Transform Your Kitchen at a Fraction of the Cost by Staining Oak Cabinets
By Leslie A.M.RefacingCabinet.com Columnist
Staining oak cabinets is a popular option for kitchen renovations.
Why Oak Kitchen Cabinets?
Oak is one of the best woods to use for kitchen cabinets. As a member of the hardwoods family, it does not mildew or rot and takes a great deal of wear and tear. Screws and nails stay in the wood securely, making it an excellent choice for a busy kitchen. Wood stain works to highlight oak's naturally beautiful grain.
If you are ordering custom cabinet doors, you can request quarter-sawn oak, which shows parallel lines and flecks of color instead of the rings in plain-sawn oak. There is a unique beauty to quarter-sawn oak that you don't see in stock kitchen cabinets.
Staining Oak Cabinets: Before the Work Begins
Staining kitchen cabinets is one of the easiest do-it-yourself jobs. There are a just few things to consider before starting. If your oak kitchen cabinets are already stained, you can only go darker with your new stain, as it permeates into the grain. You can try a glazing technique for an antique, aged look, or a gel stain to make an already stained cabinet darker. Sample your stain on an inconspicuous cabinet in the kitchen--perhaps on the inside of a door.
When to Consider Replacement Kitchen Cabinet Doors
There's really no way to make a stained cabinet lighter. You can sand and strip the finish off but the grain will likely have absorbed the color. If that is the case, you may opt for replacement kitchen cabinet doors rather than spending too much time resurfacing the cabinets on your own. Another option is to paint the cabinets. Whether you apply the paint with a brush, a rag, or a sprayer, you can find a look that brings your oak kitchen cabinets to life.
About The Author
Leslie A.M. Smith is a freelance writer and desperately needs a new kitchen. Until she can afford it, she has her eye on refacing her cabinets.
