How to Make Cabinet Doors

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Cabinet doors can make or break the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets - and the longevity of the cabinets. The secret lies in the workmanship and quality of materials used to make cabinet doors.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Building a Slab or Flat Panel Door

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are two basic types of cabinet doors -- slab and flat panel -- most often chosen. You should consider the need for speed of construction, durability, ease of cleanup and maintenance.
  2. Most slab doors are made of plywood. Use MDF (medium density fiberboard) on a painted or a covered surface for a wood grain look. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. This is done by either gluing up a panel to the width and length you need or by using a solid piece that has been specially milled for you. However, you need to know that this is usually cost prohibitive. [2]
    • Lay out the dimensions of the door on your choice of sheet material.
    • Cut the door from the sheet using either a circular saw or a table saw. [3]
    • Ease the edges of the face with a router using the bit of your choice.
    • Put on the desired finish, install the hinges and doorknob and you are ready to hang the cabinet door.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

How to Build a Raised Panel Door

PDF download Download Article
  1. You need to realize that this type of cabinet door requires more tools, skill and time to create. However, the finished results can be very rewarding if you are willing and ready to step up to the challenge. Panel doors consist of two stiles (side pieces) and two rails (top and bottom) along with a panel that sits between them. [4]
    • Cut the stiles and the rails from 4/4 (2.54 cm) material - if you can - and mill or plane down the material to a consistent width of .75 inches (2 cm). Accuracy and consistency of width assures a good fit.
    • The rails need to be approximately .5 inches (1.2 cm) less than the stiles. The width depends on the project and the look you want for your cabinets.
    • Make the stiles blanks the length you need and then run the inside edge through a stile router bit mounted on a router table.
    • Cut the rails to the length you need. Determine this length by measuring from the outside edge of the stiles to the beginning of the round-over, or bead, you made with the router bit. Subtract this from the width of the opening, then cut the rail blanks to length. Run the inside edge through the router using the same bit you used earlier.
  2. The coping bit creates a secure and tight fit of the rail to the stile. Now, run the ends of the rails through the bit. [5]
  3. Measure from the outside edges to the beginning of the rollover (or bead). Subtract that distance from the total height and width of the door. A flat door panel will usually be made from .25-inch (.6 mm) plywood - the same wood type as the rest of the cabinet. [6]
    • Cut the door panel insert slightly less than the size you need to allow for wood expansion and contraction. Ordinarily, this will be the width of a table saw blade. [7]
    • Begin assembly of the door. Apply glue with a brush to the inside of the stile where the rail meets it and insert the rail tenon.
  4. Place the balls into the groove you created with the router style bit. Insert the panel. [8]
  5. Slide the second stile into place. Clamp the pieces together, and allow the glue to dry. [9]
  6. Install the hardware and hang the new cabinet door on the cabinet frame. [10]
    7. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you make homemade shaker cabinet doors?
    Eric Shipe
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Eric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.
    Eric Shipe
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Simple shaker style cabinet doors can be made with 1x3 wooden boards and veneer plywood using just a table saw.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Can you make cabinet doors without special tools?
    Eric Shipe
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Eric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.
    Eric Shipe
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    For this project, it is important to make sure you have the right tools, such as a table saw or circular saw.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    Can you make cabinet doors out of particle board?
    Eric Shipe
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Eric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.
    Eric Shipe
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Sure! Laminated particle board can easily be cut to the needed size using a circular saw and a straightedge as a guide. The edges can be finished with iron-on edge banding.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • The style of panel cabinet door you want can vary from the flat one described here to raised and glass panel doors. Every choice depends on the look you are trying to achieve.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Reference to 4/4 refers to .25 inches multiplied by 4, so 3/4 wood would be .75 inches and 6/4 would be 1.5 inches.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
      • Step up the look of slab cabinet doors by adding molding to the edge or offset from the edge of the door.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Do not attempt to build a flat or raised panel door without a router table. You cannot get the accuracy you need without a router table.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Sheet goods .75 inches (2.0 cm) thick for slab doors
      • .25-inch (0.5 cm) plywood for flat panel door
      • .75-inch (2.0 cm)wood for stiles and rails
      • Hinges
      • Door knobs
      • Glue
      • Glue brushes
      • Router table
      • Router
      • Stile and coping router bits plus cabinet door bits
      • Round-over bit
      • Table or circular saw
      • Bar clamps
      • Space balls for spacer in door panel
      • Stain or paint

      You Might Also Like

      A Beginner’s Guide to Cabinet Making
      How to
      Install a Closet Rod
      How to
      Fix Broken Cabinet Hinges: 6 Quick Solutions
      How to
      Adjust & Reposition Euro-Style Cabinet Hinges
      How to
      Put a Closet Door Back on the Track
      How to
      Measure Cabinet Hinges
      How to
      Extend Cabinets to the Ceiling
      How to
      Hang Wall Cabinets
      How to
      Hang a Dartboard Cabinet
      Are Cabinets & Cupboards the Same Thing?
      How to
      Measure Drawer Slides
      How to
      Measure Kitchen Cabinets
      How to
      Install New Cabinet Hinges for Your Kitchen or Bathroom
      A Fast & Easy Guide to Choosing and Measuring for a Lazy Susan
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cliqstudios.com/cabinet-materials/
      2. ↑ https://www.cliqstudios.com/cabinet-materials/
      3. ↑ Eric Shipe. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2006/03/01/making-raised-panel-doors-on-a-tablesaw
      5. ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2006/03/01/making-raised-panel-doors-on-a-tablesaw
      6. ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2006/03/01/making-raised-panel-doors-on-a-tablesaw
      7. ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2006/03/01/making-raised-panel-doors-on-a-tablesaw
      8. ↑ https://www.widgetco.com/space-balls
      9. ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2006/03/01/making-raised-panel-doors-on-a-tablesaw
      1. ↑ https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2006/03/01/making-raised-panel-doors-on-a-tablesaw
      2. http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com/Cabinet_Door_Construction.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a simple slab door, start by measuring the dimensions for your door. Then, cut the door out of a sheet of plywood or your chosen material with a circular or table saw. If you want a woodgrain look, use medium density fiberboard on a painted or covered surface. Once you’ve cut the door out, soften its sides with a router to get rid of any rough edges. After that, coat the door with your desired finish to give it a glossy, elegant look. Finally, screw the hinges and handle onto the door and install it to the cabinet. For more tips, including how to build a raised panel cabinet door, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 479,070 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Dave McCall

        Jan 23, 2017

        "Router bit options and rubber balls (for expansion) were duly noted for my upcoming kitchen remodel."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement