choice between painting and staining your cabinets will depend on a number of factors. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. See how each stack up in categories like budget, water resistance, maintenance and return on investment. Paint is best for: Stain is best for: Aesthetic. Smooth, modern look.
What kind of wood is best for staining cabinets?
Oak, walnut, pine, and cherry benefit most from this approach, as stains bring out their natural qualities. Minimize long-term maintenance. If you dread the idea of touching up your cabinets on a regular basis, you can take solace in knowing that stains will keep them looking gorgeous for decades.
What is painted cabinets?
Painted cabinets are a big deal right now. This chic look delivers the opportunity to add an instant burst of color to any space. Highly versatile, these cabinets look wonderful alongside many types of flooring, backsplash, and decor. However, they also hold a few notable downsides, including the potential for increased maintenance.
What is MDF in cabinets?
Opportunity for savings. Painted cabinets typically involve medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which tends to cost less than the hardwood associated with staining. Constructed from fine particles that usually lack noticeable grains, MDF delivers a smooth finish at a reasonable price.
What is contrast in cabinets?
A wide range of cabinet colors make it possible to evoke a specific aesthetic. Contrast adds even more versatility and can be delivered in the form of two-tone cabinets or bold paint against neutral backsplash. Contemporary style. Modern looks tend to feature painted cabinets.
Can stained cabinets be painted?
Stained cabinets may not currently be as trendy as their painted counterparts, but they remain an excellent option for infusing any space with an appealingly natural look. They deliver a level of practicality difficult to achieve with paint, especially as they're typically paired with durable, yet beautiful hardwood.
Is stained cabinet paint more versatile?
Versatility. At first glance, many people assume that painted cabinets are more versatile. After all, paints provide access to the full color spectrum. With stained cabinets, however, several different styles are available, including rustic, natural, or traditional. These looks can be difficult to achieve with paint.
Is stain or paint better for cabinets?
Stains may provide access to numerous styles and types of hardwood, but the color selection is decidedly limited. If you have a specific hue in mind for your cabinets, paint may be a better option. Highlights unsightly grains.
How long do kitchen cabinets last?
Whether you choose a painted finish or a stain, your cabinets are meant to last for decades without an update. Both finishes have a lot of positive attributes, which can make the decision difficult. We will outline the differences between them ...
What is a paint finish?
Paint is a solid, opaque, and smooth surface finish that can be glossy, satin, or matte in finish. It comes in a rainbow of colors and applies easily to hardwood, plywood 1, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) cabinet doors and end panels.
What is stain used for?
Stain can be used to enhance the natural color of wood, such as natural cherry; it will bring out the grain and still allow the color to deepen naturally when exposed to sunlight and humidity , while protecting the surface of the wood.
What color is a stain?
Stains come in more limited colors, usually meant to amplify the natural color of the wood, so you’re more likely to find golds, reds, and browns, with some companies offering a limited run of blue, grey, or green stains as well.
Does stain or paint hold up better?
Paint may crack over time, which can result in flaking of the finish. Stain tends to hold up better long-term than paint, because it is absorbed into the surface of the wood. Wood will expand and contract with humidity; paint can’t move with the wood, so it is more likely to split and crack on seams and joints.
Do stained cabinets last?
The look of your kitchen cabinets helps set the stage for the rest of the room’s style and appearance. Whether you choose a painted finish or a stain, your cabinets are meant to last for decades without an update. Both finishes have a lot of positive attributes, which can make the decision difficult.
Do dark cabinets show dust?
Dark-colored finishes - both paint and stain - tend to show dust more easily, which may mean that you need to clean them more often.
Which is better for resale: stained or stained cabinets?
Classic look - Most homeowners are more accustomed to seeing stained cabinets, so the look is popular, in part, because of its familiarity. Stained cabinets are better for resale value, too.
What is the modern look of painted cabinets?
Modern look - Painted cabinets offer a crisp, modern look. Light colors make kitchens look spacious and bright, and they contrast well with dark-colored countertops. Painted cabinets also have a smooth, uniform texture.
How much does it cost to re-stylish cabinets?
Having cabinets re-stained usually costs about $1,500 to $4,000 - slightly less than having them repainted. As with painted cabinets, the price varies based on the size of your kitchen, the complexity of the job and geographic location.
