5 of the best finishes for kitchen cabinets

Cabinets play a central role in how your kitchen looks and functions. 

When it’s time to remodel, you’ll want to ensure you use the best finishes for kitchen cabinets. Few spaces see as much traffic as your kitchen, and you’ll need a finish that hits all the right design, durability, and functionality notes.

Each cabinet finish type has pros and cons, and the best one for your space depends on several factors. This article will discuss different types of finishes for cabinets so you can make your own decision. 

The importance of choosing the right finish for kitchen cabinets

Your kitchen is a highly visible and trafficked space. That’s why choosing the right finish is important: It will not only express your personal style but can help a kitchen remodel add value to your home. And don’t overlook the importance of durability and ease of cleaning. Durable finishes make maintenance a breeze and help your cabinets last for years to come. 

Top 5 best finishes for kitchen cabinets

Cabinet finishes have evolved over the past few decades. Today, you have more choices than ever.

Many earlier types of finishes for cabinets, like steel, which was featured in some post-World War II kitchens, aren’t as widely used as they once were. They were replaced by a new wave of popular cabinet finishes.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of different cabinet finishes you’ll find in most showrooms today, which include:

1. Paint
2. Stain
3. Laminate veneer
4. Thermofoil veneer
5. Varnish

1. Painted kitchen cabinet finish

Of all the types of finishes for cabinets, painted cabinets never go out of style. A wide variety of available paint colors and finishes can match any design aesthetic. White, neutral, and black are classics, or you can brighten things up with a pop of color. You can also use dark-colored paint to cover discolorations or knots in the wood, although we recommend starting with paint-grade maple or high-density fiberboard to avoid this issue. 

When considering different types of paint for your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to understand matte vs. glossy finishes for cabinets. Matte paint is typically not a great choice for kitchen cabinets because it’s not as durable or easy to clean as paint with a glossy finish. Matte paint can also make the cabinets look smaller and darker, which is likely undesirable in a kitchen.

Glossy paints — including semi-gloss, high-gloss, and satin — are typically better options for kitchen cabinets. 

• Semi-gloss: As one of the most popular paint finishes for kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss has a medium shine that reflects light well, making the cabinets look brighter and more polished. Semi-gloss paint is also easy to clean, making it a good choice for busy kitchens.
• High-gloss: This type of paint finish has the highest shine, making it the most reflective. High-gloss can make the cabinets look larger and brighter, but it can also highlight imperfections in the surface. High-gloss paint is also simple to clean, making it a good choice for kitchens prone to accidents or spills.
• Satin: Satin paint has a lower shine than semi-gloss, but it’s still more reflective than matte paint. Satin paint is a good compromise between durability and shine, and it’s also easy to clean.

Pros of paint: 

• Wide range of colors and finishes
• Versatile
• Durable
• Easy to maintain

Cons of paint: 

• Can show smudges, scratches, and dents 
• Low-quality paints may chip or peel

2. Stained kitchen cabinet finish

Wood stains are another classic kitchen cabinet finish. Unlike paint, which sits on top of the material, a stain soaks into the wood, adding subtle color and highlighting its natural appearance. This also means it won’t crack or peel if the wood swells or shrinks due to heat or humidity, making it easy to touch up and clean. 

The color of your stain will depend on the wood you choose: maple, oak, and cherry allow for a wide variety of colors, while walnut is typically only available in darker stains. 

Pros of stain: 

• Natural wood beauty
• Durable 
• Easier to clean and touch up

Cons of stain: 

• Limited color options 
• Does not cover blemishes
• Fades over time
• More susceptible to water damage

3. Laminate veneer kitchen cabinet finish

Laminate veneer is one of the most versatile kitchen cabinet finishes available: It can come in any color, including wood grain, and a range of prices, depending on the type of laminate and wood core you choose. 

Particle board tends to be affordable but less durable, while high-density fiberboard (HDF) is more durable while still cost-effective. Plus, laminate now comes in options like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and thermal structured surface (TSS), which use UV light and heat to create a more durable material. 

The bottom line: Laminate can give your kitchen cabinets a higher-end look without breaking the bank. 

Pros of laminate veneer: 

• Cost-effective; the cost of laminate cabinets for an average kitchen cabinet job can cost between $4,000 and $15,000, compared with $5,000 to $25,000 for real wood
• Wide range of colors and patterns
• Water and scratch resistant
• Easy to maintain 

Cons of laminate veneer: 

• Can peel or chip
• Not as durable or customizable as solid wood
• Can be challenging to install

4. Thermofoil veneer kitchen cabinet finish

Thermofoil veneer, also known as rigid thermofoil (RTF), is one of the best finishes for kitchen cabinets if you’re looking for a cost-effective option. It’s a thin sheet of vinyl that’s heated and pressurized onto fiberboard. Our thermofoil cabinet doors are milled from durable, moisture-resistant high-density fiberboard (HDF) and faced with RTF. 

Thermofoil has a smooth, glossy finish that lends a minimalistic, modern look to your kitchen. It’s also very easy to clean — just wipe it down with soap and water — and is resistant to scratching, peeling, and fading. However, it’s not heat-resistant and comes in a limited color palette.

Pros of thermofoil: 

• Cost-effective; the price will fall between $2,000 and $5,000 for an average-sized kitchen cabinet job compared with up to $15,000 for laminate or $25,000 for wood
• Easy to clean
• Water- and stain-resistant

Cons of thermofoil: 

• Not as durable or customizable as solid wood
• Limited colors and finishes
• Can be challenging to install

5. Varnish kitchen cabinet finish

Varnish is a clear topcoat that’s used on many factory-finished kitchen cabinets. Varnish is typically used on natural wood, stained wood, or painted cabinets and comes in a variety of types with different properties. Some of the most common types of varnish include:

• Oil-based: The most traditional type of wood varnish. It’s made from a mixture of oil and resin and is known for its durability and water resistance. However, oil-based varnish can be difficult to apply and can have a strong odor. 

• Water-based: A newer type of wood varnish that’s gaining popularity. It’s made from a mixture of water and resin and is easier to apply than oil-based varnish. Water-based varnish is also less likely to yellow over time. 
• Polyurethane: A type of varnish that is made from a mixture of resin and polyurethane. It’s the most durable type of wood varnish, and it’s also resistant to water, scratches, and fading. However, polyurethane varnish can be difficult to apply.

A coat of varnish makes your kitchen cabinets resistant to scratching, heat, and humidity. Catalyzed conversion varnish is one of the best varnishes available. It’s applied using a special process that makes it one of the most durable cabinet finishes. At The Cabinet Door Store, we use an industrial-grade post-catalyzed conversion varnish with a 10-degree sheen.

Pros of varnish: 

• Smooth and durable 
• Protects wood from moisture, scratches, and fading
• Easy to clean
• Versatile 

Cons of varnish: 

• Can yellow over time, depending upon the type of varnish you chose
• Can have a strong odor
• Requires reapplication
• Only professionals should apply conversion varnish

Why unfinished cabinets aren’t a good option

What about leaving your kitchen cabinets unfinished? It’s true that natural wood can enhance the beauty of your kitchen, especially for more rustic design aesthetics. But exposed wood is difficult to clean and vulnerable to moisture, warping, and discoloration. It can even build up mold and mildew. Applying a finish to all wood cabinets is almost always the way to go. If you want to retain a natural wood look, polyurethane or professionally applied catalyzed conversion varnish are good options. 

What to consider when choosing a finish for kitchen cabinets

Ultimately, the best finishes for kitchen cabinets come down to a few different factors. Here’s what to consider in your search. 

The material

Your cabinets’ material plays a big role in the finish you can get. Two of the most popular materials are: 

• High-density fiberboard: HDF has several advantages. It’s strong, durable, resistant to warping, and has a smooth surface ideal for many different types of finishes for cabinets, including paint, laminate, and thermofoil. It’s also a great value. 
• Natural wood: Some of the most common wood species for kitchen cabinets are oak, hickory, maple, walnut, cherry, and alder. The variety of wood available means you may have more colors and patterns to choose from than you think. Alder and cherry, for example, have a reddish hue, while maple has unique knots and swirls.

Your design aesthetic

Your personal likes and dislikes are paramount when determining your cabinet finish. Popular styles for kitchens include:

• Farmhouse or country: Go with stained wood for a weathered look or red, yellow, and neutral paint in a semi-gloss finish to make it feel lived-in and cozy. 
• Cottage: A more offbeat look, cottage kitchens often feature pastel-colored painted cabinets with semi-gloss finishes.
• Midcentury modern: Flat-paneled wood cabinets with a minimalist finish work best with this look, complemented by a pop of color on the walls. 
• Contemporary: This style typically features white or black kitchen cabinets with glossy finishes, like RTF or high-gloss paint.

Existing elements

If complementing the flow of your home is important to you, you may also want to consider any existing elements, like:

• The color and finish of your countertops, floors, and walls
• The color of your appliances
• The material and color of your fixtures
• The amount of natural and artificial lighting
• The color and style of your other rooms and your home overall

Your lifestyle

How much do you use your kitchen? If you have a family that’s always in and out or you cook a lot of meals in your kitchen, the best finishes for your kitchen cabinets are durable and easy to wipe clean. But if you don’t spend much time cooking and you don’t have kids, family, or roommates who make a mess, these factors might be less important to you. 

Your durability demands

Stains and glossy paint are among the more durable cabinet finishes — and thus a great fit for busier kitchens. However, stain is most effective on real wood, and for ultimate durability, it’s best to choose harder woods like hickory, oak, and maple that are more resistant to scratches and dents than medium or soft woods. Varnish is another option for a durable cabinet finish — in fact, many kitchen cabinets come with varnish applied. 

Stay up to date with The Cabinet Door Store

If you’re remodeling your entire kitchen or replacing your cabinet drawers and doors, you want to make sure you use the perfect finish to complement your style. You don’t have to do it alone. The Cabinet Door Store can help you find your match, whether you prefer a modern look or an eclectic, artsy vibe. 

Contact us today, tell us about your project, and we’ll help you find just the right finish for your kitchen cabinets.