Finish Your Kitchen Cabinets in Style

Are you ready for a new kitchen design? One of the clear signs that your kitchen has seen better days is the cabinetry. When your kitchen cabinets are outdated, beyond repair, and lacking in enough storage, then it is time for a change. In the same way, choosing cabinetry for your remodel is one of the most important decisions you make as part of the kitchen design process, from the door style to color to finish. Since cabinetry is so prominent in a kitchen design, getting the cabinet finish right can make or break a design. How should you know which finish to choose? Read on for our tips when deciding on your kitchen cabinet finish.

What Exactly is a Cabinet Finish?

The finish of a cabinet refers to the final layer applied to the cabinet, which significantly affects both the style and the durability of your cabinetry. There are a number of different options for cabinet finish, from paint to stain to varnish, and not every finish suits every type of wood and style of home. Before you even start selecting cabinetry, decide what style you want to present in your home, and make sure your kitchen cabinets align to this.  Having a cohesive style that blends with the rest of the house is better for you and for prospective buyers viewing your house should you choose to sell.

What “Wood” You Do?

Choose your wood wisely as it can be radically changed by the finish. A high quality, patterned wood can take a light stain and allow the natural grain to shine through, but a cheaper wood fares better when stained dark to resemble mahogany or painted a color to fit your design. If you choose a painted finish, remember that you are focusing more on the paint color than the grain of the wood. Intense painted shades can be amplified with a gloss finish while matt works better for muted tones. An accent glaze over the paint varies tones on the cabinetry, for a more polished look.

A final glaze with a hint of color can also add depth to the stained door. Just be sure to see a sample of your chosen wood with your preferred finish before you decide.

Look at the Whole Picture.

To choose a finish, you can’t just take the cabinet door in isolation. How is it set into the cabinet frame? If no frame is visible then it’s a full overlay, whereas a partial overlay shows some frame between the doors. A full overlay is best for a minimal, sleek design and can display glossy, high impact colors well. Partial overlay has a more textured appearance and suits a classic style. Take the door’s texture into account also. Whether it’s flat, raised or recessed affects the finish too.

How Will the Finish Wear?

The type of wood, finish and how it has been manufactured are all factors affecting your cabinetry’s durability. One cabinet maker could spend weeks sanding, priming, staining and glazing, whereas another might just take days for the same type of wood. Working with a kitchen remodeling expert lets you relax in this regard as they know exactly how each product will last and the maintenance required. How you use your kitchen could dictate the finish required, so be sure to discuss this with your kitchen design professional.

Explore our gallery to see the exquisite cabinets in our many kitchen designs. Why not contact us today to discuss your ideas and get started on your kitchen remodel today!