painted vs stained kitchen cabinets

11 years ago

I am planning on a kitchen remodel but cannot decide between painted, probably gray, or medium dark stained cabinets. My main concern is with the durability of the two different finishes. Can anyone comment on their experience? I will probaby be using Kemper brand cabients. I want this to be a kitchen that lasts 20 years. Will the paint chip too easily? I do have a young family and love to cook.
Instead of just one finish, I am considering using both finishes with one on the upper and the other on the lower cabinets. The kitchen will mainly be along one wall with a penisila at one end. Which should go on top? Again, I am worried that the painted won't be as durable, especially on the lower cabinets.
These are the colors I am considering.
http://www.kempercabinets.com/products/larsen?prod=1ecf11ed-a1af-4b8f-8b99-d838bffbf785
http://www.kempercabinets.com/products/larsen?prod=1ecf11ed-a1af-4b8f-8b99-d838bffbf785
Thanks so much!

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Comments (5)

PRO
User
11 years ago
Congratulations on choosing Kemper! It's a great line to work with, both from a style perspective, and from a customer service perspective. With an active family, a stained wood will show less wear and tear over time and is more forgiving of minor dings. The wider stiles and rails of the Larsen door will be a long lived transitional look that can adapt to your changing tastes over time. It's a great choice for a kitchen!

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PRO
GTG Builders
11 years ago
Lisa. Painted cabinets have made up the majority of our kitchens over the past several years. A good quality cabinet and a very good install crew are the more important than stain vs. paint. We have not had any problems with paints chipping or failing as most cabinets have the same "clear" finish applied over top. Normal wear and tear like scratches and dents happen to both and are just the nature of kitchens in general. Either cabinet will come with a touch up kit that will allow you to hide minor damage.
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ryegardener
11 years ago
Lisa - I am having the same thought as you. I love painted kitchens and have been living with one since we did it in 2001. I finally had it repainted 3 summers ago - what a major job! And it is already chipping! The problem isn't the quality of the paint job, it's that wood cabinets expand and contract and when that happens the paint cracks. Also, kids (and adults) bump and chip edges. I am thinking of putting stained cabinets on the bottoms - where most of my damage occurs - and painting on the top. But I'm worried that this will give too horizontal a look to the entire kitchen. Perhaps if one or two cabinets were completely stained or completely painted it could tie things together? What did you end up doing in your kitchen? Thanks!
Lisa Hoffhaus
Original Author
11 years ago
Ryegardener, my kitchen isn't done yet but I have decided to use stained on the bottom and a light gray paint on top. The range hood cabinet will be stained to help integrate it all together along with the cabinets around the fridge and wall oven across the room. I think it will look good but I will just have to wait a few years to let you know how it wears. :)
ryegardener
11 years ago
Lisa - I would love to see how it looks once you're done! Please post pictures!!