How to Make Shaker Cabinet Doors From Old Flat Fronts
To make shaker cabinet doors from old flat fronts, start by removing the existing doors and sanding them to create a surface for paint to adhere to.
Cut 1/4″ thick, 2.25″ x 8′ wood molding strips and apply wood glue to one side of the strips.
Place the strips onto the cabinets, ensuring all edges are flush, and secure them with nails using a nail gun.
Repeat this process for all sides of the doors.
Measure the space between the wood strips and cut a piece of wood to fit.
Glue it between the strips and nail it into place.
Allow the glue to dry completely, then sand the doors and fill any gaps or nail holes with wood filler.
Sand the doors again to ensure smooth edges.
Clean the doors, prime them, and then paint them using a sprayer or foam roller.
Repeat the painting process on the base cabinets.
Once dry, hang the doors back up and secure the hardware.
Optional: add additional hardware, such as pulls.
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Did You Know?
1. The Shakers, also known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, were a religious group who played a significant role in the development of Shaker furniture, including the iconic Shaker cabinet doors.
2. Shaker cabinet doors are characterized by their simplicity, featuring a flat panel and a frame that surrounds it. This design was influenced by the Shakers’ belief in minimalism and functionality.
3. The term “Shaker” actually refers to a style of furniture rather than a specific type of wood. Shaker cabinet doors can be made from a variety of materials such as oak, cherry, or maple, depending on the desired look and durability.
4. The Shakers’ dedication to quality craftsmanship led to the invention of various woodworking techniques, including the development of the oval box, which was used to store small items. This attention to detail also translated into the construction of Shaker cabinet doors, known for their sturdy and precise joinery.
5. Although Shaker furniture is renowned for its simplicity, some cabinetmakers employed secret compartments in their designs. These hidden compartments were used to store valuables, important documents, or personal belongings, adding an element of intrigue and utility to the Shaker cabinet doors.
Flipping The Doors: Transforming Flat Fronts Into Shaker Cabinet Doors
Updating builder-grade cabinets can vastly improve the overall aesthetics of a space, giving it a modern and stylish look. One way to achieve this is by transforming flat front doors into shaker-style cabinet doors. This simple yet effective technique can be done using existing doors, saving both time and money.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of flipping the doors to create the desired shaker look.
- Use existing doors to save time and money
- Transform flat front doors into shaker-style cabinet doors
- Create a modern and stylish look for your space
Materials And Tools: What You’ll Need To Get Started
Before starting the transformation process, make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools. Here is a list of items you will need:
- Existing flat front cabinet doors
- 1/4″ thick, 2.25″ x 8′ wood moulding strips
- Wood glue
- Power drill
- Nail gun
- 1″ and 2″ finish nails
- Caulking
- Wood filler
- Fine sanding block
- Paint materials (primer, semi-gloss paint)
- Wagner Flexio 3000 Sprayer with the Detail Finish Nozzle
Having these materials ready will allow you to proceed with the transformation process.
Step-By-Step Process: Creating Shaker Cabinet Doors From Old Flat Fronts
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Begin by carefully removing the doors from the cabinets, making sure to label each door and its coordinating cabinet with numbers for easy reassembly later.
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Thoroughly sand both the front and back of each door using an electric sander. This will remove any shine and provide a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
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Patch any holes or imperfections in the doors using wood filler, allowing it to dry completely. Once dry, sand the doors again to achieve a seamless finish.
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Obtain 1/4″ thick, 2.25″ x 8′ wood moulding strips and cut them into the appropriate lengths for your doors using a table saw.
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Apply wood glue to one side of the wood strips and carefully place them onto the doors, ensuring that all edges align perfectly. Secure the wood strips using a nail gun and 1″ or 2″ finish nails.
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Repeat step 5 for the other long side of the door and continue this process for any remaining doors.
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Measure the space between the two vertical wood strips and cut a piece of wood to fit this length. Apply glue to one side of the wood piece and place it flush between the strips. Nail it into place and allow the glue to dry completely.
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Inspect the doors for any nails that are not flush with the wood. Fill any gaps or nail holes with wood filler and use 150-grit sandpaper to sand the filler flush with the wood.
Achieving A Smooth Finish: Sanding And Preparing For Paint
Once the doors have been transformed into shaker-style doors, it’s crucial to ensure that all surfaces are smooth and ready for paint application. Follow these steps for achieving a smooth finish:
1. Sand the doors and the base cabinets
- Use a fine sanding block or an electric sander to smooth out any rough edges.
- This will prepare the surface for primer and paint application.
2. Clean the doors and base cabinets thoroughly
- After sanding, use a damp rag or paper towels to clean the surfaces.
- This will remove any dust or debris that could interfere with the paint application.
And remember, preparation is key to achieving a smooth and professional finish. Take the time to properly sand and clean the doors and base cabinets before moving on to the painting stage.
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* Use a fine sanding block or electric sander to sand the doors and base cabinets.
* Clean the doors and base cabinets thoroughly with a damp rag or paper towels.
Paint Application: Using A Sprayer For A Professional Look
To achieve a professional-looking finish on shaker cabinet doors, use the Wagner Flexio 3000 Sprayer with the Detail Finish Nozzle. Follow these steps for paint application:
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Protect the surrounding area by placing drop cloths below the cabinets.
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Prime both sides of the doors and the base cabinets using a foam roller or sprayer. Apply multiple light coats instead of thick, drippy coats. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on.
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Mix the paint with water to achieve the correct consistency for spraying. Apply a light coat of paint to the shaker cabinet doors, letting them dry before applying a second coat if needed. Smooth out any drips or bubbles with a foam roller.
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If necessary, apply a third coat of paint and let it dry thoroughly.
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For the base cabinets, use a brush and foam roller to apply the paint. Apply a second coat if necessary to ensure full coverage.
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Remember to use gentle strokes and maintain a consistent pattern while painting.
- Check for any imperfections and make necessary touch-ups.
- Keep in mind that the drying time between coats may vary depending on the paint and environmental conditions.
- Always clean the sprayer and brushes after use to extend their lifespan.
Note: Using the recommended Wagner Flexio 3000 Sprayer with the Detail Finish Nozzle will help achieve a professional and uniform finish on the cabinet doors.
Finishing Touches: Hanging The Doors And Adding Hardware
After the paint has dried completely, it’s time to finish the project by hanging the doors back up and adding hardware if desired. Follow these final steps:
- Secure the hardware onto the doors according to the instructions provided.
- Carefully hang the doors back onto their coordinating cabinets, ensuring they are level and aligned properly.
- Consider adding additional hardware, such as pulls, for a personalized touch.
Now, step back and take pride in your newly transformed shaker cabinet doors! This project proves that with a little time and effort, outdated flat front cabinets can be given new life, dramatically improving the overall appearance of any space. Consider this successful project as an inspiration for future craftsman endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you change cabinet doors to shaker?
Yes, it is possible to change cabinet doors to the shaker style using a simple and cost-effective method. Since most builder-grade cabinets have a flat back or interior side, you can save money by flipping the existing doors and adding trim to achieve the desired shaker look. This approach eliminates the need for completely new or custom-made doors, making it an efficient and budget-friendly solution to update your cabinet doors.
What is the difference between flat panel and shaker doors?
The main difference between flat panel and shaker doors lies in their aesthetic appeal. Flat panel doors offer a sleek and contemporary look, perfect for those seeking a modern ambiance in their kitchen. On the other hand, shaker doors exude a sense of timeless charm, making them an excellent option for spaces with a classic or vintage vibe. Additionally, shaker doors provide an opportunity to showcase individuality by incorporating distinctive knobs, further enhancing their traditional allure. Ultimately, the choice between flat panel and shaker doors depends on personal style preferences and the desired atmosphere of the kitchen.
What material is shaker style door?
Shaker style doors, known for their clean and simple appearance, typically consist of a frame made from hardwood and a panel made from a variety of materials including solid wood, plywood, or MDF. The combination of a hardwood frame and a panel made from different materials allows for flexibility and customization while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic of the Shaker style. Whether it is solid wood for a more traditional feel, or MDF for a more cost-effective option, the material choice for the panel can be tailored to suit different preferences and needs.
What are some creative ways to repurpose old, flat front cabinet doors into stylish shaker-style cabinet doors?
One creative way to repurpose old, flat front cabinet doors into stylish shaker-style cabinet doors is by adding thin, trim molding strips to create the classic shaker panel look. Measure and cut the molding strips into thin rectangles that match the dimensions of the cabinet doors. Attach the strips using strong adhesive or small nails, ensuring they create a recessed panel pattern on the surface. Paint the doors in a desired color or stain for a polished, shaker-style finish.
Another creative idea is to use a router to create the shaker-style look on the flat doors. Mark the desired panel borders on the doors, ensuring they are evenly spaced. With a router and a panel-raising bit, carefully route out the panels within the marked borders, leaving a raised edge around the edges of the door. Sand and paint the doors to complete the shaker-style transformation. This method requires precision and care, but can result in a professional-looking upgrade for the old cabinet doors.