One of the biggest decisions you’ll make during a kitchen remodel is choosing the right cabinetry for your space. Because cabinets are likely tol be the first thing people see when they walk into the kitchen, you’ll want them to reflect your style and set the right tone.
Another tough choice is whether you’ll go with prefinished cabinets, which are ready to install and provide a professional finish, or unfinished cabinets, so you can customize them further to match your exact vision.
Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so let’s take a closer look.
What Are Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets?
Unfinished cabinets are exactly what they sound like. They come as bare, pre-sanded wood, without any stain, paint, or finish. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to mold them into your kitchen decor.
An unfinished kitchen cabinetis like a DIY project where you get to choose every detail. You can pick the type of paint or stain, the finish, and even the method you want to use to apply it. It’s a great pick for those who have a specific vision for their home interiors and want to do the work themselves.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Unfinished Cabinetry
Unfinished wood cabinets are a popular choice for many homeowners. While they have a unique set of advantages, there are also a few considerations to keep in mind.
Advantages of Unfinished Cabinets:
Maximum Customization Potential: Unfinished cabinets are a blank slate. You can pick from a wide range of paints and stains to match the vibe you desire.
Flexibility in Stain or Paint Choices: Unlike prefinished cabinets, you’re not limited to factory colors. In fact, you can get the exact shade and finish you want, whether it’s a bright, bold color, or a subtle, natural stain.
Ease of Touch-Up: If unfinished cabinets get scratched or chipped over time, you can easily sand the area and reapply the finish. This can make them look brand-new without much hassle.
Cost-Effective: Generally, unfinished cabinets are more affordable than prefinished options. If you’re working on a shoestring budget but still want quality cabinets, unfinished is the way to go.
Control Over Final Look and Finish: With unfinished cabinets, you decide everything from the type of finish to the application technique. In other words, you have complete creative control.
Disadvantages of Unfinished Cabinets:
Requires Additional Time and Effort for Finishing: Be prepared to put in extra work. Properly priming, painting, and finishing the doors can take a lot of time and labor.
Additional Costs: Although the cabinets themselves might be cheaper, you must factor in the cost of paints, stains, and any tools/supplies needed for finishing.
Potential for Variations in Wood Grain and Color: Since wood is a natural material, each door can vary slightly in grain and color. This can be a challenge if you’re aiming for a perfectly uniform look.
What are Prefinished Cabinets?
If you’re short on time, not keen on DIY, or prefer not to deal with the hassle of treating and painting your own cabinets, we suggest going for prefinished cabinets.
Prefinished cabinets come painted, stained, and sealed from the manufacturer. (Of course, if you’re working with Holland’s Custom Cabinets, the “manufacturer” is us!)
With prefinished cabinets, you get a ready-to-use option. All you need to do is choose the style and color you prefer when the cabinets are being built.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Prefinished Cabinets
Prefinished cabinets offer a range of benefits catering to convenience and quality. But, like any other option, they have a few downsides.
Advantages of Prefinished Cabinets:
Time and Labor Savings: The biggest draw of prefinished cabinets is the convenience they bring to the table. Prefinished cabinets come ready to install–most often by the builder–saving you the time and hassle of sanding, priming, painting, and installing.
Quality Assurance: Prefinished cabinets are professionally designed in a controlled environment, which usually results in a higher quality product than DIY methods.
Ease of Selection: For most finished cabinets, what you see is what you get. You don’t have to envision the final look from a raw piece of wood.
Convenience: If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a no-fuss installation, prefinished cabinets are ideal. There’s no waiting for paint or stain to dry, meaning your kitchen remodel can move ahead faster.
Consistent Finish Quality: Each cabinet is uniformly treated, ensuring all cabinets match perfectly in color and finish.
Durability: The finishes applied in a factory setting are often tougher and more resilient to everyday kitchen wear and tear compared to hand-applied finishes.
Disadvantages of Prefinished Cabinets:
Higher Cost: The convenience and quality of prefinished cabinets typically come with a higher price tag.
Limited Customization Options: You’re limited to the designs and finishes available from the manufacturer. This can be a drawback if you’re looking for a very specific color or style.
Touch-Up Challenges: If prefinished cabinets get scratched or dinged, you might struggle to find an exact match for the original finish.
Potential for Color Inconsistencies: In rare cases, there can be slight variations in color between batches.
Deciding Between Prefinished and Unfinished Cabinets
Both prefinished and unfinished cabinets have their merits, but the best choice for you hinges on your specific needs and situation. Here are a few factors to consider.
Budget: Your budget plays a big role. Prefinished cabinets might be more expensive upfront due to the convenience and quality they offer. Unfinished cabinets can be more budget friendly, but remember to factor in the cost of paints or stains, plus tools and time.
DIY Skills and Preferences: Are you a hands-on person who enjoys DIY projects? If so, unfinished cabinets can serve as a creative outlet. However, if DIY isn’t your forte, prefinished cabinets offer convenience and ease.
Desired Level of Customization: Reflect on how much control you want over the final look. If you have a vision or color scheme in mind, choose unfinished cabinets to tailor the finish exactly to your liking. On the other hand, prefinished cabinets, while less customizable, also offer a wide range of attractive, professional finishes.
Time Constraints: Consider how quickly you need the project completed. Prefinished cabinets are ready to use. Unfinished cabinets require additional time for the finishing to cure.
1. Choosing Prefinished Cabinets:
Go for prefinished cabinets if you want a quick, hassle-free kitchen update. These cabinets are perfect if you appreciate the convenience of a readymade product and have a clear idea of the style you want from the existing range. Prefinished cabinets work well in fast-paced renovations.
2. Choosing Unfinished Cabinets:
Unfinished cabinets are ideal if you’re budget-conscious but still want to put your stamp on your kitchen. These cabinets allow for a level of customization that can’t be matched by prefinished options. Plus, you can save a ton of money on the initial purchase!
Consultation with Cabinet Experts
When you’re stuck between choosing prefinished and unfinished cabinets, we recommend asking cabinet experts like Holland’s for advice. Here’s why.
With cabinet pros, you get insights from people who deal with cabinets every day. They can break down the technical stuff into simple terms, helping you see which option–prefinished or unfinished–fits your needs better.
At Holland Custom Cabinets, our skilled team is all about helping you make the best choice. We’re not just cabinet builders; we’re problem solvers. We listen to what you want, consider how you use your kitchen, and then suggest the best cabinet type for you. Our advice is based on the latest trends, materials, and what works best in real-world kitchens.
We’re Here to Help
No matter what cabinet type you choose, the goal is to create a kitchen that you’ll love for years to come. Consider your budget, DIY enthusiasm, customization needs, and timeline. Remember, your choice will shape the heart of your home, so it’s worth taking the time to think about all the angles.
Do you have more questions about prefinished and unfinished cabinets? Send them our way! The team at Holland Custom Cabinets is ready to provide the answers and guidance you need. Contact us now or drop by our showroom.
