Flat Panel Cabinets vs. Raised Panel Cabinet Doors
When exploring different cabinet door styles for your home renovation project, raised and flat panel doors are the two most popular styles you'll see online. Raised panel cabinet doors have an elevated center panel, and flat panel cabinets have a flat center. Both are popular cabinet door styles for a variety of kitchen home designs.
Here's everything you need to know about the difference between raised and flat panel kitchen cabinets.
What are Raised Panel Cabinet Doors?
Raised panel cabinet doors have a traditional look and pair well with classic and vintage kitchen designs. The style has a raised center panel and is paired with ornate details. Some styles have a more intricate frame, while others are simpler in structure.
Raised panel is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of styles that feature a raised panel. Some styles are more intricate and traditional, while others are simple and versatile. Here's how the three most popular options compare:
- Arched Raised Cabinet Panel Doors: This style has a sturdy cope-and-stick construction and is ideal for more traditional aesthetics. The type comes in various arched designs and offers more visual interest than other styles.
- Mitered Raised Cabinet Doors: These raised panel doors are made with a mitered joint. Mitered joints offer a more refined appearance and improve the durability of your cabinet doors. These styles typically feature intricate door frames with simple details.
- Square Raised Panel Kitchen Cabinet Doors: Square raised panel doors feature a simple, elegant structure that pairs elegantly with traditional and modern aesthetics. The timeless appeal extends the longevity of your investment, ensuring your cabinet doors complement your kitchen for years to come.
The Benefits of Raised Panel Cabinet Doors
The raised center panel adds more depth and dimension to your space, helping make your kitchen look and feel more visually appealing. It's also a timeless option that will pair well with your kitchen, no matter how much your style changes through the years. Raised center panel cabinets are ideal for traditional, vintage, and contemporary kitchens or home designs.
What are Flat Panel Cabinet Doors?
Flat panel cabinet door styles have an entirely flat center panel and are commonly called slab cabinet doors. Cabinet door styles with a slightly elevated door frame are called recessed panel cabinet doors. Both styles are great for more modern or Scandinavian designs. Styles with a recessed center panel are typically paired with a simple door frame with clean lines and a simple silhouette.
The Benefits of Flat Panel Cabinet Doors
Flat panel cabinet doors have a sleek, simple structure that's best for more modern aesthetics. The simple design makes the style incredibly versatile. These styles are easier to clean and maintain but don't provide as much visual interest as other options.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Door Style
When comparing the difference between raised and flat panel kitchen cabinet doors, there are a few factors you'll want to consider to ensure you find the best option for your home renovation project. To get started, consider:
Design or Theme
Raised panel cabinet doors have decorative details that don't naturally pair with more modern or minimalist designs, while flat panel cabinet door styles don't have any decorative details or a door frame, which might feel too simple for more classic or traditional home designs. If you like the visual appeal of raised panels but want a more modern space, options like the Century Painted Cabinet Door or Denver Cabinet Door are more straightforward in design and more versatile.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Flat panel cabinet doors are easier to clean and maintain. You can easily clean off unwanted dirt or debris with gentle soap and a washcloth. Raised cabinet doors typically have ornate details and intricate grooves, making cleaning more tedious.
Budget Considerations
The cost for your home renovation project will depend on the space size and the wood type you pick. However, flat slab cabinet doors are more budget-friendly than raised panel cabinet doors, which is something to consider if you have a tight budget.
Flat Panel vs Raised Panel Cabinet Doors: Which is Best?
When comparing flat panel and raised panel cabinet door styles, it's important to consider your aesthetic preferences. The small details can impact the look and feel of your space. If you want something more traditional, raised panel cabinet door styles are probably more suitable. If you're looking for a more minimalist look, flat panel cabinet doors might be best.
At Cabinet Door Factory, we offer a variety of cabinet door styles. All of our cabinet doors are custom-made and made to order. We also have a variety of wood species and paint colors available, so you can completely customize the look to complement your space.
Explore our cabinet door collection today to get started!
FAQs About Cabinet Door Styles
Is installation more complicated for raised or flat panel doors?
Flat panel cabinet doors have a simple, straightforward construction and are easier to install than raised panel doors.
How do raised and flat panel doors compare for cabinet refinishing or repainting?
Repainting and refinishing flat panel doors tends to be easier because you don't need to work around intricate detailing.
Are flat-panel cabinets or raised-panel cabinet doors better for small kitchens?
Flat and raised panel cabinet doors can work well in a small kitchen. However, the simple structure of a flat panel cabinet door can make your space appear more open and airy,
Do raised and flat panel doors come in the same materials and finishes?
Yes, both raised and flat panel cabinet doors are available in various wood species and paint-grade options at Cabinet Door Factory.
