DIY Shaker Cabinet Doors

I planned on buying custom cabinet doors for my office built-ins, but it was a hard pass after finding out that the 8 doors I needed were close to $900 + shipping. So I decided to get creative and make my own.

I purchased THESE inset hinges and THESE brass knobs for the doors.

Note, the wood list below is to make 1 door. Not a set. I decided to break it down this way to make it easier to understand. Depending on the number of doors you want to make, you will multiple the wood pieces listed by the number of doors needed.

Wood
3 – 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 4’
3 – 1/4 x 3 x 4’
1/4 plywood
3/4″ edge banding veneer

Tools
Tape measure
Pencil
Brad nailer
5/8” finishing nails
Wood glue
Clamps
Kreg concealed hinge jig
Wood filler
Orbital sander
80 grit sandpaper (optional)
120 grit sandpaper
220 grit sandpaper
220 grit handheld sand block
Impact driver
Phillips drill bit

Hardware
Inset hinges (I purchased 4 – 4 packs)
Brass knobs

Step 1: Measure the height and width of your opening and subtract 1/2” from your height and 1/2” from your width. You need to leave 1/4” space on each of the sides so the doors open and close easily. You do not want to cut the wood to the same size as they will not sit flush.

Step 2: cut the wood to size. You will end up with 8 – 1/4 x 3 pieces and 4 – 1/4 x 1 1/2 and 1 piece of plywood (for the center).

Step 3: Layering is the name of the game for these makeshift shaker doors. Use wood glue to secure the first layer using the 3″ pieces. Then secure the second layer (1 1/2″ pieces) on top of the first layer. Place the plywood in the center. Then secure the top layer of 3″ pieces. See pictures below as a guide. I also saved the videos to my story highlights on my Instagram @acarriedaffairdesigns

Step 4: Use clamps to hold the door in place and secure all of the corners using the 5/8″ finishing nails. I recommend doing this immediately after assembling the door before the glue dries.

Note, it is important that you use 5/8″ finishing nails and not longer nails. The thickness in total is 3/4″. A bigger nail size will result in the nail going all the way through the door.

Step 5: Sand the edges of the door using 120 grit to ensure all edges are level. Then sand the entire door using 220 grit sandpaper.

Step 6: Secure the edge banding veneer using a heat gun or iron. I used an iron. You should be able to keep the edging in one piece. Cut the excess off with a fresh razor blade. I purchased THIS edge banding. I recommend it as it was easy to work with and was flexible.

But seriously, can you believe these are not real shaker cabinet doors?

After assembling the doors, I put them on the cabinet to make sure they fit before going any further.

Step 7: Make the holes for the hinges. I used my Kreg concealed hinge jig. I highly recommend spending the extra money on this jig. It is precise and will show you exactly where to make the pilot holes for the screws. Clamp the door to a sturdy and flat surface before you start drilling.

Step 8: Paint the doors. I painted the doors Magnolia Home Lemon Leaves to match the bookshelves. The tutorial for my IKEA Billy Bookcase hack is HERE.

Step 9: Secure the hinges to the door and add the knobs/hardware using a drill. I recommend making pilot holes where you intend to screw the hardware in (see below picture). This will prevent the hardware screws from stripping. I used THESE petite knobs.

Step 10: Secure the doors to the bookcase and admire your handy work!

And that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. I told my husband this was the most ingenious DIY I’ve ever done. Knowing that we would not be able to spend $900+ on 8 small doors, I had to get creative and so glad I did!

For more DIY + home decor, follow me on Instagram @acarriedaffairdesigns. Until next time friends. Xo

Some of the items + tools linked below.

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