Staining vs. Toning Kitchen Cabinets: Which One Should You Choose?

Staining and toning are great options if you are ready to have your cabinets refinished, but want to keep the natural wood look. Refinishing cabinets is an investment, but will bring value to both you and your home. 

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, Nebraska, we have refinished cabinets since opening in 1996. Our proven process and the high-quality products that we use have proven to provide lasting durability. 

In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between staining and toning cabinets. This article should help you choose which is better for you. After choosing between staining and toning, or painting, for your kitchen cabinet refinishing, you will be one step closer to an upgraded space!

Staining Cabinets

Staining is a great option if you still want to see the grain in the wood. The natural texture remains visible for both staining and toning. The grain also depends on the type of wood, like oak. Oak cabinets have more of a wavy and inconsistent grain that is perfect for staining or toning.

On the opposite side, a wood-like Maple is much lighter than oak, so the grain won’t be as prominent. 

Staining is typically a lighter brown color. It is a classic and timeless look for kitchens and can adapt to many styles. 

In response to the cost of cabinet refinishing, both staining and toning are relatively average. The process for Brush & Roll Painting includes 5-6 layers of durable product. 

Determine what the cost of refinishing your cabinets would be.

Toning Cabinets

Toning is quite similar to staining but uses darker dyes. You are still able to see the grain in the wood, but it is not as prominent as staining because it closes the gap from the blonde wood to the dark grain.

Some people prefer toning over staining because it is more modern. For a modern setting, darker brown cabinets are commonly paired with granite or white countertops and light hardwood flooring. 

Staining or toning cabinets is similar to furniture. When you buy a piece of furniture with a dark stain, they stain and then tone it in a multi-layered process.

In addition to the tone, many people have added a glaze overtop. The glazing follows the natural path of the wood and is meant to highlight its unique features. This will add to the final cost, as it is more steps to the process. Nevertheless, it is another layer of durability.

Choose the best option for you

There isn’t a right or wrong answer for if staining or toning, is better, it is completely up to you and what you think is best for your kitchen!

If you have found that you do not think either staining or toning is best for you, another option is painting. Painting cabinets cover the natural grain of wood, but you are not limited to a family of shades.

When you are ready to hire a professional cabinet refinisher to stain, tone, or paint your cabinets, schedule an estimate with Brush & Roll Painting, a trusted painting company near Omaha NE. 

Next, check out a ranking of cabinet refinishing products. From low to high quality, we rank products by the level of durability they can provide for your cabinets.