Painted vs Stained Cabinets: Which Is Right for You?

One of the first decisions in cabinet refinishing is choosing between paint and stain. Both options transform kitchens beautifully, but they offer different aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and costs.

Understanding the Difference

Painted Cabinets

Paint completely covers the wood, creating an opaque, uniform color. This allows for any color imaginable and hides wood grain.

Stained Cabinets

Stain penetrates the wood while allowing grain patterns to show through. The result is a natural wood appearance with enhanced color depth.

Visual Comparison

| Aspect | Painted | Stained |

|--------|---------|---------|

| Wood Grain | Hidden | Visible |

| Color Options | Unlimited | Wood tones |

| Style | Modern/Traditional | Traditional/Rustic |

| Uniformity | Completely uniform | Natural variation |

Durability and Maintenance

Both finishes, properly applied, offer excellent durability. However, they differ in how wear shows:

Painted Cabinets:

Stained Cabinets:

Cost Comparison

| Service | Painted | Stained |

|---------|---------|---------|

| Standard kitchen | $4,500-$6,000 | $5,200-$6,900 |

| With grain filling | $5,400-$7,200 | N/A |

Stained finishes cost 15-20% more due to the multi-step application process and additional expertise required.

Best Applications

Choose Paint When:

Choose Stain When:

Indianapolis Trends

In the Indianapolis market, we see roughly 75% of customers choosing paint and 25% choosing stain. Popular choices:

Paint Favorites:

Stain Favorites:

Need Help Deciding?

Our design consultants can show you samples and help visualize both options in your kitchen. Schedule a free consultation to explore your choices.

Call CabinetPro at (317) 555-0123 today.