The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s the hub for getting together, socializing, eating, and spending time with your family. Naturally, it should reflect your lifestyle and personal touch. That’s why, when planning a kitchen remodel, you need to choose the right cabinet panels to suit your tastes.
Given the choice between shaker cabinets and flat-panel cabinets, which should you choose? It’s a tough decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Whether you go with Shaker-style cabinets or flat-panel cabinets is a matter of personal preference.
Let’s take a look at two popular cabinet styles and how each, in its own unique way, can elevate the overall look of a kitchen remodel.
What are Shaker Cabinets?
Shaker-style cabinets boast a simple yet stylish design. Typically, a shaker cabinet has one recessed center panel, two stiles, and two rails. The two stiles and rails are the raised pieces that frame the recessed center panel. This simple design is considered a timeless classic, which makes it a top choice for custom kitchen cabinets.
Pros of Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Shaker-style cabinets are reliable and stylish. Here’s why they’re such a great pick:
- Timeless Appeal: Shaker kitchen cabinets are always in style. They are like that pair of jeans you can’t live without. These cabinets can weather changing kitchen remodeling trends because they never seem to go out of style.
- Clean Lines: Shaker-style cabinets feature straight, uncluttered lines. This no-fuss design brings a sense of calm and order to any kitchen.
- Robust Design: Although simple, Shaker-style cabinets are sturdy. We have seen these cabinets grace homes for years or even generations. Once you invest in these cabinets, your kitchen is likely to stay beautiful and functional for years to come.
- Adaptability: Shaker cabinets can blend seamlessly with any color scheme or hardware. Whether you have a modern or traditional kitchen theme, they can enhance the overall look and feel of any kitchen.
Cons of Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Shaker-style kitchen cabinets aren’t perfect. They have flaws, too. Here are a few things that might make you think twice about investing in them:
- Simple Design: Shaker kitchen cabinets can be a bit “plain vanilla” – classic but maybe too simple. If you want fancy, shaker cabinets are not for you. They don’t have intricate designs, patterns, or styles. They’re all about “what you see is what you get.”
- Susceptible to Water Damage: Shaker cabinets are often made with solid wood, which makes them susceptible to water damage. They might need extra care if you want to use them in spots that get splashed a lot, such as under the sink or near the tap.
- Maintenance: Shaker-style cabinets often need a fair amount of TLC. You might need to dust them regularly and touch them up occasionally to keep them looking their best. Also, they are likely to need more maintenance if your kitchen encounters regular spills and splatters.
- High Cost: Good looking, durable, and high-quality are all qualities that translate into higher costs. Still, shaker kitchen cabinets are an excellent investment thanks to their long-lasting quality.
What Are Flat-Panel Cabinets?
As the name suggests, flat-panel kitchen cabinets have a flat front. They also have slightly recessed doors and clean lines. Typically, they are made using solid wood such as cherry or oak. However, flat-panel cabinets are sometimes made from particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Pros of Flat-Panel Cabinets
Flat-panel kitchen cabinets have a sleek, modern appeal. They are about providing a smooth look and clean lines.
- Modern and Sleek Design: There is no better alternative to flat-panel kitchen cabinets if you want a contemporary look for your kitchen. Their clean and crisp appearance makes kitchens look like a page from a modern design magazine. Like modern art, these cabinets always feel and look relevant. They bring an air of elegance to any kitchen.
- Versatility: Flat-panel cabinets can seamlessly blend into various modern interiors. Whether a home has an industrial vibe, a minimalist look, or a more eclectic feel, these cabinets can merge with and improve its look.
- Easy to Clean: Keeping flat-panel cabinets clean is a breeze. All they need is a simple wipe-down. They are perfect for low-maintenance kitchens.
- Space-Saving Design: Flat-panel cabinets are ideal for smaller, modern kitchens. Most homeowners (70%) do not change the size of the kitchen during renovation. If you are in this majority, flat-panel kitchen cabinets may be the best choice for a streamlined, uncluttered look.
Cons of Flat-Panel Cabinets
Like their shaker-style counterparts, these flat-panel cabinets also have a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
- Lack of Detail: Unlike shaker-style cabinets, these cabinet doors lack detail. For many homeowners, flat-panel cabinets might seem too plain. They won’t make a bold or dramatic style statement.
- Limited Texture: These cabinets have smooth surfaces, which offer little in the way of texture. If you prefer cabinets that offer a tactile, cozy feel, flat-panel designs might not be for you.
- Water Damage: Flat-panel cabinets are also prone to water damage. If spills and splatters are common in your kitchen, you might want to look at other options.
- Modern Look: Flat-panel kitchen cabinets look beautiful, but they will stick out like a sore thumb in a rustic or traditional kitchen. They are the best fit for modern, contemporary interiors.
Shaker Cabinets Vs Flat-Panel Cabinets: Key Differences
The main difference between Shaker cabinets and flat-panel cabinets is in the details. Shaker-style cabinets offer depth and detail with their frame and panel design. They also have a timeless appeal.
On the other hand, flat-panel cabinets are simple. Their smooth, clean lines offer a modern, sleek look. They are a perfect fit for a modern, contemporary kitchen.
The answer to which is best for you comes down to which style speaks to you most. So when choosing between the two, consider the following:
1. Trim & Finish:
Trim and finish can make or break the look of ar kitchen. If you love warmth and detail, shaker-style cabinets are the choice for you. If you are into minimalist designs, there is no better option than flat-panel cabinets.
2. Style:
Style is a personal choice. Choose flat-panel kitchen cabinets if you like modern elegance. Shaker cabinets are an excellent choice for a more traditional, rustic kitchen theme.
3. Durability:
Under normal wear and tear, most kitchen cabinets will last 20-25 years. While both shaker-style and flat-panel cabinets can last a long time, we have to give the nod for durability to flat-panel cabinets. With less detailing, they might be less prone to wear and tear.
4. Existing Design Elements:
Are your current countertops, backsplashes, and appliances modern or traditional? Shaker-style kitchen cabinets might be the right choice for kitchens that feature a more classic look. This also includes things like ornate light fixtures or farmhouse sinks. On the other hand, if you’ve got a kitchen design that skews modern, flat-panel cabinets could be the perfect match.
5. Space:
Space is another critical factor. Flat-panel kitchen cabinets can make small kitchens look bigger and less crowded. However, if you’ve got room to spare, shaker cabinets can add a bit of coziness and character to the space.
6. Budget:
What fits your wallet? Shaker cabinets are often costlier because of their detailing, while flat-panel cabinets can be more budget-friendly.
7. Hardware (Material):
Knobs can complement the traditional look of shaker kitchen cabinets, while flat-panel cabinets may not even need knobs or pulls. Still, if you want to use some hardware, pulls are the best fit for modern flat-panel cabinet doors.
8. Maintenance:
As mentioned before, flat-panel kitchen cabinets need minimal upkeep. With a simple wipe-down, they will look as good as new. However, shaker cabinets need more maintenance due to their detailing.
9. The Wow Factor:
At the end of the day, what makes you say, “this is it”? Is it the classic look of shaker cabinets or the sleek appeal of flat-panel cabinets? Choose what best reflects your personal tastes and makes you go, “WOW!” After all, you will be in your kitchen almost every day.
Seek Professional Advice
When faced with the “shaker cabinets vs flat-panel cabinets” choice, it’s often best to turn to cabinet experts like Holland’s Custom Cabinets who can help you understand various pros and cons.
We’ve been crafting and installing cabinetry and storage solutions for nearly 50 years. We can help you look at your current kitchen and suggest a solution that best fits your personal taste, functional needs, and budget. Give us a call at 619.443.6081 or connect with us online to discuss.
