Ultimate Guide to Shaker Kitchen Cabinets

Ultimate Guide to Shaker Kitchen Cabinets

Custom shaker cabinets have stood amidst the changes through time. Its versatility in terms of functionality and aesthetics is well known to most homeowners and remodelers. 

Then again, some still do not have a good grip on its features, style, color, and benefits. To address that gap, we have made this ultimate guide to share what’s in and out of shaker kitchen cabinets.

The Basics

Shaker wall cabinets have stood the test of time and become popular because of their versatility and affordability. Renovating your old kitchen cabinets into a custom shaker cabinet will never make a hole in your pocket.

The common features of a shaker cabinet are the five pieces you see in the door face of your cabinet. This includes the flat panel in the middle surrounded by four door frames or rails. Overall, the structure is simple; and what can spruce it up would be the material, color, hardware, and cabinet door inserts.

Key Features of Shaker Cabinets

There are three traditional features that are constantly present no matter what design or style of shaker cabinets you have for your small kitchen makeover. These key features include wood, vibrant finishes, and hardware.

  • Wood – It is a trademark that shaker wall cabinets are made from local wood materials. This creates a versatile trait and warmth that suits contemporary, classic, and transitional kitchen themes.
  • Cabinet Hardware – This pertains to the knobs and hinges used on your modern shaker-style cabinets. Some styles would have the hinges seen on the outside or hidden. Likewise, the design and finish of the knobs adds curb appeal to your shaker style cabinets.
  • Finish – Choose a good color that complements your kitchen countertop, wall, and flooring. For smaller kitchens, white or neutral color is most preferred. On the contrary, dark brown shaker cabinets are perfect for big kitchen spaces. However, grey shaker kitchen cabinets have their own fan base. 

Materials Options for Shaker Cabinets

When you hear about shaker-style cabinets, the usual material used is hardwoods because of their durability and wood grain pattern. However, things have changed, and you can have several options for creating your custom shaker cabinets.

1- Traditional Hardwood

This is a common option when making shaker wall cabinets due to its durability and natural finishes. Different woods have a different wood grain which naturally adds warmth and curb appeal to your kitchen.

2- Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

For those on a tight budget, MDF is a cost-friendly option because it is cheaper than plywood and hardwood. It has good durability and finishes to lift the beauty of your cheap shaker cabinets. However, the main gripe about MDF is that it will be hard to repair dents and cracks.

3- Plywood

If you want a cheaper option next to hardwood, then plywood is your best partner. You get the same natural wood grain texture and you are able to customize the thickness and cost of your custom shaker cabinets.

Shaker cabinet door profiles:

Shaker style has been popular for its clean lines and simple door profile. However, you can achieve the classic shaker kitchen cabinets with extra details. 

  • For instance, shaker style can also blend well with beadboard or Scandinavian door design. 
  • You can opt for bar pulls with a beveled edge door profile.
  • Consider frameless shaker kitchen cabinet feet for a contemporary look. 
  • A glass door cabinet profile is another best choice to get a spacious feel instantly.

Average Cost of Shaker Style Cabinets

Plenty of variables influence the overall cost of shaker cabinets, and this includes material, labor, hardware, finishes, and size. Typically, the average cost for making your custom shaker cabinets is between $100 to $1,200, for every linear square foot.

Below are estimated prices for different materials used for constructing your cheap shaker cabinets

  • Laminate – $4,000 to $15,000
  • Acrylic – $5,000 to $20,000
  • Stainless steel – $25,000 to $38,000
  • Wood veneer – $2,000 to $15,000
  • Wood – $5,000 to $25,000

Cost 10×10 Kitchen

Aside from materials and labor, the size and layout of your kitchen will also influence the overall cost of your shaker cabinets. A 10×10 kitchen space (20 linear square feet) will cost around $2,000 to $24,000. Still, your materials will affect the overall shaker cabinet cost.

Cost 12×12 Kitchen

Meanwhile, your 12×12 kitchen shaker cabinet feet (24 linear sq.ft.) will cost around $2,500 to $29,000.

Styles and Colors of Shaker Cabinets

Creativity and an eye for details will be one of our best assets when it comes to remodeling your kitchen and cabinetry. Here are some ideas for the styles and colors you can have for custom shaker cabinets.

1. Basic White Shaker Cabinets

For modern kitchens, traditional white shaker cabinets fit the price and beauty for your affordable makeover. It pairs well with the stainless finish of your updated kitchen appliances.

Likewise, getting a white quartz or granite kitchen countertop and island will be most suitable. Don’t forget to install pendant lights to increase the vibrancy of your kitchen space.

2. Excellent Contrast – Two-toned Color

Simplicity is beauty, so you can always go for a two-toned shaker-style cabinets. For instance, your shaker wall cabinets will be white to add an airy and modern feeling.

Whereas, the base cabinets underneath your island and kitchen countertop can be light brown shaker cabinets. This is a good blend between modernism and classic touch.

3. Natural Hardwood Grain Shaker Cabinets

If you have a passion for a cabin-style or countryside kitchen, then this style and finish are perfect for you. You would be mesmerized with the warmth and natural elegance of the hardwood shaker cabinets.

Modern shaker-style cabinets made from Hickory or Oakwood will give you that dark and dramatic tan brown kitchen. Meanwhile, for a lighter tone, you can opt for Walnut, Alder, and Birchwoods.

4. Neutral Modern Shaker Cabinets

Meanwhile, for your desired modern kitchen makeover, you can always go for neutral colors like white, gray, and light brown wood grain styles. Any of these colors adds a sleek flair of contemporary art in your kitchen redo.

You can install a polished and light-colored backsplash to pair up with your modern shaker cabinets and stainless steel finish appliances.

Conclusion:

Let’s wrap it up. When remodeling with shaker kitchen cabinets, all you need is a theme, and you are good to go. Be it traditional, rustic, custom, or modern shaker style cabinets. This cabinet style can fit any style, theme, and idea. This blog post contains general to specific information about shaker cabinet cost, style, wood type, finish, hardware, and door profile. You can keep it elegant with white shaker cabinets or go for sharp with dark brown shaker cabinets. Pick any material and style that amplifies your home interior.