Cost of Decorative Panels, and What Affects It
What do decorative panels cost? Learn how they’re priced, what details increase cost, and when decorative panels are worth it.
You’re near the end of a kitchen project, and everything is coming together. The cabinets look great, the layout works, and the install is on track. Then you look at the back of the island, and the exposed ends of the cabinet runs. Flat panels will technically finish the job, but they won’t deliver the same impact. Decorative panels feel like the right choice, but now the questions start. How much do deco panels cost? Are they priced differently from cabinet doors? Will they push the project over budget, or are they more affordable than you think?
At Cutting Edge, we often discuss these pricing questions with cabinet makers and contractors. Our team produces hundreds of decorative end panels every month, each with its own mix of materials, dimensions, and custom details. Last month, we manufactured more than 150 decorative panels. While some were simple, many included unique design elements that turned a standard panel into a true decorative feature. That hands-on production experience gives us a clear understanding of what actually affects cost, and what doesn’t.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Decorative Panels Cost the Same as Standard Cabinet Doors
One of the most common misconceptions about deco panels is that they automatically cost more than cabinet doors. In reality, decorative end panels and cabinet doors start at the same base price when they share the same construction style and material.
The material, construction method, and square footage determine the price. For example, 1-piece MDF cabinet doors and MDF decorative panels use the same material, machining process, and finishing steps. That’s why the base cost is the same. At this stage, there is no premium simply because of the different name.
However, the price begins to change when decorative panels move beyond that base construction. Deco panels are often used in more visible areas, which naturally leads to added design features. Those custom details require additional programming, machining time, and handling – that is what increases cost, not the panel itself.
Custom Details Increase the Cost of Decorative Panels
Decorative end panels need to stand out, and the added details create that visual impact. These details affect the appearance and the manufacturing. Below are the most common custom features that affect decorative panel pricing.
| Custom Detail | Typical Upcharge | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Wider or narrower stiles and rails | ~$1 per sq ft |
Standard 2 1/4" stiles and rails included in base price No upcharge on 1-piece and 2-piece MDF decorative panels |
| Wide bottom rail (6”+) | $25 per piece | No upcharge on 1-piece and 2-piece MDF decorative panels |
| X-detail panel | $75 per piece | 1-piece and 2-piece MDF decorative end panels are $75 per size (reusable program) |
| Panels over two wide | ~$15 per additional panel | No increase until more than two panels are required |
| Angled decorative panel | $150 per piece | 1-piece and 2-piece MDF decorative panels are $75 per size |
Wider or Narrower Stiles and Rails – +$1/Sq Ft
Deco panels include 2 1/4″ stiles and rails, which is the standard size used for efficient programming and machining. Stile or rail widths wider or narrower than 2 1/4″ add approximately $1 per square foot to the cost. This upcharge accounts for additional CNC programming and machining adjustments required to accommodate non-standard dimensions.
Wide Bottom Rails - +$25/Piece
A wide bottom rail, typically six inches or more, gives a decorative panel a more furniture-style appearance. This detail is especially popular on island backs where the panel takes the place of the toe kick. The added cost comes from increased material usage and additional machining time.
The upcharge for a wide bottom rail is $25 per piece. 1-piece and 2-piece MDF decorative end panels are excluded from this upcharge because the construction method already accommodates this detail without added complexity.
X-Details on Decorative Panels - +$75/Piece
X-details add depth and character and are commonly used in farmhouse and transitional kitchens. While the visual result is straightforward, the manufacturing process is not. X-details require precise layout and programming to ensure consistency and clean intersections.
For most decorative panels, an X-detail adds $75 per piece. For 1-piece and 2-piece MDF deco panels, the cost is $75 per size, because we can reuse the CNC program for panels of the same size.
Multiple Panels Across Wide Deco Panels - +$15/Piece
When decorative panels cover large surfaces, such as long island backs, the design is often split into multiple panels. The price increases slightly when you request more than two panels to account for added setup, alignment, and handling.
In these cases, the price increases by about $15 per panel beyond the second panel.
Angled Decorative Panels - +$150/Piece
Angled panels are less common, but sometimes layouts and design features require them. These panels require custom programming and more complex machining, which increases the production time.
For most deco panels, angled construction increases the price by $150 per piece. One-piece and two-piece MDF decorative panels are priced differently, with angled designs costing $75 per size due to reusable programming.
When Are Decorative Panels Worth the Additional Cost?
Deco panels are not necessary in every situation, and that’s an important point to acknowledge. Their value depends entirely on visibility, design intent, and budget priorities.
Decorative end panels are most worth the added cost when they are used in visible areas, such as island backs or exposed cabinet ends. In these locations, decorative details can elevate the entire kitchen and create a finished, intentional look. They are also a strong choice in higher-end projects, where visual impact helps justify the overall investment and meet client expectations.
On the other hand, decorative panels may not be the best use of the budget in low-visibility areas or in designs that prioritize minimalism. In these cases, flat panels often deliver a cleaner look without increasing the cost. The key is being selective. The strategic placement of decorative end panels delivers better results than using them everywhere.
Learn How To Price Out Decorative Panels Online
Decorative panel pricing often feels unclear at first, especially when you’re trying to balance design impact with budget constraints. You may have started this process unsure whether decorative panels were a luxury upgrade or a manageable addition. Now, you have clarity. Deco panels start at the same base price as standard cabinet doors, and it’s the custom details – wide rails, X-details, panel count, and angled doors – that drive cost changes.
At Cutting Edge, we help cabinet makers and contractors navigate these decisions every day. We understand that you need accurate prices to protect your margins and deliver standout results for your clients. If your next step is to remove uncertainty and quote decorative panels with confidence, learn how to price out decorative panels online, so you can plan smarter, set expectations clearly, and keep your projects moving forward without surprises.
