Painted or stained? Stained or painted? Around and around clients go, determining which decision is the right one for their Chicago custom kitchen cabinets.

There are obvious preferences to one over the other, depending on your kitchen style and tastes. For example, those who want to enjoy bright colors or white kitchens will always opt for paint, while tried-and-true natural wood lovers will never veer from finished options.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Painted or Stained Cabinets

Ultimately, either can be used to create a timeless kitchen design. In the end, it really comes down to three different considerations:

How Big is Your Kitchen Budget?

Budget will definitely come into play. If you have a modest budget, or you want to use the majority of your budget to splurge on Chicago custom kitchen cabinets and countertop slabs, finished cabinets are the way to go.

Finished cabinets are typically the most affordable option, while painted cabinets are priced a bit higher. On average, painted cabinets cost 15% more than stained cabinets. Also, because painted cabinet tend to need touch-ups more often, long-term maintenance costs will be higher if you choose pain over finish.

Note: The type of paint you choose will further affect your budget. For example, low-VOC and no-VOC paints tend to be pricier than standard paints.

What Are Your Long-Term Maintenance Goals?

Those who are single, retired or have child- or pet-free homes have different things to consider than those who have kids, pets or are naturally hard on their living spaces. Painted cabinets are more prone to scuffs and dings, as well as chips or scratches than their finished, clear-coated counterparts.

We find that families and indoor dog owners often prefer finished cabinets because they are more apt to hide the little marks that are a normal part of life in a busy household.

Note: Again, the type of paint you select will have an impact on maintenance requirements and longevity so be honest about your expectations and needs when talking to your design-build team. For example, low-VOC and no-VOC paints will require more touch-up than standard paints, although low-VOC versions tend to hold up better than the no-paint option. Work to find that happy medium.

Are You a Stickler For Consistency?

Paint is consistent - a slate gray door is a slate gray door and there will be no difference from side-to-side or top-to-bottom. Stains and finishes, however, don't work that way at all. Since wood is harvested from trees, and trees grow outdoors in Mother Nature, you will only have an idea of what the finished product will look like.

Wood types and grains, combined with knots, varying porosity and hardness/softness will all affect the way a wood "takes" a stain or finish. "Samples" are close, but not exact. Thus, those who choose finished cabinetry will have to be flexible.

If you're truly undecided between painted or finished kitchen cabinetry, we recommend taking a look at two-tone kitchen options, which allows you to enjoy the benefits of both options.

Visit the design-build team here at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited. We're Chicago custom kitchen cabinet experts and we'll be happy to help you figure out which type of cabinets will work best for your kitchen's design and function.