Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

There are a lot of decisions to be made during a kitchen remodel, but cabinets should be your first port of call. They provide storage and workspace but also dictate the overall style of your kitchen design. The finish is of utmost importance and your decision regarding cabinet finish is really a choice between paint vs. stain. While gray and even black, blue, or green are becoming popular for cabinet colors, classic white is still one of the most popular choices.  When comparing a natural wood finish vs. bright white, consider which one will help you achieve your preferred aesthetic and will best suit your lifestyle.  If you can’t decide between white or wood finish cabinets, here are the pros and cons of both to help you consider the options.

WHITE KITCHEN CABINETS

Pros-

A Clean Aesthetic

If you’re dreaming of a clean, crisp kitchen design then look no further than a white painted finish. Whether you go for pure white, off white or one with subtle grey or blue undertones, you’ll have an even, sleek look without the patterns or character flaws you get from stained wood.

Budget-Friendly Options

You can choose more budget friendly materials like MDF for white. Thermofoil, laminate and melamine treatments all adhere well to MDF and are cheaper than wood. You’re guaranteed a shiny white finish at a fraction of the price.

Shabby Chic

White doesn’t necessarily mean clinical. You could go for a vintage vibe where the paint finish is distressed by machine or hand to give it a boho, aged appearance with plenty of character. It’s also good for hiding fingerprints!

Cons-

Opaque

A white painted finish won’t absorb into the wood, so just the grain marks are slightly visible but not the knots or any pattern. If you want the real character of your wood to show, then white won’t be for you.

Wood Costs

In comparison to stained wood, painted kitchen cabinets are generally more expensive as they need a higher level of prepping and coating with a more expensive product. MDF coated cabinets would be cheaper but if you want a real wood kitchen in white, it will cost you.

No Touch-Ups

If you need to touch up your white cabinet, it will be tricky to get the exact shade and texture. Cabinets are often spray painted for a smoother look, so a brush touch-up stands out. A brushed finish means it’s easier to cover any chips or scuffs on your pristine white kitchen cabinets, but make sure you have the exact shade of white.

STAIN

Pros-

Shows Features

Stain is a much thinner substance than paint, so it sinks into the wood, revealing its natural character and allowing you to see each wooden door’s unique features. It’s an instant way to add warmth to a kitchen design with a variety of tones available, from light honey to dark espresso.

Touch-Ups are a Breeze

If you need to touch up your stained cabinet, you don’t need the exact same shade as the grain and variation in tone of the wood mean you can blend it into the area as required without it standing out.

Cheaper Than Painted Wood

Obviously, the cost of a kitchen remodel depends on its size, style and materials. In general, though, stained wood comes in cheaper than painted, so it could be a wise option if you’re selling, or on a budget, and want wooden cabinetry.

Glaze

You don’t have to compromise on modernity or sleekness with a wood stained finish. A glossy layer of glaze can go on top to give a more contemporary look.

Cons-

No Imitation Wood

MDF is not an option if you’d like a stained finish. You need to invest in real wood for this look, as white covers a multitude but stain is just for enhancing what’s underneath. 

Shows Everything

If you want a sleek, perfect appearance then wood stain is not a good choice. It shows all surface blemishes and tones, as well as dust particles and flour on darker shades. Wood becomes the focal point, while a white kitchen design lets another element of your remodel take center stage.

The style of your house ultimately decides which kitchen cabinets suit your kitchen remodel. Budget is also a consideration, but there are options for both white and wood kitchen designs that fit a range of budget options. Sleek and bright, or characterful and warm, the choice is yours. Explore our kitchen design gallery to see which looks you prefer and contact us for a consultation. We can advise you on how to achieve the kitchen you’ve always wanted.