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How to Make Cabinet Doors Download Article Co-authored by Eric Shipe
Last Updated: February 19, 2026
Download Article
Building a Slab or Flat Panel Door
|
How to Build a Raised Panel Door
|
Expert Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Eric Shipe. 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. This article has been viewed 484,475 times.
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.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Building a Slab or Flat Panel Door
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1 Choose which door to make. 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 Pick the correct material to fit your doors. 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]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Use solid wood for a door when you make a panel door. 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]XResearch source
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]X Expert Source Eric ShipeHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview
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.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
How to Build a Raised Panel Door
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1 Use a flat (raised panel) door for a quality look. 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]XResearch source
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 Change the bit to a coping or stick bit. 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]XResearch source
3 Determine the dimensions of the panel. 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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
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 Purchase rubber space balls, available at most woodworking supply stores. Place the balls into the groove you created with the router style bit. Insert the panel.[8]XResearch source
5 Apply glue to the tenon of the rails. Slide the second stile into place. Clamp the pieces together, and allow the glue to dry.[9]XResearch source
6 Sand the door, finish as desired. Install the hardware and hang the new cabinet door on the cabinet frame.[10]XResearch source
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Expert Q&A
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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 1 Helpful 1
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 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
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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 0
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 0
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
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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
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References
↑ https://www.cliqstudios.com/cabinet-materials/
↑ https://www.cliqstudios.com/cabinet-materials/
↑ Eric Shipe. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Eric Shipe Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Eric Shipe. 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. This article has been viewed 484,475 times. 5 votes - 80% Co-authors: 15Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 484,475 Categories: Woodworking | Cabinets and CupboardsArticle SummaryX
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?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Dave McCall
Jan 23, 2017
"Router bit options and rubber balls (for expansion) were duly noted for my upcoming kitchen remodel."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Eric Shipe Home Improvement Specialist Co-authors: 15Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 484,47580% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
Dave McCall
Jan 23, 2017
"Router bit options and rubber balls (for expansion) were duly noted for my upcoming kitchen remodel."
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Nov 27, 2017
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Co-authored by: Eric Shipe Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Eric Shipe. 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. This article has been viewed 484,475 times. 5 votes - 80% Co-authors: 15 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 484,475 Categories: Woodworking | Cabinets and Cupboards Article SummaryX
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1 Choose which door to make. 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 Pick the correct material to fit your doors. 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 Use solid wood for a door when you make a panel door. 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] 
1 Use a flat (raised panel) door for a quality look. 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] 
2 Change the bit to a coping or stick bit. 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 Determine the dimensions of the panel. 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] 
4 Purchase rubber space balls, available at most woodworking supply stores. Place the balls into the groove you created with the router style bit. Insert the panel.[8] 
5 Apply glue to the tenon of the rails. Slide the second stile into place. Clamp the pieces together, and allow the glue to dry.[9] 
6 Sand the door, finish as desired. Install the hardware and hang the new cabinet door on the cabinet frame.[10] Advertisement 
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. 