Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors - Your Three Options

Find out which type of slim shaker cabinet doors is the best fit for your projects. Learn about the pros and cons of the three options at Cutting Edge.

A kitchen with white painted slim shaker cabinet doors and brass hardware. You can order three types of slim shaker cabinet doors.
Image provided by Gateway Kitchen + Bath, customer

If you’re a cabinet maker or contractor, choosing the correct slim shaker cabinet doors can make all the difference in your projects. Yet, misunderstanding the different styles can lead to issues like mismatched aesthetics, customer complaints, or even costly rework. These mistakes can tarnish your reputation, cause delays, and hurt your business.

At Cutting Edge, we’ve crafted high-quality slim shaker doors for over three years. In fact, we’ve developed three options to ensure you have the selection you need to suit all your projects.

In this article, you’ll learn:

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each style, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that enhance your craftsmanship and maintain your reputation.

Three Types of Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors

Slim shaker cabinet doors are a popular choice for their clean, modern lines and versatility in various design styles. Across the cabinetry industry, there are three main types of slim shaker cabinet doors: 1-piece MDF, applied moulding, and mitred. 

Each option offers distinct benefits, from cost-effective solutions to classic and refined appearances. Understanding the unique characteristics of these styles will help you choose the right door for your project, ensuring you deliver high-quality results that meet your client’s expectations.

1. 1-Piece MDF Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors

Cabinet door manufacturers router 1-piece MDF slim shaker doors from a single piece of medium-density fibreboard (MDF). These doors have no seams, which makes them an excellent choice for a painted finish. MDF is not real wood, but it’s highly consistent and reliable.

A close-up end view of a 1-piece MDF slim shaker cabinet doors. These are routered out of a sheet of MDF.

Pros of 1-Piece MDF Slim Shaker Doors

Here are the key benefits of choosing 1-piece MDF slim shaker cabinet doors for your projects:

  • Smooth Finish. The lack of seams makes MDF doors ideal for painting. You’ll get a sleek, even coat without worrying about wood grain showing through. This can be especially important for modern designs where smooth surfaces are desired.
  • Cost-Effective. MDF is generally more affordable than solid wood options. If you’re working on a tight budget, these doors offer a high-end look without the high-end price.
A cabinet bank of white painted 1-piece MDF slim shaker cabinet doors. These are the best option for painted slim shaker doors.
Image provided by Gateway Kitchen + Bath, customer

Cons of 1-piece MDF Slim Shaker Doors

Despite their advantages, 1-piece MDF slim shaker cabinet doors also come with a few drawbacks to consider:

  • Not Real Wood. While the smooth finish is great for paint, MDF doesn’t have the natural appeal of real wood. If your clients prefer the look and feel of natural materials, MDF may not meet their expectations.
  • Susceptible to Moisture Damage. MDF can swell or warp if exposed to moisture over time. Therefore, it’s best suited for areas where humidity levels are controlled.

Verdict: Less Expensive, Excellent for Painted Kitchens

1-piece MDF is a great choice for painted slim shaker doors. Its smooth finish and cost-effectiveness make it popular for projects where a sleek, modern look is desired.

A vanity with teal painted 1-piece MDF slim shaker cabinet doors and black hardware. 1-piece MDF slim shaker doors are more cost-effective and the best option for painted doors.
Image provided by The Kitchen Centre Ltd., customer

2. Applied Moulding Slim Shaker Doors

Applied moulding doors are the original style of slim shaker. They consist of a ¾” MDF or particle board core veneer centre panel with solid wood moulding applied on top. The moulding hides the veneer edges and creates a slim shaker appearance.

A close-up end view of an applied moulding slim shaker cabinet door. These doors have a 3/4" veneer center panel and the moulding wraps around the edges of the panel.

Pros of Applied Moulding Slim Shaker Doors

Here are the main benefits of choosing applied moulding slim shaker cabinet doors.

  • Reliable Construction Method. As this is the original construction method for slim shaker doors, many cabinet makers and contractors put more trust in the stability.
  • Durability. The solid wood frame and moulding provide added strength, making these doors more robust than 1-piece MDF doors.
A butler's pantry featuring white painted applied moulding slim shaker cabinet doors. This is the original construction method, and is generally more trusted by cabinet makers and contractors.
Image provided by Hiebert Cabinets & Fine Woodwork Ltd., customer

Cons of Applied Moulding Slim Shaker Doors

However, there are also some potential downsides to account for with this style.

  • Visible Seams. The applied moulding can create visible seams where the pieces meet. Over time, these seams can become more noticeable, especially if the wood contracts or expands.
  • Higher Cost. Solid wood components mean this option can be pricier than MDF. This is something to consider when budgeting your projects.

Verdict: More Expensive, But Trusted

Applied moulding doors are the way to go if your project demands a trusted design. While they might be more expensive, their durability and aesthetic appeal make them worth the investment.

A vanity with blue painted applied moulding slim shaker cabinet doors. While Cutting Edge doesn't recommend painting this door style, you can still do so.
Image provided by Hiebert Cabinets & Fine Woodwork Ltd., customer

3. Mitred Slim Shaker Doors

At Cutting Edge, we construct our mitred slim shaker doors with stiles and rails that frame a ¼” veneer centre panel. The overall thickness is ¾”, which ensures compatibility with standard hinges. This style offers a refined, seamless appearance similar to the applied moulding design.

A close-up end view of a mitred slim shaker cabinet door. The stiles and rails wrap around and behind the 1/4" centre panel, providing stability and allowing for hinge drilling.

Pros of Mitred Slim Shaker Doors

Here are the key advantages of choosing mitred slim shaker cabinet doors.

  • Slim Shaker Design. Despite not using the traditional construction method, the mitred door style achieves the same look without compromising stability.
  • Standard Hinge Compatibility. This style maintains the standard door thickness, allowing you to use standard cabinet hardware.
A kitchen with wood mitred slim shaker cabinet doors and black hardware. Mitred slim shaker cabinet doors are reasonably priced and allow you to use standard hardware.
Image provided by Gateway Kitchen + Bath, customer

Cons of Mitred Slim Shaker Doors

It’s also important to consider these potential cons before deciding on mitred doors.

  • Precision Required: Mitred joints need to be cut and assembled with precision. Any misalignment can disrupt the clean lines, leading to visible gaps.
  • Higher Cost. Like applied moulding, mitred doors are generally more expensive due to the detailed construction process and use of quality materials.

Verdict: Less Hassle, Similar Price

Our team recommends mitred slim shaker doors for projects requiring wood doors. They provide a refined appearance and functional design, ensuring that you deliver a product that exceeds client expectations – without requiring you to source special hardware.

A kitchen with Red Oak mitred slim shaker cabinet doors and a white farmhouse sink. Mitred slim shaker cabinet doors are a good option for wood slim shaker doors.
Image provided by Gateway Kitchen + Bath, customer

Choosing the Correct Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your project’s specific needs and your client’s preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Design Requirements. Is a sleek, modern look essential, or does the project call for a more classic design?
  • Material Preference. Do your clients prefer the natural feel of wood, or is a painted finish more suitable?
  • Budget Constraints. How much are your clients willing to spend on cabinet doors?
  • Installation Considerations. Would the need for special hardware be a significant disadvantage for your team?

Learn How Much Slim Shaker Cabinet Doors Cost

After reviewing the three types of slim shaker cabinet doors, it’s clear that each style offers unique advantages.

  • 1-piece MDF doors are smooth, budget-friendly, and great for painted finishes.
  • Applied moulding doors offer a classic, durable style at a higher price point.
  • Mitred doors provide a seamless, refined look suitable for wood finishes and standard hardware.

You’ve learned the benefits and drawbacks of each option, helping you avoid common pitfalls that can arise from misunderstandings about door styles. Now, you’re ready to make an informed decision that enhances your project’s quality and maintains your reputation as a trusted contractor.

For more information on how to choose the right slim shaker doors and to get pricing details, learn how much slim shaker cabinet doors cost at Cutting Edge. 

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