White Kitchen Cabinets in a Rental - What's Your Opinion

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White Kitchen Cabinets in a Rental - What's Your Opinion

Scott Mac
Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes

What are your thoughts on white kitchen cabinets in a rental (Not a flip but a rental).

I Have no experience with white, but I believe they would make the turn harder because they would be harder to clean.

On the positive side they seem to make the kitchen feel bigger because they're bright.

Personally in a Rental I like the old fashioned oak look or the cinnamon colored look. 

What has been your experience with white cabinets and renters???

What are your thoughts on white cabinets in a rental???

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Taylor LaurenceBusiness Member
Houston, TX · Member since 2024 · 2 posts · 4 votes
1y

The white cabinets make it look fresher and nicer to a tenant, so it makes the rental more attractive. They surprisingly don't get as dirty-looking as you would think. 

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  • Taylor LaurenceBusiness Member
    Houston, TX · Member since 2024 · 2 posts · 4 votes
    1y

    The white cabinets make it look fresher and nicer to a tenant, so it makes the rental more attractive. They surprisingly don't get as dirty-looking as you would think. 

    [email protected]281-886-3166
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  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
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    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Scott Mac:

    What are your thoughts on white kitchen cabinets in a rental (Not a flip but a rental).

    I Have no experience with white, but I believe they would make the turn harder because they would be harder to clean.

    On the positive side they seem to make the kitchen feel bigger because they're bright.

    Personally in a Rental I like the old fashioned oak look or the cinnamon colored look. 

    What has been your experience with white cabinets and renters???

    What are your thoughts on white cabinets in a rental???


     we almost always gowith white, neutral and never out of style. Typically in many instances we have painted the existing cabinets.

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  • Josh SedivyBusiness Member
    St. Louis, MO · Member since 2024 · 134 posts · 55 votes
    1y

    That’s a great question! White kitchen cabinets definitely have their pros and cons in a rental. They do make the space feel bigger, cleaner, and more modern, which can really appeal to renters and make the property stand out in listings. However, you’re right! They do show dirt, scuffs, and wear much more easily.

    If you go with white, using a durable, wipeable finish (like a semi-gloss) can make cleaning much easier.

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  • JD MartinBusiness Member
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    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    1y

    We started out using mostly white cabinets, the laminated kind. Eventually switched to unfinished oak. The oak have held up better over time. We don't have any issues cleaning the white cabinets but they are laminate over MDF and in some of the properties they've started to delaminate. The oak can be touched up with poly pretty easy and if anything gets damaged are also easy to match up for replacement. 

    I've never had a single bit of feedback from tenants either way. Most tenants just don't care about those things. 

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  • Emily Koelsch
    Rental Property Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2022 · 48 posts · 43 votes
    1y

    I would focus on what makes the property the most durable - very few tenants will make a decision based on the cabinets. I like the look of white cabinets, but they are definitely harder to keep in good condition. If you go with white, use a semi-gloss to keep it clean. That said, I like the idea of building a rental like a tank :). The more durable everything is the better the outcome for everyone - the property stays in better condition while tenants are there and is easier during turnover. 

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  • Henry ClarkPro Member
    Developer · Member since 2020 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1y

    Staying at a low key Bnb.   You could go 1/2 way.  

    Still looks Bigger and lighter.  But not as easily to pick up cleaning issues as White.  

    4Reply
  • Andrew Street
    Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 292 votes
    1y

    Hey there Scott - If you're managing the property yourself or plan on long-term tenants who care for the space, white cabinets can be a good choice, especially in small kitchens that need light. But if you're doing frequent turnovers, renting to short-term tenants, or managing remotely, the durability and low-maintenance nature of oak or cinnamon cabinets may be the better route.

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