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Actually I think the quickest and least expensive way to renew the appearance of oak cabinets would to be wipe them down with a good coat of linseed oil, then after that settles in for a while, give them a fresh coat of varnish. I guarantee that's easier and cheaper than sanding and painting.
Does that cover the grain? I would rather have painted than see the grain.
I just read an article that said that they thought the next cabinet trend is going to be going back to stained oak cabinets. Not stained "new" wood cabinets like alder and hemlock, but stained oak just like Grandma's house.
I just read an article that said that they thought the next cabinet trend is going to be going back to stained oak cabinets. Not stained "new" wood cabinets like alder and hemlock, but stained oak just like Grandma's house.
And it was on the internet, so it must be true.
What did I just tell you directly above this?
It's important to keep in mind that there is exactly ONE purpose for "home decorating trends" to be created and promoted: to make you feel that your house is "out of date" so that you will spend money to make it "up to date".
I just read an article that said that they thought the next cabinet trend is going to be going back to stained oak cabinets. Not stained "new" wood cabinets like alder and hemlock, but stained oak just like Grandma's house.
And it was on the internet, so it must be true.
Seriously. Stop with the “it’s a trend” thing. Painted cabinets - white or some other color- have been a preference for a lot of people, for YEARS. Same goes for stained cabs. NONE of this is new.
"My MIL has 50 year old oak cabinets that are in great condition...but they look tired and old."
I just told you how to make them look less "tired and old". If you want to make them look like painted cabinets, obviously, you have to paint them.
Alrightie then.
So they will look old and shiny...yeah that's still the same cabinet. That's not really a change. Paint would look better if you are tired of your old cabinets.
I believe this is quite regional. Here in Texas I see expensive new homes ($650K and up) installing oak cabinets. That would never be done in the Carolinas.
Oak cabinets? I will that that truly surprises me. Stained maple or other hardwood, sure. That's what I put into my own house when I built 3 years ago. But oak wasn't even an option.
Oak cabinets? I will that that truly surprises me. Stained maple or other hardwood, sure. That's what I put into my own house when I built 3 years ago. But oak wasn't even an option.
I still like oak, but then again I like hickory cabinets too. Grain doesn’t bother me, I like a more rustic look.
I see you're in Texas. I have a family member in TX who put his house on the market less than a year after it was built. He was told by an agent to paint the 10-month-old cabinets white, which he did. It still didn't sell, but that's beside the point. It's a regional thing. I can't imagine anyone in my area recommending that cabinets be painted in a new house. People just don't seem to care as much about that kind of thing here.
I've always liked light cabinets in a kitchen because I want my kitchen to be bright and cheery. I even prefer honey oak to the newer dark wood that's in my current kitchen. It's my personal preference, and OP, you should go with yours. Do what you like. I agree with the others - stay away from HGTV. Tour design centers and model homes. You're still going to see what is trendy, but you can see things in person and get an idea of what you would like to live with in your home.
I'm in Texas too. Light or dark kitchen/cabinets made not one iota of difference when it came to sale of our homes. It all comes down to the overall aesthetic of the home. For those who prefer white kitchens, white and bright will always look the best (if done well) to them. I fall into the "don't care" camp, I just want quality wood cabinetry. Our current home has light maple with a black countertop. I have no intention of putting paint on those beautiful cabinets. Perhaps if they were golden oak, maybe. But maple is a beautiful wood that works well with a natural finish, and we chose to keep it. And of course, I like black countertops. The kitchen, to me, looks sleek and beautiful. At the end of the day, go with what you like. For every buyer who prefers one thing or the other, there are those who "don't care" or have preferences but overall like the house and will make changes later.
We have painted cabinets in the bathroom (not our choice). They're ok, I guess. They were always meant to be painted as the wood is a non descript paint grade.
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