Does painting or staining kitchen cabinets add value to your home? Is it even worth the time and effort?
These are common questions homeowners ask when updating their kitchen without a complete remodel.
In this blog, we’ll break down whether painting, staining, or replacing your cabinets will increase your home’s value, when it makes the most sense, and what to consider before grabbing a paintbrush or stain.
Keep reading if you’re looking to give your kitchen a fresh new look to boost your home’s appeal and price tag.
The value of kitchen cabinets
If you hope to add value to your home, cabinets are a great place to start.
Kitchens are often one of the most important rooms to potential home buyers and can make or break a deal.
Because of this, kitchen cabinets specifically can bring more value to your home. When your cabinets are updated, they modernize the look of your kitchen, making it more sellable.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, these are value-added home improvement trends in cabinets that go far for your home:
- Natural finish wood stains
- Open shelving
- Glass panels on cabinet doors
- Floor-to-ceiling custom kitchen cabinets
- Blues, whites, and neutral greys for color
- Bold hardware that makes a statement
So, with natural wood finishes and neutral colors both trending right now, how do you choose?
The difference between painting and staining kitchen cabinets
When it comes to giving your kitchen a fresh look, painting and staining are two of the most popular ways to upgrade your cabinets without the cost of replacing them.
But which option adds more value to your home — and how do you know which one is right for your space?
Let’s break it down.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Painting your kitchen cabinets offers a clean, modern look that appeals to many homebuyers. It’s a great option if your existing cabinets are still in good shape but look dated or worn.
Popular paint colors like white, gray, or soft beige make a space feel brighter, more open, and move-in ready — something many buyers love.
Painting also gives you more flexibility when it comes to design. If you have a custom kitchen cabinet layout, painting allows you to update the color to match your style or make the space feel more current, without changing the cabinet configuration itself.
This upgrade is a value-added home improvement, especially when done professionally. A clean, neutral paint job helps your home stand out in the market and may even lead to a higher sale price.
Staining Kitchen Cabinets
On the other hand, staining kitchen cabinets is ideal when you want to enhance the natural beauty of wood. Staining lets the wood grain show through, giving your cabinets a rich, warm, and timeless look. It’s perfect for classic, rustic, or traditional homes.
Staining works best on real wood cabinets — not laminate or MDF — so if your cabinets are solid oak, maple, or cherry, staining actually highlights their quality. This makes it a particularly smart option if you already have a custom kitchen cabinet set that was built with high-end materials.
While paint may hide imperfections, stain shows off craftsmanship. And when paired with modern hardware or updated countertops, staining kitchen cabinets is as much of a value-added home improvement as painting, especially for buyers who appreciate wood finishes and natural details.
When to avoid painting or staining your cabinets
While staining or painting your existing cabinets is generally a great option, there are a few reasons when it won’t actually add value.
1. The cabinets are in poor condition
If your cabinets are warped, cracked, or have water damage, a coat of paint or stain won’t fix the problem.
In fact, it could highlight imperfections.
In these cases, replacement may be the better investment, especially if you hope to add long-term value.
2. The cabinet material doesn’t hold paint or stain well
Not all cabinets are ideal candidates for refinishing. For example, low-quality laminate surfaces don’t absorb stain, and paint may chip or peel quickly.
On the other hand, solid wood cabinets, especially custom kitchen cabinet builds, are much better suited for either option.
3. The color choice is too bold or trendy
Choosing a bright or unique paint color is a fun and personal touch, but it could turn off potential buyers. Neutral tones are the safest bet for resale. If you’re planning to sell soon, think timeless over trendy.
4. It’s a DIY Project Gone Wrong
Poor prep work, cheap materials, or rushed application will lead to streaks, peeling, or uneven coverage. Not only does this look bad, but it can actually lower the perceived quality of your home. To ensure your cabinet refresh is a true value-added home improvement, consider hiring a professional.
Tips for maximizing value
If you invest time or money into painting or staining kitchen cabinets, make sure you’re doing it in a way that truly adds value. Here are some tips to help you get the best results — and the biggest return.
Choose timeless, neutral finishes
White, soft gray, neutral blues, and warm, natural wood stains are popular and appeal to most buyers. These colors create a clean, updated look without being too bold.
Whether painting or staining, stick with tones that work with a wide range of kitchen styles.
Use high-quality materials
Don’t cut corners with cheap paint or stain. High-quality products last longer, look better, and help protect your cabinets from everyday wear and tear. For staining, especially, using a good sealant afterward will help maintain that rich, natural look.
Prep the surface properly
Clean, sand, and prime (if painting) before applying any finish. Skipping steps causes poor adhesion, streaks, or early peeling. This is especially important if you’re working with a custom kitchen cabinet set made of real wood — you’ll want to protect that investment with the right prep and care.
Update the hardware
New knobs, pulls, and hinges transform the look of your cabinets when paired with a fresh coat of paint or stain. It’s a small touch that delivers a big visual impact and further enhances the feeling of a value-added home improvement.
Know when to call a pro
If you’re not confident in your painting or staining skills, it’s worth hiring a professional. A flawless finish might be the difference between a DIY job and a polished, high-end update that adds value to your home.
Looking for new cabinets? Call Mountain States Kitchen and Bath!
We pride ourselves on customized cabinet remodels at Mountain States Kitchen and Bath.
Update your kitchen without the hassle of painting or staining cabinets. We’ll provide you with a new cabinetry solution that will add value to your home while giving you exactly what you envision. Whether you want new cabinets because your current configuration is not ideal, or you’re looking for a fresh new take on your kitchen, you can count on us to get the job done!
Mountain States Kitchen and Bath provides excellent cabinets, service, and affordable pricing options. We serve homes from Salt Lake City to Springville, Utah, and everywhere in between. So, if you’re in Northern Utah, contact us today to get started with a free design consultation!
