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

  1. 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. 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]
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  3. 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]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

How to Build a Raised Panel Door

  1. 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. 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. 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]
    • 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. 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. 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. 6
    Sand the door, finish as desired. Install the hardware and hang the new cabinet door on the cabinet frame.[10]
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do you make homemade shaker cabinet doors?
    Eric Shipe
    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.
  • Question
    Can you make cabinet doors without special tools?
    Eric Shipe
    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.
  • Question
    Can you make cabinet doors out of particle board?
    Eric Shipe
    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.
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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.
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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

About This Article

Eric Shipe
Co-authored by:
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 454,030 times.
3 votes - 67%
Co-authors: 13
Updated: August 4, 2021
Views: 454,030
Article 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!

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