Raised Panel Cabinet Door Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table for Raised Panel Cabinet Door Sizing, covering essential dimensions, overlay options, gaps, and guidelines for measuring and installing raised panel cabinet doors.
| Measurement Type | Standard Dimension/Formula | Description & Use |
|---|---|---|
| Door Width (Single) | Opening width + (2 × overlay) | Adds twice the overlay amount to the opening width for a single raised panel door, ensuring full coverage. |
| Door Height (Single) | Opening height + (2 × overlay) | Adds twice the overlay amount to the opening height for complete vertical coverage. |
| Door Width (Double) | (Opening width / 2) + (2 × overlay) | Divide the opening width by two for each door, then add twice the overlay for double raised panel doors. |
| Door Height (Double) | Opening height + (2 × overlay) | Adds twice the overlay for each door’s height, giving full coverage from top to bottom. |
| Overlay | 1/2 to 1 inch (typical) | Overlay amount applied to each side of the door to overlap the cabinet frame, typically 1/2 to 1 inch. |
| Gap Between Double Doors | 1/8 inch (3 mm) | Standard gap between double doors to prevent binding and allow smooth operation when opening or closing. |
| Top/Bottom Clearance | 1/16 to 1/8 inch | Allows smooth door movement without scraping, important for proper fit with frame or countertop. |
| Side Gap for Inset Doors | 1/16 to 1/8 inch | Small gap for inset doors, ensuring they fit within the frame without binding, especially in humid areas. |
| Hinge Type | Concealed or surface-mounted | Choose hinges to match the door style: concealed for a clean look, surface-mounted for traditional styles. |
| Hinge Placement | 3–4 inches from top and bottom edges | Position hinges for stability, generally 3–4 inches from each edge; add a third hinge for taller doors. |
| Door Thickness | 3/4 inch (standard) | Raised panel cabinet doors are commonly 3/4 inch thick, balancing durability and standard hinge support. |
| Raised Panel Depth | 1/4 to 3/8 inch | Depth of the raised panel in the center, creating a recessed edge that enhances the door’s visual appeal. |
| Handle Position | 2–4 inches from the top or bottom edge | For ease of use, handles are typically placed within 2–4 inches from the top or bottom, depending on door height. |
| Overlay vs. Inset Doors | Overlay covers frame edges; inset fits inside | Overlay doors cover the cabinet frame, while inset doors fit flush within the opening, requiring precise gaps. |
Key Considerations for Raised Panel Cabinet Door Sizing
- Door Width and Height: For single doors, add twice the overlay to the cabinet opening’s width and height. For double doors, divide the opening width by two, then add twice the overlay to each door for symmetrical coverage.
- Overlay Amount: Overlays typically range from 1/2 to 1 inch on each side. This helps cover the cabinet frame edges and provides a consistent look.
- Gaps and Clearances: Maintain a 1/8-inch gap between double doors and a slight clearance at the top and bottom (1/16 to 1/8 inch) to prevent binding and account for slight shifts due to humidity or temperature changes.
- Inset vs. Overlay Doors: Overlay doors cover the cabinet frame edges and require additional width and height adjustments based on the overlay. Inset doors, however, fit within the cabinet opening and require precise side, top, and bottom gaps (usually 1/16 to 1/8 inch).
- Hinge Type and Placement: Concealed hinges offer a sleek appearance, while surface-mounted hinges work well for traditional styles. For stability, place hinges 3–4 inches from the top and bottom edges, adding a third hinge for taller or heavier doors.
- Door Thickness and Raised Panel Depth: Standard thickness for raised panel doors is 3/4 inch, which provides compatibility with standard hinges. The center panel typically has a depth of 1/4 to 3/8 inch for a distinctive, raised appearance.
This table provides all the essential measurements and guidelines for designing, sizing, and installing raised panel cabinet doors, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal.