Cabinet for rentals: Stained or painted & where to buy in Chicago

[Eric La Pratt]

I'm shopping for cabinets & vanities for 4 kitchens and 4 baths at the same time. I (currently) really love the look of the painted and frameless cabinets right now but I'm fearful that they will:

1. Become dated sooner than later (the look, that is)
2. Be more difficult to touch up (a ding/scratch is easier to fill when the product is stained solid wood versus a couple layers of paint)
3. Frameless are more expensive and will break down sooner (sagging?)

I am curious to hear the opinions and experiences of those who have dealt with them.

Also where should I go to get a great builders grade product at a fantastic price? I'm hoping leveraging 4 kitchens worth will help in the price. I've got drawings.

[Jim Adrian]

I don't think frameless will go out of style as this has been around for ages in the commercial world.  Typically this is done with plastic laminate but can be done with wood grained plastic laminate or real wood veneer as well in commercial work.  It as become "trendy" in residential.  If you like it and want to spend the money then go for it.  I do feel its worth give a kitchen a WOW factor.   Some "wow" factors:  taller cabinets like 36" or 42", under counter lights, cove top lighting,  fancy tile back splashes,  granite or quartz counter tops, fancy door handles.