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tarasmom

shaker door modification

4 years ago

I am looking for help on how I could modify my shaker cabinet doors. I know they are really in style and that’s what I have but dust and dirt collects in the corners and I’m over it. I don’t have the budget to get all new doors, so I am wondering if I could add a slim piece of molding to the interior edge to dress it up a little and maybe make it easier to clean. I have searched and searched on the internet and can’t find any info. I know just about anything can be done, not seeking advice if it would look good, just trying to find the best molding and if anyone has done it or seen it done. Thank you

Comments (15)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Yes, you can add molding to shaker doors and, though you apparently don't want this opinion, it can look pretty good.

    However, it is not exactly an easy job. Well adding moulding is a fairly easy job, but painting the cabinets after you do is not.

  • 4 years ago

    Bry911 I’m fine with that opinion! Thank you! They are being professionally painted and so I thought I should do this project before painting. Do you have any suggestions of the type of molding I should use? And should I do a small bead of liquid nails plus some small nails?

  • 4 years ago

    Try an independent frame shop. They'll have many different styles, sizes and finishes. Plus they have the special tools to cut the material to size and create the corners that are perfect.

  • 4 years ago

    I don’t understand. If you are upset that dirt collects in the corners of the shaker framing on your door fronts, applying molding in what I assume will be another “frame” shape on your door…will also create corners in which dirt will collect. I don’t see this as doing anything more than replicating your same dilemma. Can you clarify what you are thinking and where you would apply this additional molding? How?

  • 4 years ago

    dan1888 do you mean a picture frame shop? That’s a great idea! Thank you for that advice.

  • 4 years ago

    Ptreckel it actually doesn’t. I have some bathroom cabinets that are a recesssed panel so it looks like shaker but has an inner molding. Without it being a flat 90 degree angle like the shaker doors but more of a softer eased edge, what little bit of dust is there is easy to wipe off opposed to trying to get it out of a sharp corner.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Dirt will still collect in the bottom corners of any molding you add.

  • 4 years ago

    Jeffrey not as bad because I have both. It’s easier to clean with the molding in it with a more eased edge but thank you for commenting

  • 4 years ago

    If you can’t afford the $25 for new paint grade doors, you’re not going to be able to afford to have those altered of professionally painted. The alterations will cost more than new doors, and the 8K finish job just won’t happen.

  • 4 years ago

    Verbo I don’t really know what you are taking about. No one ever said doors would be $25 and in fact I know they are more costly than that. Maybe you should explain a little better because you seem to be bringing up things that I didn’t address. Thank you for wanting to give me input but it would be more helpful if you addressed this post differently.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    If you can’t find $25 paint grade doors, then you just don't know where to buy them from. A pro refinisher does, but the average $125 she charges to finish your kitchen as is, just turned into $225 a door to finish it with new doors. But a finish carpenter will charge significantly more than that $100 a door upgrade to take on that type of detailed small job.

  • 4 years ago

    bry911, LOL! I think you are right. We have lots of tools, my husband is very skilled in using power tools and making cuts. This is not something he’s done before but is capable of it. I can’t remember if you were the person but someone mentioned a frame shop for trim. The big box stores don’t have good selections and I don’t have a lot of places in my town to find things like that. Do you have a suggestion of the type to use without having to rip it down to be thin enough? Thanks so much for your input.

  • 4 years ago

    I suggested the picture frame shop. A friend ran one. He had a huge selection of choices in all styles and colors. The tool he used to get the exact miter cut wasn't a saw. A saw blade can create tiny chips in the cut line. Especially for the finished frame material. He used a large blade like a paper cutter but set at a 45* angle. Plus, a 4 corner clamping table for assembly.

    This is the miter trimmer. https://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G1690-Miter-Trimmer/dp/B006SJCEVA/ref=asc_df_B006SJCEVA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309802506143&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16314495426110181261&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016970&hvtargid=pla-568600413568&psc=1

    And this type of clamp.https://www.rockler.com/miter-tight-picture-frame-clamp?country=US&sid=V91040&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=CjwKCAiA9aKQBhBREiwAyGP5lcCFvo_5sdlNyrZ9fbf1AXFXfJBwibRgCxaD8113vH5X79w0INsZNhoC4SYQAvD_BwE

    If you can find a finish carpenter with these types of tools that could work for the fab and install.

  • 4 years ago

    @tarasmom - For something like this I would make my own molding. Depending on the profile you can make your own on a table saw or router table. You can still pick up the vintage Craftsman molding cutter on eBay for a very reasonable price.


    What state are you in? Also stick a caliper on the rails and tell me the thickness if you can.

    ----


    @User - I know where to get cabinet doors and I am not getting a paint grade Maple door for $25. I might pull off a small drawer front for that, but even in Alder a 30" tall door is going to be nearly double that.


    I also doubt a finish carpenter is going to charge $100 per door unless you have a small kitchen.