Key Benefits
- Authentic natural grain & texture
- Exceptional durability & longevity
- Can be refinished, repainted or stained
- Develops rich patina over time
- Sustainable, long-term investment
What’s the Difference?
Solid Wood, Hand-Painted & Stained Kitchens
When investing in a bespoke kitchen, every detail matters. From joinery craft to timber choice and the finish that brings your space to life.
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“What is the difference between solid wood kitchens, hand-painted kitchens, and wood-stained kitchens and which is right for your home?”
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Solid Wood Kitchen?
A solid wood kitchen is built using natural timber rather than veneer-covered MDF or particleboard. At Dovetail Interiors, we typically work with premium hardwoods such as oak, ash and walnut. Chosen for durability, character and long-lasting beauty.
Ideal For Homeowners Who
- Value traditional craftsmanship
- Prefer natural materials
- Want a kitchen that ages beautifully
Popular Choices
- Quarter-sawn oak
- European walnut
- Solid ash shaker doors
Hand-Painted Kitchens
A hand-painted kitchen offers a timeless finish, applied by skilled craftsmen. Unlike factory sprayed surfaces, this process gives a truly bespoke, tactile quality and allows subtle touch-ups over the years, perfect for longevity.
Hand-Painted Kitchens Key Benefits
- ✔Elegant, refined look
- ✔Hundreds of colour possibilities (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Colourtrend, etc.)
- ✔Easy to refresh and update
- ✔Works beautifully with both traditional and contemporary cabinetry
Best For
- ✔Homeowners who want a luxury, artisan finish that evolves with their home
Finish Styles
- ✔Classic in-frame shaker
- ✔Modern framed slab doors
- ✔Brushed grain finishes showing subtle timber texture
Wood-Stained Kitchens
Stained wood kitchens enhance the natural grain rather than covering it. Ideal when you want the warmth and character of timber to shine.A hand-painted kitchen offers a timeless finish, applied by skilled craftsmen. Unlike factory sprayed surfaces, this process gives a truly bespoke, tactile quality and allows subtle touch-ups over the years, perfect for longevity.
Hand-Painted Kitchens Key Benefits
- ✔Elegant, refined look
- ✔Hundreds of colour possibilities (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Colourtrend, etc.)
- ✔Easy to refresh and update
- ✔Works beautifully with both traditional and contemporary cabinetry
Best For
- ✔Homeowners who want a luxury, artisan finish that evolves with their home
Finish Styles
- ✔Classic in-frame shaker
- ✔Modern framed slab doors
- ✔Brushed grain finishes showing subtle timber texture
Kitchen Finishes: Quick Comparison
Explore materials, maintenance and style fit. Tap tabs to focus on one finish or view the full table.
Solid Wood
Material: Natural timber
- Look: Natural, authentic
- Maintenance: Can be refinished
- Style fit: Classic or rustic
Side-by-Side
Compare All Finishes
| Feature | Solid Wood | Hand-Painted | Stained Timber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural timber | Various, often hardwood | Natural timber |
| Look | Natural, authentic | Luxurious, refined | Organic, warm, natural grain |
| Maintenance | Can be refinished | Touch-ups possible | Highly durable finish |
| Style Fit | Classic or rustic | Classic & modern luxury | Modern, Scandinavian, rustic |
Tip: On mobile, drag left/right to view all columns.
Details Matter
Add-Ons That Elevate Your Bespoke Kitchen
A handcrafted kitchen is only the beginning. Consider complementary features to complete the design.
Premium Finishing Details
- ✔Hand-crafted dovetail drawers
- ✔Solid timber carcasses
- ✔Brass or antique bronze hardware
- ✔Hand-selected stone countertops
- ✔Bespoke larder & pantry cabinetry
- ✔Built-in oak cutlery drawers
- ✔Custom wine walls & bar dressers
Functional Enhancements
- ✔Pocket-door breakfast stations
- ✔Integrated bins & recycling systems
- ✔Pull-out pantries
- ✔Pantry ladders & spice racks
- ✔Internal lighting systems
Guided Choice
Which Finish Should You Choose?
Every home is unique and so is every kitchen we create.
Recommendation: Hand-Painted
✅ Hand-painted brings a luxurious, refined aesthetic with easy touch-ups over time.
Clients often blend styles for example, a painted kitchen with a beautifully stained solid oak island or walnut interiors for drawers & pantries.
