A palette of colorful possibilities awaits you when selecting cabinet finishes. Whether you want to bring out the natural characteristics of the wood type you've chosen, add personality with hues that complement your unique kitchen design, or create a look reflective of the latest cabinet color trends, you'll find the cabinet finishes to meet your design needs with Kitchen Craft.
The finish you select plays an important role in the overall appearance of your kitchen. It affects not only the color of your cabinetry, but also the visibility of the wood grain, the level of texture, and the style of the space. To help you begin selecting kitchen cabinet finishes, here is an overview of the different finish options available, including stains, paints (also referred to as opaques), glazes, and specialty finishing techniques.
Stains
Stains are applied to cabinet doors to enhance the natural beauty of the wood while adding beautiful color. A variety of stained finishes are available ranging from light and natural tones to rich, dramatic dark finishes.
One of the key benefits of stained cabinetry is its ability to showcase the unique character of the wood. Variations in grain pattern, mineral streaks, knots, and color are highlighted by the stain, creating a distinctive look that cannot be replicated with paint. Lighter stains allow more of the wood's natural characteristics to remain visible, creating a warm, casual feel. Darker stains offer greater depth and sophistication while minimizing the appearance of grain patterns.
Stained cabinetry remains a popular choice for homeowners seeking timeless appeal, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of design styles, from traditional and rustic kitchens to contemporary spaces.
We offer stained cabinet finishes on the following materials:
Cherry • Maple • Oak • Rift Oak • Rustic Alder • Walnut • White Oak
Paints (Opaques)
Paints are applied to cabinetry when the desired look is an opaque-colored finish. Available in a wide range of hues, painted finishes offer nearly limitless design opportunities, making them one of the most popular choices in kitchen design today.
When applied to tighter-grained wood species, painted finishes create a smooth, uniform appearance that works especially well in transitional and contemporary kitchens. On more pronounced grain species, such as oak, portions of the natural texture may remain visible beneath the finish, adding subtle character and depth.
Painted cabinetry allows homeowners to personalize their space with anything from timeless whites and warm neutrals to bold statement colors. Painted finishes also pair well with mixed-material designs, such as natural wood islands, decorative accents, or specialty door inserts.
We offer paint cabinet finishes on the following materials:
Maple • MDF • Oak
Custom Color
Kitchen Craft's Custom Color Program offers the ultimate flexibility. Find a color that inspires you, and we'll create your cabinetry.
The Custom Color Program is available for the following materials:
Maple • MDF
Cabinet Finishes for Non-Wood Materials
Glazes are designed to highlight the details and contours of cabinetry, creating additional depth and dimension. They can be applied over both stained and painted finishes to emphasize profiles, moldings, and decorative door details.
We offer glazes on the following materials:
Paint with Glaze:
Maple • MDF
Stain with Glaze:
Cherry • Maple • Rustic Alder
Finishes for Non-Wood Materials
Engineered cabinet materials offer a variety of finish options to suit different design preferences and lifestyles. MDF provides an exceptionally smooth, consistent surface that is ideal for painted cabinetry, creating a clean and uniform appearance. Acrylic finishes offer a sleek, contemporary look with a smooth surface that adds depth and visual interest, making them popular in modern kitchens. Thermofoil features a seamless, easy-to-maintain finish available in a variety of colors and woodgrain looks, delivering both durability and style.
PureStyle™ is available in both solid and woodgrain finishes, offering the painted appearance homeowners love alongside the warmth and character of natural wood. Designed for durability, it provides excellent color consistency and resistance to everyday wear, moisture, scratching, and fading.
Decorative Materials and Specialty Inserts
Cabinet design extends beyond finish color alone. Decorative elements such as aluminum frame cabinet doors and specialty glass inserts can introduce additional texture and personality into your space.
These specialty materials are often used in display cabinets, accent areas, or kitchen islands to create focal points and break up expanses of solid cabinetry.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Finish
The ideal cabinet finish is one that balances your personal style, desired maintenance level, and overall design vision. Consider how much wood character you want to showcase, whether you prefer timeless neutrals or trend-forward colors, and how decorative details such as glazes, specialty inserts, and decorative panels may complement your space.
By understanding the available finish options, you'll be better equipped to select cabinetry that reflects your personality and creates a kitchen you'll enjoy for years to come.
