Why do white home cabinets cost more than stained?

Answer 1

it depends on what they are. If they are solid wood painted cabinets they are more expensive because it is a difficult process to apply the paint. If they are laminate (and there are different grades) they should be pretty cheap.

Check out IKEA cabinets, there absolute cheapest line (approx. 1000$ for a standard 10x10 kitchen) is a white cabinet.

But if you go for the pressure treated laminates then they should be less expensive. If you are comparing them to the stock cabinets at Lowe's or Home Depot that will always be cheaper, since their buying power is so great with their in stock products they get them WAY below retail price so they can sell them below retail price.

Answer 2

Now that is a good question. Usually the white laminated cabinets are made from a much lower grade material than the solid wood cabinets. The installation costs are the same. So the only thing I can think of is it has to be simple demand.

Answer 3

White cabinets have to be laminated or have a vinyl finish applied. More steps than just applying stain to wood means more cost. I prefer the white cabinets myself, easier to clean and care for.

Answer 4

The order of labor intensity -list on finishes- goes like this:
Black or White-Hi Gloss
-Low Gloss
Solid Colors
Stains
This is assuming your starting with cabinet grade wood.

White Finishes show every imperfection in the finished surface
SO:
more coats=more sanding=more labor=higher cost
Hope this helps

Answer 5

If you buy the stock white cabinets at Lowes they are quite reasonable. They do not cost more than the oak look or maple look ones. Also, if you need special sizes for certain areas, you can order them.
They look and hold up great and they are not the plain ones.
Also, I do not enjoy the look or texture of grainy wood of any sort.

Answer 6

Because "bright white" is simply the trend right now!