My shop stopped offering stained wood as the standard.

Clients were surprised, but painted surfaces handle daily wear much better. We've had fewer callbacks since the change.

3 comments

3 Comments

Ha, I can just picture the wood purists clutching their pearls over this one! They always go on about the "natural look" until their fancy stain gets a water ring or a big scratch. Paint hides a multitude of sins and just takes the abuse, no question. It's smart business to go with what actually works in real homes, not just what looks good in a showroom. Less callbacks means happier customers and you actually getting some weekends off. Bet your phone is a lot quieter now!

vera_west5mo ago

People forget how stuck you are with stain. Want to change your kitchen look in five years? With paint, it's a weekend job. Sanding and restaining cabinets is a huge, messy task. That gives you choices later on, and let's be real, most people get tired of the same style. Plus, paint lets you use cheaper wood without it showing, saving money from the start.

val_wilson2mo ago

Yeah, I read something from a kitchen designer once saying stain is basically a trap for anyone who changes their mind. @the_ben nailed it about the real-world durability though, paint just takes the beating better and saves everyone headaches.