From sleek slabs to classic five-piece designs, we’ll help you narrow down the endless door style options to match your kitchen vibe.
Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles
This part might seem overwhelming. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of door styles out there! My advice? Start with a basic layout and design style you love. Then, you can narrow down the door style that matches your look and functionality needs.
To keep it simple, let's split cabinet door styles into two main categories:
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5-pieces doors
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Slab doors
5-piece cabinet door:
This is one of the most popular door constructions for kitchen cabinets,
When people talk about "5-piece," they’re actually referring to the five parts that make up the door frame: two long side pieces (stiles), two short top and bottom pieces (rails), and a center panel.
This central piece is enclosed by the stiles and rails and can be either flat (for a Shaker-style look) or raised (for a traditional, ornate look). The panel may be made from solid wood or veneered plywood, depending on the door’s design.
Shaker doors
Alright, let’s dive into Shaker-style cabinet doors. The timeless classic that keeps coming back in every kitchen trend! Shaker doors are known for their simple, clean look, with a flat panel in the center and a frame around it. But even within the Shaker style, you’ve got some fun options to suit any style, from farmhouse cozy to ultra-modern. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Classic Shaker Doors
This is your standard Shaker: a solid 2.5- to 3-inch frame around a flat center panel. It’s clean, straightforward, and works in pretty much any kitchen. Classic Shaker is your go-to if you want that timeless, un-fussy look.
2. Micro Shaker (Modern Shaker)
3-Beaded Shaker doors
Beaded Shaker doors add a little extra detail with a small bead (a rounded groove) along the inside edge of the frame. It’s got a bit of that vintage charm, perfect for farmhouse kitchens or anyone wanting to add a touch of character without going overboard.
4. Wide Frame Shaker
For those who love the Shaker look but want it to make a statement, the wide frame Shaker (3.5 to 4 inches) is your best friend. It gives your cabinets a bit more visual weight and a solid, sturdy feel. Perfect for adding a touch of rustic or traditional flair.
5. Glass-Front Shaker
Same Shaker look, but the middle panel is glass! This is perfect if you want to show off some fancy dishes or lighten things up a bit. You can even go with frosted or textured glass.
Raised Panel Doors
Similar to 5-piece Shaker doors, but with extra detail in the frame and a raised, sculpted center panel. This style brings a traditional look, adding texture and depth—perfect for a classic, elegant kitchen.
Now here is a piece of information that you might want to know about. Some manufacturers make raised panels and Shaker style doors out of one piece of MDF or HDF. And these doors are heavily marketed as the best of both worlds in regard to durability and functionality. They are not. MDF and HDF are glorified cardboard material and can’t handle moisture.
Slab doors
Slab doors are exactly what they sound like—one smooth, flat panel with no framing. They’re sleek, minimal, and a favorite for modern or European-inspired kitchens.
What Are Slab Doors Made Of?
Slab doors are typically made from a single piece of material, mostly high grade plywood and with the choice of hardwood veneer. The plywood with its cross-laminated layers provide the doors with the strength and stability it needs and the hardwood veneers come in tons of options from oak to walnut giving you flexibility with style.
Why Choose Slab Doors?
Their simple design makes them easy to clean (no grooves for dust!) and versatile with many kitchen styles. They pair well with sleek, modern hardware or even no hardware for a streamlined look.
Looking for a Middle Ground between Modern and Traditional? Try Micro Shaker Doors
If you love the sleek look of slab doors but don’t want your kitchen to feel ultra-modern, micro Shaker doors offer a great middle ground. They have a simple, flat center like slab doors but add a narrow frame around the edges for a touch of structure. This keeps the look clean and contemporary, but with a hint of traditional craftsmanship. You get the best of both worlds: the sleekness of slab doors with the classic feel of a 5-piece door.
Endless Options for Your Dream Kitchen.
We’ll Help You Find the Perfect Style.
When it comes to kitchen design, the possibilities are practically endless! Whether you love traditional raised panel doors or prefer sleek, modern slab styles, each option can be paired with different cabinet types like face frame, inset, or frameless to create a look that’s uniquely yours. And don’t worry about making all those choices on your own! At Maple Forge, we’ll walk you through the whole process, helping you pick the style that fits your vision and even showing you samples to bring it all to life.