Top Kitchen Cabinet Designs: Shaker Vs. Slab Doors

Kitchen cabinets add excitement to any kitchen. From the traditional look to modern style, there’s a vast array of styles you can select from. Whether you’re planning to construct new ones or renovate existing ones, you must ensure they’re not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.

Here’s a list of the leading cabinet designs you should know to narrow down your search:

1. Shaker Cabinets

These are the most popular cabinet door styles you can see in a lot of cooking areas nowadays. They are made up of a flat panel with a five-piece door, serving as a frame to the center like a border. Some shaker cabinets are simple and clean, while others have decorative and detailed edges.

Drawer fronts of shaker cabinets also differ. You can get shaker style cabinets in Arizona with slab drawer fronts if you prefer modern designs. On the other hand, five-piece drawer fronts are the most popular choice for transitional kitchen area designs.

Pros:

  • They’re economical since they’re popular and widely available.
  • They’re versatile and can easily be styled in many ways, such as combining them with a concrete worktop for an industrial look.
  • Timeless look
  • With a wide array of color choices
  • Easy to maintain with a quick wipe-down to keep it polished

Cons:

  • They may not fit all home styles.

2. Flat-Front Cabinets/ Slab Doors

Slab doors or flat-front cabinets are strong without panels or other framings. They’re simple and minimalistic, suitable for contemporary or modern kitchens. Generally, slab doors are made up of a single piece of plywood or MDF, either covered with wood veneer or painted.

The best thing about these cabinet styles is that they can be modern, contemporary, or mid-century. Depending on the cabinet maker and your taste, they can be built in multiple methods. Look into the following benefits that you can get if you buy flat panel cabinets in Mesa:

Pros:

  • They’re very affordable because of their simplicity, though it depends on the type of wood, hardware, finish applied, etc.
  • Easy to clean and wipe down
  • They’re a timeless aesthetic that resists most trends.
  • Go well with any hardware you choose (drawer pulls, knobs, etc.)

Cons:

  • Prone to warping
  • They can look quite stark but easily painted or wood stained.

3. Beadboard Cabinets

These cabinet designs can be easily determined by how they look. They’re made by fitting vertical slats into each other to attain a bead-like connection. These slats are from long wood that usually has a tongue and groove joinery.

You can mostly find these in country-style homes, French-style houses, and beach-inspired interiors.

Pros:

  • They can be used inside cabinets to add details.
  • They’re available in various widths to match your kitchen theme
  • Offer an old-world rustic vibe for those after this look

Cons:

  • Need careful cleaning because the grooves can easily collect dirt and grease
  • They can be expensive, depending on the type of wood used.

4. Glass-Front Cabinets

Some homeowners might fret about using glass fronts on their cabinets, specifically on the below-counter ones. But they can be combined with other styles, such as a flat-front style for an added element in your kitchen.

Pros:

  • They have a reflection that helps in a darker kitchen.
  • Allow you to display your beautiful ceramics and glassware but keep them protected from dust and dirt
  • With lighting, glass-front cabinets help brighten your kitchen while highlighting your displays
  • Easily mixed and matched with other cabinet styles

Cons:

  • You need to make sure they’re durable for safety.
  • Need a two-step process when cleaning (glass and wood)
  • Since they show your displays, you need to keep your shelves clean and tidy.
  • Expensive

5. Plywood Cabinets

Plywood cabinets are not just stylish but also functional. They have a natural and warm quality, making your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.

Pros:

  • As opposed to lumber, plywoods won’t shrink, expand, or warp.
  • Durable
  • Add beauty to your kitchen with its natural pattern
  • More affordable than “furniture boards.”

Cons:

  • You need to ensure you choose a good quality and durable type of plywood.

Other Things to Consider

The cost is among the major considerations in any decision-making, including when purchasing cabinets. But the prices vary, depending on the finish, quality of wood, style, etc. Additionally, you need to think about practical functions, materials, styles, and others.

Whatever you choose, set a realistic budget and take time to find reliable cabinet makers or manufacturers. Custom-made is always the very best because they are customized, have a longer shelf life, they’re created to fit your kitchen, you can choose the materials, and with higher quality craftsmanship. Click here to learn more about cabinet materials and styles.