Introduction

If you’ve got a table saw, you can make Shaker-style cabinet doors. You don’t need any special jigs — just your saw, large or small, a miter gauge and a sharp blade. And you don’t need any specially prepared wood; material from a home center will be fine.

Shaker cabinet doors have a timeless look that works in both traditional and modern kitchens. And they’re surprisingly easy to make at home — with just a table saw and intermediate-level carpentry skills.

Plan to use 1×3 or 1×4 hardwood boards for the door’s frame. You’ll find this material at most home centers and lumberyards. Store-bought wood has very straight and square edges. For the best results, use the wood in the widths it comes in. Narrower boards ripped from wider ones have a good chance of warping, a problem you won’t be able to fix. Plus, you’ll have a hard time making the new ripped edge smooth, square and crisp, which you’ll need for tight joints. Be picky when you choose your wood. Sight down each piece to make sure it’s flat and straight. If it’s not, your cabinet door won’t be flat or straight either, and it certainly won’t close right! For the panel, look for 1/4-inch plywood that lies flat.