The door style is probably the most visible decision you will make during a kitchen or bathroom remodel. It is what people notice first when they walk into the room. And yet most homeowners do not know the names of the styles until they start shopping. This article gives you a clear picture of each one before you visit our Austin showroom or fill out a quote form.
Every door style is available across our four brands at different price points. The style itself does not determine the cost as much as the construction quality and the brand you choose.
Most Popular
Shaker
Shaker is the most popular cabinet door style in America and has been for decades. It features a flat center panel recessed inside a rectangular frame with four rails. The look is clean, simple, and works in virtually any home from traditional to contemporary.
The style originated with the Shaker religious community in the 18th century, who believed in functional design without ornament. That philosophy translates perfectly to modern kitchens. If you are unsure which direction to go, Shaker is rarely the wrong answer.
It is available in every finish from painted white to natural wood stain, and from the most affordable RTA lines to high-end custom cabinetry.
Contemporary
Slim Shaker
Slim Shaker is a variation of the classic Shaker door with a narrower frame rail. Where a traditional Shaker door has rails that are roughly 2.5 inches wide, a Slim Shaker rail is typically 1.5 inches or less. The result is more center panel showing and a noticeably more modern feel.
This style became very popular in Austin over the past several years as homeowners wanted the familiarity of Shaker without the traditional weight it carries. It works well in transitional and contemporary kitchens and pairs naturally with flat-panel appliances and minimal hardware.
Minimalist
Slab
A slab door is exactly what it sounds like: a single flat panel with no frame, no detail, and no profile. It is the most contemporary door style available. When done well, a slab kitchen looks architectural rather than just functional.
Slab doors are popular in high-gloss lacquer finishes for ultra-modern kitchens, and in natural wood veneers for a warmer contemporary look. They pair well with integrated handles or edge pulls rather than traditional knobs.
One thing to keep in mind: slab doors show fingerprints and surface imperfections more readily than doors with detail. If you have young children or a busy kitchen, consider a matte or textured slab finish rather than gloss.
Traditional
Raised panel
Raised panel doors have a center panel that is raised above the surrounding frame, creating a three-dimensional profile. This is the style you see in formal traditional kitchens, colonial-style homes, and older Austin neighborhoods.
It is a more ornate style than Shaker and requires more careful finish maintenance because of the additional surfaces and corners. It is less common in new construction today but remains a strong choice for homeowners who want to match existing architecture or achieve a classic formal look.
How to choose
Start by looking at the rest of your home. If your home has clean lines and minimal trim detail, Shaker or Slim Shaker will feel natural. If your home has more architectural detail, crown moldings, and traditional millwork, a Shaker or raised panel style will integrate better than slab.
Look at the homes of people whose style you admire, search Instagram and Pinterest with terms like “Austin kitchen remodel,” and bring those photos to your consultation. Our team will quickly identify the door style from any photo and tell you which of our brands offers it.
