When selecting a cabinet finish, sometimes beauty is only skin deep. Establishing the general design theme with a type of wood is a basic step, but the cabinets really come to life based on the finishes that are applied.

As you look at the combination of stains and glazes that can be applied to them, the choices appear endless. Cabinets also can be painted or “distressed” to create yet a different look.

Wood cabinets are sold with a natural finish or with a stain or glaze or a combination of both applied to the wood. The stains and glazes range from a light color that makes the wood slightly darker than its natural tone to a burgundy or dark brown color.

Many stains are sold in a matte finish, which has little shine and a semi-gloss finish, which has more shine than the matte finish. Some cabinet manufacturers also will create a "distressed" look on cabinets by adding nicks and scratches to the finish to mimic cabinetry that has lived through years of use.

More Options with Maple and Cherry

Maple and cherry cabinets usually offer more options for finishes because those types of wood are more suitable for painting. They will accept paint whereas oak won't accept paint well because it has such a grainy finish.

Mixing and Matching

Many renovators are mixing and matching cabinet finishes throughout a room to add dimension and warmth to the space. In the kitchen, they also are combining two colors to help bring more color into the room and blend cabinetry with furniture in surrounding rooms, said Kim Craig, public relations manager for KraftMaid Cabinetry, Inc., based in Middlefield, Ohio.

"You don't have to use a lot of the different color -- it's a subtle addition of color," Craig said.

The company has added finishes, such as platinum luster, that tap into current design trends. Platinum luster is a silver-sienna metallic base that goes on maple or birch cabinetry. It's designed to mix with stainless steel appliances."

When considering which finish to select, look at how it adheres to the cabinet.  "You want to look for a consistent finish that's smooth to the touch," Craig said. "Stand back and look at the finish. Is it consistent from cabinet to cabinet?"