What Are Shaker Cabinets Made Of?

Kitchens and bathrooms require durable cabinets to withstand humidity and spills from cosmetics, water, and chemical cleaners. Kitchens are also high-traffic areas, so pots, pans, and other items could knock against the cabinets by accident. When choosing between cabinet styles, you need to pick ones that have the potential to last a long time without replacements.

Shaker cabinets can be a good choice — but what are Shaker cabinets made of, and how well can they withstand kitchen, bathroom, and storage hazards? Since Viteri Cucine provides luxurious kitchen remodeling services in Hollywood, FL, our team knows which styles work well with each room. Read more to learn which materials many manufacturers use to build Shaker-style cabinets.

A Brief History of Shaker Cabinets

Shaker-style cabinets got their name from the Shakers, a religious group that immigrated to North America in the 1700s and broke off from the Quakers. They value simplicity, which they emulate in their handiwork.

The doors on Shaker cabinets have two short rails inside of two longer stiles with a recessed center panel. The traditional door frame doesn’t have extra ornaments or edging, sticking to clean lines and utility.

Since they began producing and selling this style, the Shaker-style kitchen cabinet has become a mainstay in many traditional and modern kitchens. Its simplistic, timeless design makes it a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces no matter what other aesthetic choices homeowners make.

Four Best Shaker Cabinet Materials

According to trending kitchen remodel facts for 2024, remodeling costs are rising. Therefore, you would want any cabinets you install to either last a long time or be easy to replace. So, what are Shaker cabinets made of, and how can they stand up to the test?

Solid Wood

Considering its long history, all previous Shaker-style products came from natural wood. High-quality solid wood, like cherry, oak, and maple, have been popular wood types for Shaker cabinets and drawers. The simplistic design helps emphasize the beauty of the natural grain, and the wood’s strength enhances the cabinet’s durability.

Plywood

Solid wood can be expensive, so you can consider plywood as a lower-cost substitute. Not only can you make plywood look like solid wood with veneers, but plywood also tends to be more water-resistant than its competitors. Plywood works perfectly in bathrooms, which tend to be one of the most moisture-dense areas in a household.

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

MDF comes from recycled wood fibers, wax, and resin that manufacturers heat-treat and smooth into a flat surface. It can be harder to mimic wood grain on MDF, but the material works well for Shaker-style cabinets. Because its composition uses recyclable items, MDF tends to be more sustainable than wood, though you sacrifice some water resistance and durability.

Particle Board

Along the same lines as MDF and plywood, particle board uses wood chips and synthetic resin, making it slightly less sustainable. However, this option is typically the least expensive when considering the question, “What are Shaker cabinets made of?” While less durable and prone to moisture damage, they still work well for cabinet boxes, allowing for more sturdy doors and face frames.

Design Your Favorite Cabinets Today

Viteri Cucine offers high-quality custom cabinets for installation in your kitchen, vanity, or closet. We pride ourselves on our manufacturing expertise, designing prowess, and friendly customer service, ensuring you get the most out of our care. Call 954-549-4912 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation today.

FAQs About Shaker Cabinets

How much do Shaker cabinets cost?

The cost for your Shaker cabinets depends on several factors, including the materials, the labor costs, and the hardware on the cabinets. Always ask for a free quote on any custom cabinetry designs you request to ensure you stay within your budget.

Is there only one style for Shaker cabinets?

No, there is more than one style for Shaker cabinets, which now include beadboard and decorative edging while keeping the clean lines that made them popular. While you may face some customization limits, ask your designer how you can make Shaker cabinets fit your aesthetic.

What is the best countertop material for Shaker cabinets?

There is no “best countertop material” for modern Shaker cabinets. Because of the clean and simplistic design, you can choose just about any type of countertop. Shaker cabinets work well as a background canvas to nearby elements, contributing aesthetic appeal via color and clean design work but being mute enough to let other features take the spotlight.

After asking, “What are Shaker cabinets made of?” and choosing the right material, you can start determining which countertops you want in your kitchen, closet, or vanity.