Shaker vs. Raised Panel Kitchen Cabinets

Shaker and raised panel cabinets have been popular in kitchens for decades. Shaker cabinets have been in style for centuries and are timeless with their simple, recessed panel design. Raised panel cabinets offer a more decorative and detailed touch. They are loved for their classic elegance and beautiful detailing.

Let’s dive into the details to learn about the differences between the two.

What are Shaker Cabinets?

Shaker cabinets are all about simplicity. They’ve been around since the 18th century, created by the Shaker community known for their minimalism. The cabinets have a flat center panel with a simple square frame. There are no decorative details, just clean, straightforward lines.

Why Do People Love Shaker Cabinets?

• Timeless style- shaker cabinets are a classic choice since they fit well in any modern and traditional aesthetic.
• Versatile design- shaker’s minimalism works well with many different looks and can be customized with any color and hardware to fit your look.
• Easy to clean- the clean, flat panels make it hard for dirt and grime to gather. A simple weekly cleaning is all that is needed to keep shakers clean.
• Durable- all Fabuwood cabinets, including our shaker cabinets, are built to last, with our high quality standards and premium materials.

Some consider shaker cabinets too plain for traditional or modern kitchens. A raised panel is popular for those looking for a more detailed cabinet door.

What Are Raised Panel Cabinets?

Raised panel cabinets have been popular since the 1920s, especially in traditional or formal kitchens. These cabinets add depth and detail with the center panel raised above the surrounding frame.

Why Do People Love Raised Panel Cabinets?

• Classic elegance- the raised panel adds a rich, sophisticated look to the kitchen.
• Hides imperfections- the detailed design hides nicks and scratches easily.
• Durable- like all Fabuwood cabinets, our raised panel door is highly durable and built to last with our high quality standards.

Raised panel doors do have some downsides. They have more nooks and crannies for dust to hide in, making cleaning them trickier. Also, some find these doors too traditional and somewhat outdated for the modern kitchen.

What’s the Difference Between Shaker and Raised Panel Cabinets?

Here’s a quick rundown of how shaker and raised panel cabinets compare:

Design and style

• Shaker Cabinets: Simple, flat panels with no extra detailing. Perfect for a clean, modern look.
• Raised Panel Cabinets: Decorative, with a raised center panel and detailed edges. Great for adding a touch of elegance and depth.

Materials

• Shaker Doors: Our shaker cabinet doors are made with a high-quality MDF center panel.  
• Raised Panel Doors: Our raised panel cabinet doors are fully made with MDF.

Moldings

• Shaker Cabinets: Shakers look best with either sleek and simple moldings or with more ornamentation.
• Raised Panel Cabinets: Raised panel doors work well with ornate moldings to complement their decorative style.

Cost

• Shaker Cabinets: Our shaker cabinets are crafted with high-quality yet budget-friendly materials, perfect for a high-end kitchen on a budget.
• Raised Panel Cabinets: Our raised panel cabinets are a part of our Value Premium line and are budget friendly.

Maintenance

• Shaker Cabinets: Easier to clean with fewer nooks and crannies.
• Raised Panel Cabinets: Need more detailed cleaning to keep them dust-free.

Versatility

• Shaker Cabinets: Work well in most kitchen designs.
• Raised Panel Cabinets: Best for traditional or formal kitchen designs.

Resale Value

Both styles offer high resale value, but shaker cabinets are more appealing to the masses.

How to Decide Between Shaker and Raised Panel Cabinets?

Here are a few simple tips when deciding between the two cabinets:

• Think about your kitchen’s style: Is your style modern, traditional, or somewhere in between? Your chosen style will dictate the type of cabinet you get.
• Consider your budget- budget is always something to remember when choosing kitchen cabinets. If you customize them with non-standard colors, the price will go up for both the shaker and the raised panel.
• Maintenance preferences- a shaker would work better as a low-maintenance option since they are faster and easier to clean and maintain.

Shaker or Raised Panel?

Choosing between shaker and raised panel cabinets comes down to your personal style and what you want for your kitchen. Shaker cabinets are perfect if you’re looking for something simple, versatile, and timeless. Raised panel cabinets are the way to go if you want a classic, elegant look that adds depth and character to your space.

Whichever style you choose, remember that quality matters. Investing in well-made cabinets will enhance your kitchen’s look and ensure they last for years. Order your sample door today to see the difference with high-quality Fabuwood cabinets.