What do you want your cabinets to look like? How do you want them to feel? How easy should they be to take care of? These are all things your kitchen cabinet finish can affect. A finish is just one step in the cabinet-making process, but it’s the one that has the most dramatic effect on the visuals of your cabinets.
There are different types of cabinet finishes to choose from, from painted to stained, and each one has its own pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right cabinet finish for your home.
Types of Cabinet Finishes
Whether your aesthetic is traditional, modern or somewhere in between, there’s a cabinet finish to match. Cabinet finishes are a topcoat applied to the wood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) material used for cabinet doors, drawers, and frames. There are a few common types of cabinet finishes to choose from:
- Painted: A painted finish is exactly what it sounds like—you paint the cabinets with a color of your choosing. This allows for a wide range of colors and styles to match any home decor. However, painted finishes are more prone to chipping or showing wear over time.
- Stained: Staining involves applying a semi-transparent coat to the wood, which allows the natural grain to show through while also adding color. Stained cabinets tend to have a more traditional look and are better at holding up to wear and tear compared to other finishes.
- Glazed: You apply glazing over a stained or painted finish by wiping on a thin layer of glaze for added depth and dimension. Glazed cabinets offer a unique and customizable appearance, but can be more difficult to clean.
- Distressed: Distressing is another technique that creates a worn or weathered look on the surface of the cabinets. You achieve this finish by sanding, denting, or scraping the wood to create intentional imperfections. Distressed cabinets are great for achieving a rustic or shabby chic style.
- Laminate: Laminate finishes can mimic the look of wood or other materials. You create it by adhering a thin layer of plastic to the surface of the cabinets. This type of finish is durable and easy to clean, but may not have the same quality or appearance as real wood finishes.
- Veneer: Veneer is a thin layer of real wood that is applied to the surface of cabinets, giving them an authentic look and feel. However, veneer finishes can be prone to damage from moisture or heat.
These are among the most common types of cabinet finishes, but there are also other options such as natural oil finishes or high-gloss lacquer finishes. There’s no shortage of choices, but how do you decide which one is right for your home?
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cabinet Finish
For some, the choice may be easy. Perhaps you already have a vision for your kitchen cabinets, or there’s a specific style that fits with the rest of your home. But if you’re still undecided, here are some factors to consider when choosing a cabinet finish:
Style of Your Home
The first thing you should consider is the style of your home. Are you going for a modern, sleek look or a more traditional feel? Your cabinet finish should complement and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. For example, a glossy or high-shine finish may look out of place in a rustic farmhouse-style kitchen.
Size and Layout of Your Kitchen
If you have a small kitchen, you may want to consider a lighter or glossier finish to help make the space feel more open and brighter. But if your kitchen is large and has a lot of natural light, you may be able to get away with a darker or more matte finish. The layout of your kitchen can also affect the appearance of different finishes, so think about how the cabinets will look in relation to other elements in the room.
Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider, especially if you have a busy household with kids or pets. Some finishes may be more prone to wear and tear, while others are more durable and easier to maintain. If you know your cabinets will experience heavy use, choose a finish that can withstand daily wear without showing damage too easily.
Maintenance
Different finishes require different levels of maintenance. Painted finishes may need regular touch-ups or repainting over time, while stained or glazed finishes may be easier to maintain. Consider your lifestyle and how much time you’re willing to invest in maintaining your cabinets before choosing a finish.
Lighting
Lighting can have a big impact on the appearance of your cabinet finish. Natural light can make painted cabinets look brighter and vibrant, while artificial lighting can give them a duller appearance. If possible, view samples of different finishes in both natural and artificial light to see how they’ll look in your space.
Your Hardware
Do you have hardware already picked out for your cabinets? If so, consider how it will look with different finishes. If you have a glazed or distressed finish, it may look best with antique-style hardware. If you have a sleek, modern finish, consider contemporary hardware with geometric shapes and clean lines.
Budget
How much are you willing to spend on your cabinet finish? Consider your budget and decide if a higher-end finish is worth the investment for your home.
Selecting the right cabinet finish is a crucial step in your home renovation journey. By carefully considering your personal style, the overall aesthetic of your space, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your home’s beauty and functionality for years to come. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so take your time, explore your options, and choose a finish that truly resonates with you.
At Legacy Cabinets, we have a range of high-quality cabinets available in various finishes. If you need new kitchen cabinets for a home renovation or new construction, come browse our selection. We have cabinets available in woods like maple, oak, and cherry, as well as a variety of stains and paints to choose from. Your local Legacy Cabinets dealer can help you explore our different finishes and find the right one for your home.