This project was built and designed by Nick Starrett. His take on shaker style cabinet doors highlights classic joinery, clean lines, and a practical approach to woodworking.
Shaker doors are a staple in both traditional and modern cabinetry. Their timeless style works well in kitchens, bathrooms, and furniture builds alike.
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Starting with the Right Measurements
Nick begins the project by focusing on precise measuring. Getting the width and height right is crucial, especially when planning for a half-inch overlay.
For instance, a cabinet opening of 15 and 5/8 inches would call for a door width of 16 and 5/8 inches. Rails and stiles are usually cut at 2 and 1/2 inches wide to create a balanced frame.
To determine rail lengths, subtract the combined width of the two stiles from the total door width. This ensures a square fit when the parts are joined later in the build.
Choosing Materials for a Clean Finish
Soft maple is Nick’s material of choice for the rails and stiles. It machines cleanly and takes paint well, making it ideal for painted doors.
For the center panel, he uses MDF due to its smooth surface and stable nature. The combination results in a professional appearance and reliable structure.
Breaking Down and Sizing the Parts
Once materials are chosen, Nick breaks them down using a jointer, planer, and table saw. This sequence helps ensure flat faces, square edges, and consistent dimensions.
A miter saw handles the length cuts for the stiles and rails. A thickness of three-quarters of an inch is standard for shaker doors, allowing for a quarter-inch groove for the panel.
Cutting the Grooves and Joinery
Using a router table, Nick cuts grooves along the inside edges of the rails and stiles. These grooves hold the panel and need to be uniform for a snug fit.
He then switches to a tongue bit to shape the ends of the rails. These tongues slide into the grooves on the stiles during assembly, locking the frame and panel together.
Assembling the Door Frame
With all the joinery complete, Nick begins the assembly. Glue is applied only to the rail tongues, not the full panel groove, allowing the MDF to float and move naturally.
Using a rubber mallet, he taps the pieces together, carefully aligning everything before clamping. Clamps are placed at both ends to keep pressure even while the glue dries.
Letting the door sit overnight ensures a strong bond. The next day, the clamps are removed, and the door is ready for sanding.
Sanding and Smoothing the Surface
A 120-grit sander helps clean up any glue squeeze-out or uneven edges. Nick pays close attention to the corners and frame surfaces to maintain crisp lines.
After the initial sanding, he moves to a finer grit to prepare the wood for painting. The smoother the surface, the better the final finish will look.
Drilling for Hardware
Before applying paint, Nick drills the hinge cup holes. He uses a hinge jig for accuracy, which helps avoid mistakes that could damage the finished surface.
This step is easier to complete before priming and painting. It also ensures that the doors mount cleanly once installed.
Painting and Finishing
Nick starts with a coat of primer, allowing it to dry before lightly sanding. He follows with several coats of cabinet-grade paint, sanding between layers for smooth results.
Each coat adds durability and depth to the finish. The final color is evenly applied, leaving the doors with a professional-grade appearance.
Installing the Hinges
Soft-close, half-inch overlay hinges are installed once the paint is fully cured. Nick makes sure everything is aligned properly to ensure smooth operation.
These hinges not only look good but add functionality and a premium feel. They’re a great upgrade from standard hinge hardware.
Wrapping Up
Shaker cabinet doors offer a blend of simplicity and elegance. This project is a great example of what you can accomplish with solid planning and careful execution.
Nick’s process showcases attention to detail and useful techniques for clean joinery and a polished finish. The result is a custom cabinet door that fits beautifully and works reliably.
Want to See the Full Build?
Please support Nick by visiting his website here: https://www.nickscustomwoodworks.com/.