Here is a comprehensive Shaker Cabinet Door Size Guide presented in table format. This guide provides essential details about Shaker-style cabinet doors, including common dimensions, design elements, and construction tips.
Shaker Cabinet Door Size Guide
Component
Description
Standard Size / Suggested Dimension
Notes on Functionality
Stile
Vertical frame pieces on both sides of the door
Standard width: 2 – 3 inches
Provides vertical structure. Stiles run the full height of the door.
Rail
Horizontal frame pieces at the top and bottom
Standard width: 2 – 3 inches
Provides horizontal support and structure to the door.
Top Rail
The horizontal piece at the top of the door
Typically 2 – 3 inches wide
Joins with the stiles to form the top part of the frame.
Bottom Rail
The horizontal piece at the bottom of the door
Typically 2 – 3 inches wide, sometimes wider for aesthetic balance
Adds additional strength and balances the door visually.
Panel
The central recessed panel surrounded by the rails and stiles
Size varies based on overall door dimensions
Can be flat or slightly raised but is typically recessed in Shaker doors.
Overlay
The amount by which the door overlaps the cabinet frame
0.5 – 1 inch
Adjust based on whether it’s a partial overlay or full overlay door.
Door Thickness
The overall thickness of the door
3/4 inch (typical for cabinet doors)
Thicker doors may be used in custom or exterior applications.
Example Shaker Cabinet Door Sizes:
Cabinet Opening Size
Rail/Stile Width
Overlay
Door Size (Width x Height)
Notes on Calculation
12″ x 24″ (Standard Cabinet)
2.5 inches
0.75 inch
13.5″ x 25.5″
Overlay is added to the opening size.
15″ x 30″ (Upper Cabinet)
2 inches
1 inch
17″ x 32″
1-inch overlay provides a more covered look.
18″ x 36″ (Tall Cabinet)
2.5 inches
0.5 inch
19″ x 37″
Minimal overlay for a more open frame look.
Shaker Cabinet Door Design Elements:
Element
Description
Notes on Design
Recessed Panel
The flat or slightly raised central panel set into the frame
Typical in Shaker-style doors for a clean, minimalist appearance.
Uniform Rails and Stiles
Equal-width rails and stiles around the door frame
Provides symmetry and simplicity, key elements of Shaker design.
Flat Edges
Straight, clean edges on rails and stiles
Gives Shaker doors their classic, unadorned look.
Concealed Hinges
Typically used for full-overlay doors
Provides a seamless, modern look without exposed hardware.
Beveled or Chamfered Panel
Optional detail for the inner edge of the panel
Adds slight variation without disrupting the simplicity of the Shaker style.
Construction Tips for Shaker Cabinet Doors:
Material Selection: Shaker doors are traditionally made from solid hardwood (such as oak, maple, or cherry) or MDF (for a painted finish). The rails and stiles should be of the same material for consistency.
Rails and Stiles Width: The standard width for Shaker-style doors is 2 to 3 inches, providing a balanced look. The width can be adjusted slightly depending on the size of the cabinet door to ensure proper proportions.
Panel Construction: The central panel should be allowed to “float” within the frame (not glued) to account for wood expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes.
Overlay Type: Decide between a partial overlay (where part of the cabinet frame is visible) or a full overlay (where the door covers the cabinet frame entirely). The overlay size will determine the final dimensions of the door.
Door Thickness: For standard cabinet doors, the thickness is usually 3/4 inch. This thickness provides enough sturdiness for frequent use while maintaining a clean, slim profile.
Joint Type: Use mortise and tenon or cope and stick joints to join the rails and stiles. These joints are strong and durable, ensuring the door remains structurally sound over time.
Overlay and Door Sizing:
Door Overlay Type
Description
Recommended Overlay Size
Notes
Partial Overlay
The door covers part of the cabinet face frame
0.5 – 0.75 inch
Shows some of the cabinet frame for a traditional look.
Full Overlay
The door covers almost the entire cabinet frame
1 inch or more
Provides a modern, seamless look.
Inset Doors
The door fits flush within the cabinet frame
N/A (door fits inside opening)
Requires precise measuring for perfect alignment.
Key Considerations for Shaker Doors:
Proportions: Ensure that the width of the stiles and rails is proportional to the size of the door. Larger doors may require wider rails and stiles to maintain a balanced look.
Finish: Shaker doors can be left natural (for hardwoods) or painted. If painting, MDF can be a cost-effective option and provides a smooth surface for paint.
Hardware: Use simple hardware such as round knobs or bar pulls to maintain the minimalist aesthetic of Shaker doors. Concealed hinges are commonly used for full-overlay designs.