Cabinet doors made of hardwood and fiberboard

NateHanson · 11-19-2007, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PK.

A true Shaker door is a reversed raised panel. Some of the door manufacturers sell flat panel doors and call them Shaker doors. But there is a difference. When I make them I sometimes backcut the panel so the door is centered in the frame. (Although this also isn't a true Shaker door) Without the backcut, a 3/4" panel will sit proud of the frame unless you sand down the raised panel.

If you're talking historically, PK, then nearly all panels had the back relived a bit where they entered the rail and stile dados. So yes, historically a shaker panel would be "raised" on the back. As would any other door panel (others raised on BOTH sides. However, I haven't seen any cabinet or furniture manufacturer who does that today, so I'm not sure the point applies to the situation.

CuCullin · 11-19-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateHanson

However, I haven't seen any cabinet or furniture manufacturer who does that today, so I'm not sure the point applies to the situation.

I think Conestoga still does... other than that, none come to mind. None of the typical dealer-type cabinets atleast (Bertch, Wellborn Forrest, Cornerstone, whomever).

PK. · 11-19-2007, 11:18 AM

You can order reversed raised panel doors from most of the door manufacturers.

I used to think that a flat panel door was a Shaker door myself until a furniture conservator explained the difference. I know that a lot of the catalogues will list a flat panel door as Shaker style, but really they're Arts and Crafts. Look at any of the catalogues and you'll see so-called Shaker doors with rope moulding and all sorts of adornments, is this a correct usage of the name?

It may not matter to the majority of people this question of definitions, but it does to some. If you bid a kitchen and specify Shaker doors and show up with flat panel doors you're going to have a problem if the person who's paying the bills knows their furniture.