Best Cabinets
Types and materials

Cabinet Finishes

Painted, stained and natural finishes, and how each one wears.

Published: October 6, 2026

painted and stained finish samples

Painted

Painted cabinets give a solid, even color. Paint shows chips and hairline cracks at door joints more than stain does, so ask for a touch-up kit and for the name of the color.

If the project involves repainting existing cabinets, confirm that the current surface can be prepared for the proposed coating.

Stained and Natural

Stain adds color while leaving the grain visible; a clear coat alone shows the natural wood. Both hide wear well. Species matters: maple is smooth and even, oak has strong grain, cherry darkens with age, and walnut is naturally dark.

For solid wood custom cabinets, review the stain or clear finish on the actual wood species being quoted. The same finish can look different across species and grain patterns.

Other Finishes

Glazes add depth to detailed doors. Thermofoil and laminate offer consistent color and easy cleaning. Whatever the finish, ask how it is applied and how the manufacturer or shop recommends cleaning it.

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