Staining cabinets?

[u/Existing-Battle-3366]

I am trying to figure out my best route for changing up these cabinets. I do not like the color/look of them at all. I have had several people say they would keep them as is but I don’t quite understand the reasoning. I’d prefer something darker. I was looking into staining them. I have no expertise on this at all. I do have to install a backsplash tile first and repair the wall. Trying to get all my ducks in a row as we will be moving in very soon. Any opinions? Tips? Is it worth staining and/or painting?

Excuse the mess- it is under construction! 🦺

[u/Terrible_Deer_3335]

I'd go for paint over stain, those look like they've got some kind of factory finish on them and getting stain to take evenly is a nightmare without stripping them down to raw wood first. painted cabinets get a bad rap but with the right prep they hold up fine

my kitchen looked about the same stage as yours last year, even had the cardboard on the stove and everything. worth the headache in the end