DIY Shaker Cabinet Doors Under Budget
Are you looking at your outdated cabinet doors, knowing they need a change, but worried about the cost?
High-quality cabinet doors can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, putting a serious dent in your home improvement budget. I understand that struggle.
I found a way to create beautiful shaker-style cabinet doors for a fraction of the cost of store-bought options. Using simple materials like 5/8″ MDF and basic tools, you can make doors that look just as good as expensive options.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step process for building, finishing, and hanging these budget-friendly shaker doors that will update your kitchen or bathroom without breaking the bank.
What Are Shaker-Style Cabinet Doors?
Shaker style cabinet doors are about as simple as it gets – and that’s why people love them! They have a flat center panel with a basic frame around it. No fancy curves, no detailed edges, just clean, straight lines.
These doors were first made by the Shakers, a religious group from the 1800s who believed in keeping things plain and practical. They didn’t like fancy stuff, so they made simple furniture but built to last.
What makes a door “shaker style” is this basic design: a flat center panel surrounded by four straight pieces of wood (two going up and down, two going across). That’s it!
This simple look fits with almost any kitchen style – from old-fashioned country homes to modern apartments. That’s why they’ve stayed popular for over 200 years and why so many people choose them when updating their kitchens today.
Tools and Materials You’ll Require
Material list
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| 5/8″ MDF | For the frame pieces (thicker than 1/2″ for added durability) |
| 5mm plywood | Used for the middle panels |
| Wood glue | For securing joints |
| Screws | For assembling the frame |
| Hinges | Soft-close hinges are recommended for smooth operation |
| Drawer handles/knobs | For opening and closing doors or drawers |
| Sandpaper | To smooth surfaces before painting |
| Paint | To finish and protect the surface |
| Caulk | To fill gaps and create a seamless look |
| Clear rubber bumpers | To prevent slamming and reduce noise |
Tools Required
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Table saw | For cutting MDF and plywood to size |
| Miter saw / Miter gauge | For making precise angle cuts |
| Drill | For driving screws and making hinge holes |
| Bit for hinge holes | Specifically designed for concealed hinges |
| Clamps | To hold pieces securely during assembly |
| Measuring tape | For accurate dimensions |
| Pencil | For marking cut lines |
Understanding Parts and Sizes of Shaker Cabinet Door
A shaker door has these main parts:
- Styles: The up-and-down pieces on each side
- Rails: The cross pieces at the top and bottom
- Panel: The middle piece
For most doors, make your rails and styles about 2.25 inches wide. This looks good and works well. Always cut a few extra pieces just in case you make a mistake!
Steps to Make Shaker Cabinet Doors
Now, let’s learn how to make these doors step by step and the whole process, from the first cut to hanging the finished doors.
Step 1: Cutting Your Frame and Making Grooves
Cut all styles and rails to the correct length using your table saw. Next, set up your saw to make a 3/8 inch deep groove along the inside edges of all rails and styles. Always test on a scrap piece first.
Run each piece through the saw, then flip and cut again. This ensures the groove sits perfectly in the center. These grooves will hold your panel and help connect all the pieces together.
Step 2: Making the End Joints and Panels
Cut notches at the ends of your rails so they fit into the styles. Test the fit and sand any areas that don’t match up well. For panels, measure the space between rails and styles carefully.
Cut plywood panels 1/8 inch smaller all around to allow room for fitting. Place tape on your cutting lines to prevent the plywood from splitting. Lightly sand panel edges for easier assembly later.
Step 3: Putting It All Together and Making It Look Good
Apply glue in all grooves and on panel edges. Begin assembly with one style, add the panel, then the rails, and finish with the other. Use clamps to hold everything and check that all corners form right angles.
After the glue dries, sand any rough spots and round the edges slightly. Clean with a damp cloth, then fill any small gaps with caulk. Apply several coats of paint for a smooth, finished look.
Step 4: Adding Hinges and Hanging Your Doors
Mark the spots where the hinges will go. Drill holes with care – you’ll have about 1/16″ of material left, so work slowly. Always practice on scrap wood first to perfect your technique.
Use an extra style piece as a guide when mounting doors to cabinets. Mark spots, drill pilot holes, and attach doors securely. Make small adjustments to hinges until doors hang correctly.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
For drawer fronts, use spacers to keep gaps even between all pieces. Clamp drawer fronts in place before attaching with screws. Make sure they align perfectly with your doors.
Add handles or knobs where needed for easy opening. Stick clear bumpers on the inside corners to prevent doors from slamming shut. These small details make your work look professional.
For a video tutorial, you can refer to this YouTube video by Wood Nerds:
Important Tips Before You Start
Use the right thickness: I recommend 5/8″ MDF, not 1/2″. The small extra thickness makes a big difference in strength.
Practice your hinge drilling: When drilling for hinges, you’ll have only about 1/16″ of material left. Try on scrap MDF first to get comfortable.
Consider your space: For bathroom or kitchen cabinets that face high moisture, seal all edges well with paint and caulk.
Double-check measurements: Measure twice and cut once. Small errors can make doors fit poorly.
Buy extra materials: Have some extra MDF on hand for mistakes. It’s cheap, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Take your time: This project isn’t hard, but rushing leads to errors. A careful approach gives better results.
Advantages of This Method
- Much cheaper than hardwood (entire kitchen possible under budget)
- MDF comes flat and parallel – no milling required
- No wood movement issues that can cause gaps
- It holds up well even in high-humidity areas like bathrooms
- It looks professional when painted
Conclusion
Building your shaker cabinet doors with MDF is a simple way to update your home without spending a fortune. As you’ve seen, this method requires basic tools and materials but gives professional results. The beauty of these doors lies in their simplicity – clean lines that fit any style from modern to farmhouse.
Why does this matter? Changing your cabinet doors can completely transform a kitchen or bathroom, giving you the updated look you want without the cost of a full renovation.
Ready to start? Gather your materials, set aside a weekend, and follow my outlined steps. Take photos before you begin – you’ll be amazed at the difference your handiwork makes!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll help you through your project.
