Cost of Fluted Cabinet Doors
How much do fluted cabinet doors cost? Learn what affects the price of fluted doors, what doesn’t, and what to expect.
Fluted cabinet doors can turn ordinary cabinetry into a design statement. But when it comes to pricing, it’s hard to find anything concrete. Every supplier has a different formula. You’re left wondering, is the fluted panel expensive? What about wood species or frame styles? And why doesn’t anyone just lay out the numbers? Whether you’re a cabinet shop quoting a client or a homeowner trying to stay within budget, uncertainty around cost can stall your project before it starts.
At Cutting Edge, we’ve made fluted cabinet doors for over five years. When clients began asking for them, we designed and developed them from the ground up. That means we know exactly what goes into the cost: from material selection and construction method to finishing touches. Due to our experience, we can offer transparent and easy-to-understand pricing.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Fluted Cabinet Doors Start at $90
The base price for a fluted cabinet door is $90 CAD. This price reflects a standard-sized cabinet door constructed from Natural Ash, using a cope and stick frame with a 3/8” thick fluted (reeded) centre panel. This combination is the most basic and least expensive option.
How are fluted doors constructed? At the core of a fluted cabinet door is the centre panel – multiple boards with symmetrical grooves (or reeds) machined into their face. This panel is then fitted into a four-sided door frame using cope and stick joinery.
Fluted panels require precision, and the reeds themselves must be consistent in both depth and spacing. Because this level of detail requires specialized tooling and craftsmanship, it contributes to the starting price.
How Pricing Works for Fluted Cabinet Doors
Fluted cabinet doors are priced per square foot, starting at that $90 base point for smaller sizes. As the door size increases, so does the cost, because it requires more material and machining time. This method of pricing is common in the cabinet industry because it provides a scalable way to quote full kitchens or large wall units.
However, the $90 base price is retail pricing. If you’re a contractor, cabinet shop, or volume buyer, you may be eligible for discounted pricing, typically between 10% and 20% off, depending on your account and order size.
You can always request a quote or use our online tools to help you price your fluted cabinet doors more accurately based on your specs and finish requirements.
What Increases the Cost of Fluted Cabinet Doors?
While the base model starts at $90, several customizations and upgrades will raise the price. Let’s break down the main contributors to increased cost.
Construction Method
The base price is for a cope and stick frame, but other construction options, such as a mitred or applied moulding frame, add cost due to the added labour and detail involved.
Wood Species
Different wood species vary in cost due to raw material pricing. Here’s a breakdown of average retail pricing based on construction method and species:
| Wood Species |
Standard Frame Minimum Price/Sq. Ft. Price |
Mitred Frame Minimum Price/Sq. Ft. Price |
Applied Moulding Frame Minimum Price & Sq. Ft. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple | $109 / $73 | $131 / $88 | $144 |
| Red Oak | $97 / $65 | $119 / $80 | $143 |
| Walnut | $152 / $102 | $166 / $111 | $146 |
| Select Grade Flat Cut White Oak | $158 / $106 | $205 / $137 | $175 |
You’ll notice that White Oak and Walnut cost significantly more, especially when paired with mitred or moulded frames. The increased price is because both are denser, rare hardwoods in high demand.
Hinge Drilling
Ordering doors pre-drilled for European-style hinges adds $1 per hole to the cost. Most doors require two holes, bringing the total to $2 per door. It’s a small detail, but it can add up on large projects.
Finishing
You can choose to add finishing to your fluted cabinet doors. Typically, you would choose one of two options:
- Clear Lacquer: $22 minimum per piece; $15 per square foot
- Stain & Lacquer: $32 minimum per piece; $21 per square foot
We do not recommend painting fluted cabinet doors for several reasons.
- Unlike flat-panel doors, the grooves in a fluted centre panel are difficult to sand and seal evenly. Any imperfections are much more noticeable under a painted finish.
- Paint tends to fill in the reeds, dulling the texture and defeating the purpose of showcasing the wood’s character.
- The solid wood panels can shift over time, which can split and crack a painted finish.
Rustic Treatments
For those seeking a more aged or natural look, wirebrushing adds a rustic effect. This treatment raises the grain and adds texture, but also increases labour time. Wirebrushing adds $31 per square foot, with a minimum charge of $46 per piece.
What Decreases the Cost of Fluted Cabinet Doors?
It’s not all price increases – there are a few ways to lower the cost of your order without compromising quality.
- Contractor Pricing. If you’re eligible for contractor pricing, you’ll receive a 10% to 20% discount off retail. This discount can make a significant difference, especially for large builds or repeat orders.
- Orders Over $1,000 Subtotal. Orders with a subtotal over $1,000 CAD may qualify for reduced or even fully covered shipping costs. This price break is ideal for those outfitting an entire kitchen or a set of built-ins.
- Orders Over $10,000 Subtotal. If your order subtotal exceeds $10,000 CAD, you qualify for an additional 10% discount. This discount is our way of rewarding large orders and helping you stay competitive on high-value projects.
Learn How To Price Out Fluted Cabinet Doors Online
You came here looking for answers about fluted cabinet door pricing. Now, you’ve got them. You’ve learned that pricing starts at $90 and goes up depending on size, wood species, construction method, and finishing choices. You’ve also seen that volume discounts and contractor pricing can help you save on large or repeated orders.
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by the lack of clear pricing in the cabinetry industry, you’re not alone. At Cutting Edge, we believe you deserve simple information so you can finish your jobs on time and protect your reputation. First, learn how to price out your fluted cabinet doors online. Whether you’re outfitting one kitchen or quoting a full condo build, we’re here to help you deliver quality on time, every time.v
