I’ve always liked projects that make a big difference without a lot of noise or cost, and cabinet doors are one of those projects.

Making shaker cabinet doors is something I wanted to learn when I first started working on my kitchen, and you might be in the same spot now.

Maybe your old doors don’t look right anymore, or you just want a clean, classic style without spending a lot.

In this guide, I’ll show you the steps I followed, the tools that actually matter, and the small details that help the doors fit and look right.

You don’t need advanced skills to follow along. You just need basic tools, a bit of patience, and a simple plan.

By the end, you’ll understand how to make shaker cabinet doors in a way that feels doable, even if this is your first woodworking project.

Why Build Your Own DIY Cabinet Doors?

Building your own cabinet doors gives you control over the look, the size, and the cost, which is why many people choose to do it themselves.

When you make the doors at home, you can use better materials and avoid the high price of store-bought options.

It also lets you fix only what you need instead of replacing a full set of cabinets.

Another benefit is the freedom to match your exact style, whether you want something simple or more detailed. You can adjust the fit, pick your own finish, and make small changes that suit your space.

DIY doors are also a good choice if you enjoy learning new skills at your own pace.

For many homeowners, the mix of savings and flexibility makes DIY cabinet doors a practical and rewarding project.

What You Need Before You Start

It helps to have the right tools and materials ready. This keeps the work simple and lets you move through each step smoothly.

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Make Shaker Cabinet Doors

These steps walk you through the whole process in a clear and easy way. Follow them slowly, and you’ll build a clean, solid shaker door without stress.

Step 1: Take Key Measurements of your Cabinet

A shaker door has two stiles that run vertically and two rails that run horizontally, and the rails fit between the stiles, so good measuring matters.

Start by measuring the cabinet opening to figure out the full door size.

This also helps you plan how much wood to buy and how wide each piece should be. Write down both the height and width so you don’t lose track.

With these measurements ready, you can cut each board to the right length without guessing.

Step 2: Cut Stiles and Rails to Size

Cut the stiles to match the full height of your cabinet door, since they form the outer vertical frame.

Rails sit between the stiles, so they must be shorter. Most shaker stiles and rails are two to two-and-a-half inches wide, which gives the door a clean and balanced look.

To find the rail length, subtract both stile widths from the total door width, then add two ⅜-inch tenons.

This simple step makes sure your frame fits together correctly.

Step 3: Cut the Groove for the Center Panel

Set your table saw blade to about three-eighths of an inch high and adjust the fence so the cut stays close to the center of the board.

Run each stile and rail through the saw slowly, keeping the wood tight against the fence for a straight groove.

Test the groove with a small scrap from your panel material.

If the fit is too tight, adjust the fence slightly and make another pass. Getting this groove right helps the center panel sit smoothly inside the frame.

Step 4: Test the Groove and Adjust for a Better Fit

Use a scrap cut from the same plywood you’ll use for your panel to see how the groove fits.

The piece should slide in easily without wobbling or sticking. If it feels tight, move the fence a tiny bit and run the board again.

Flip the piece between passes to keep the groove centered on both sides.

Once your test piece fits smoothly, you can cut the final grooves on all rails and stiles and know they’ll match perfectly.

Step 5: Set up to Cut Tenons on the Rails

Place a scrap block on your table saw fence a few inches past the blade to keep the rail steady and help protect your hands.

Mark the end of each rail with a three-eighth-inch line so you know where the tenon will stop.

Lower the blade so it sits just below the bottom of the groove. Make your first shoulder cut by sliding the rail along the block.

This clean cut forms the base of the tenon and sets up the rest of the shaping.

Step 6: Fit and Adjust Each Tenon

Flip the rail and cut the second shoulder so both sides match.

Then slowly nibble away the center until the tenon fits inside the stile groove. Test the fit often so you don’t remove too much material.

If the tenon feels too tight, raise the blade slightly and make another light pass.

If it’s too short or loose, adjust the fence a tiny bit away from the blade. The goal is a tenon that slips in cleanly with no gaps and no forcing

Step 7: Cut All Tenons and Prepare the Panel

Once the test tenon fits well, cut matching tenons on both ends of each rail. Dry-fit the frame to mark the inside space where the panel will sit.

Measure between the inner shoulders of the grooves and subtract one-eighth of an inch in both directions.

This gives the panel room to “float” as the wood expands.

Cut your plywood panel to this size so it slides in easily without bending the frame. A smooth, loose fit helps the door last longer.

Step 8: Dry-Fit and Glue the Door

Fit the stiles, rails, and panel together without glue first to check alignment.

Make sure the panel can move slightly inside the grooves so it won’t crack later. When everything lines up, add glue to the tenons only; never glue the panel itself.

Press the pieces together and clamp them gently, tightening a little at a time to keep the door flat.

Check that the joints sit tight and even before the glue begins to set. A slow, careful clamp-up prevents twisting.

Step 9: Drill for Hinges

After the glue dries, measure diagonally from corner to corner. If both numbers match, the door is square.

Sand the surface and edges to remove rough spots and help the finish look clean. Mark four inches from the top and bottom for the hinge locations.

Use a hinge jig or center guide to mark the cup line, then drill each 35mm hole with a Forstner bit.

Once the hinge cups fit well, your door is ready for hardware and final finishing.

This guide is based on a YouTube video made by Training Hands Academy. You can check out the original video on their YouTube channel here or watch it below.

Tips for Making Easy Cabinet Doors

These tips will help you keep the process simple and smooth. They make diy cabinet doors feel less stressful, even if you’re new to woodworking.

• Cut all your boards at the same time so the sizes stay close.
• Use a scrap piece for testing grooves or tenons before cutting the real parts.
• Keep the panel a little smaller so it can slide in without forcing it.
• Clamp the door slowly and check for flat spots as you tighten.
• Sand between light coats of paint for a smooth finish.
• Pick easy cabinet doors hardware like soft-close hinges with clear guides.

Conclusion

Making shaker cabinet doors may seem like a big job at first, but once you break it into small steps, it feels much easier.

I like this project because each part builds on the last, so you can move at a slow, steady pace.

You don’t need fancy tools or complex cuts. With simple grooves, clean tenons, and a loose center panel, the door comes together in a calm and clear way.

The best part is that you can shape the look to fit your space.

Slim rails, wide rails, or a deeper classic style all work well. You also get a door that feels strong and looks clean without spending a lot.

If you’re ready to start, gather your tools, take your time, and follow each step with care.