White kitchen cabinets with a brown island and large light fixtures

Consumer Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Cabinets

Having been in the cabinet building business for 20 years means we have received countless questions about wood.

Here are just a few:

  • How do I maintain my wood cabinets?
  • Which cabinets can be painted?
  • Can wood cabinets be restained?

We thought it might be helpful to share some of our most common questions and answers with you to support your decision-making or offer a few tips to keep your cabinets looking great for years to come!

Can Wood Cabinets Be Painted?

Yes, with current trends, more than half of our clients choose to break away from the standard wood stains and add a pop of color to their design with painted cabinetry. This is a great way to create a statement piece in the room with stunning results.

Can Wood Cabinets Be Re-Stained?

Yes. While it is technically possible to re-stain cabinetry, the amount of labor involved often negates the cost savings. It is easier to apply a coat of paint to cabinets that have been previously stained. However, there will still be a fair amount of labor involved, as well as technical knowledge of which paints are compatible with previous finishes. Read this article from Houzz that compares the pros and cons of painted vs. stained, click here

Can Dark Wood Cabinets Be Painted White?

Again, the answer is yes. However, if the cabinetry is new construction, darker lumber, such as walnut, is generally much more expensive, and it makes no sense to paint it. If you are trying to refinish older dark cabinetry, several coats of primer may be needed before painting to ensure the old color does not show through.

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What To Wash Wood Cabinets With?

This is a very common question, as all our clients want to ensure their new cabinets stay in excellent condition.

Our only recommendation is to clean your cabinets, whether painted or stained, with a damp, warm, lightly soapy dishcloth. The dish soap will break up any grease residue without harming the cabinets. We do not suggest ever using any type of cleaner on our cabinets.

What Type Of Wood Cabinets Is Best?

No lumber is necessarily better than any other. Each has different characteristics. Learn more about popular choices here. Ultimately, it depends on the project, budget, and your personal preference.

Real Wood Cabinets Versus MDF

MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard and is a high-grade composite material. Because MDF is made from recycled wood fibers and resin, it is considered a “green” product. They are designed to withstand heat and humidity.

Real wood cabinets, however, offer exceptional quality and durability, and they will often outlast homeowners. Not to mention, they are fully customizable.

Most cabinets are constructed with both MDF & natural wood. When painting cabinets, it’s ideal to use MDF in the center panel of the door or drawer front. The benefits of MDF are that it does not expand and contract as much with temperature changes and humidity as wood, and it helps keep paint from cracking over time. Plus, it is more cost-effective.

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Wood Cabinets Pros And Cons

Pros:

  • It has distinct characteristics: each type of wood is unique, adding a special touch to any design.
  • Multiple choices and custom options: custom means you get precisely what you need.
  • Durability and easier to repair: they are built to last

Cons:

  • Higher price point (though it depends on the wood choice)
  • Longer lead time, depending on the wood type.
  • Susceptible to the elements. (ie, humidity)

Which Wood Is Budget-Friendly

Oak, Cherry, and Maple are generally more affordable because they are readily available. Pricing for these is also determined by market demand, depending on current trends in cabinet finishes.

Informed Decision

At Walker Woodworking, we believe it is essential to educate our clients because an informed decision is a good decision. We hope these questions and answers were helpful and will assist you in choosing cabinets for your next project. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out to us or visit our showroom located in Uptown Shelby, where you can see samples of our work.

/onMay 7, 2020/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inConsumer Information

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