Slab-Style Cabinetry Offers Flexibility and Value
This economical cabinet door style can work in a range of design styles from modern to traditional
Slab — it sounds like a big chunk of beef, or maybe a huge slice of a tree. But in the context of cabinetry, the term refers to a simple door design, also called a flat-panel cabinet design. A modern, minimal style with a clean look, slab doors fit well into modern rooms and can work in traditional or transitional style spaces too. Here is what you need to know about slab doors and the options for materials and finishes. Perhaps this cabinet style might be right for your home.
Common Uses
Slab doors are often used to allow other architectural features to shine. If your kitchen has stunning views, vibrant granite counters or a custom hood that demands attention, you don’t need cabinets that are in competition. This photo is a great example. The slab door cabinetry on the island remains understated and very comfortable in its place, allowing the eye to wander to the stunning open ceiling and creative barn door storage wall. If the island had anything other than sleek slab doors, they would command attention that clearly belongs to the other standout features.
Slab doors are often used to allow other architectural features to shine. If your kitchen has stunning views, vibrant granite counters or a custom hood that demands attention, you don’t need cabinets that are in competition. This photo is a great example. The slab door cabinetry on the island remains understated and very comfortable in its place, allowing the eye to wander to the stunning open ceiling and creative barn door storage wall. If the island had anything other than sleek slab doors, they would command attention that clearly belongs to the other standout features.
Materials, Finishes and Styles
When we talk about slab-front cabinets, there are several distinct differences. Choices for material include plywood, MDF, particleboard and solid wood, and these can be coupled with a variety of finishes such as paint, lacquer, stain, wax, laminate and veneer, or even a raw look. The style of the finished product can range from rustic to ultramodern.
Plywood
One of the most compelling reasons to use a plywood product for your cabinet door and drawer fronts is that the wood grains can be matched up beautifully. When you are planning a stunning kitchen cabinet wall, the sheets can be purchased sequentially so the colors and grains are similar across the entire front face. The first photo in this story is a great example of plywood that has been grain-matched, then stained dark.
Cabinetry plywood in three-quarter-inch thickness, the standard, is generally seven to nine layers of wood, glued together in opposing directions. It is strong, flexible and easy to work with. We are not referring to construction-grade plywood from your local home improvement store, but to specialty woods from a specialty provider. There are “level” ratings for plywood from A to D, with C being used for general construction, and A being cabinet quality. Level A plywood should be clear of knots and defects, with a smooth surface suitable for finishing with stain or lacquer.
Plywood is a good choice for larger slab cabinet doors, such as those shown in this photo. For most homeowners and DIY projects, I would not recommend trying to use solid wood for large panels and cabinet doors; plywood is a much better choice. Without experience and specific tooling, the process to glue up solid panels of wood is not advisable. (More on this topic below.) In contrast, opposing layers of cabinet-grade plywood make large panels more stable and less prone to movement compared with solid wood slabs.
The photo of this blond kitchen shows plywood that has been edge banded so that it appears to be solid wood. The edge of the open louver door is only three-quarters of an inch thick and is edge banded with the same material that is used on the face and back of the door. That way, you don’t see the glued-together plywood layers. Edge banding takes place after the plywood is cut into panels. The cabinet builder attaches wood strips to the edge of the panel, using a matching wood material that virtually disappears.
Like solid wood, plywood cabinet panels may be finished with a wood stain, ranging from light to dark, or a clear finish.
Pros: Plywood is sustainable, stable and easy to work with, and it can be purchased in sequential sheets for grain matching.
Cons: It needs edge banding, the quality is variable and it is not suitable for lacquer finish due to imperfections in the substrate. If the desired look is solid slab, plywood often will not suffice.
Care: The finished product requires wiping down quarterly with a damp cloth and annual inspection of edge banding.
Cabinets 101: How to Get the Storage You Want
When we talk about slab-front cabinets, there are several distinct differences. Choices for material include plywood, MDF, particleboard and solid wood, and these can be coupled with a variety of finishes such as paint, lacquer, stain, wax, laminate and veneer, or even a raw look. The style of the finished product can range from rustic to ultramodern.
Plywood
One of the most compelling reasons to use a plywood product for your cabinet door and drawer fronts is that the wood grains can be matched up beautifully. When you are planning a stunning kitchen cabinet wall, the sheets can be purchased sequentially so the colors and grains are similar across the entire front face. The first photo in this story is a great example of plywood that has been grain-matched, then stained dark.
Cabinetry plywood in three-quarter-inch thickness, the standard, is generally seven to nine layers of wood, glued together in opposing directions. It is strong, flexible and easy to work with. We are not referring to construction-grade plywood from your local home improvement store, but to specialty woods from a specialty provider. There are “level” ratings for plywood from A to D, with C being used for general construction, and A being cabinet quality. Level A plywood should be clear of knots and defects, with a smooth surface suitable for finishing with stain or lacquer.
Plywood is a good choice for larger slab cabinet doors, such as those shown in this photo. For most homeowners and DIY projects, I would not recommend trying to use solid wood for large panels and cabinet doors; plywood is a much better choice. Without experience and specific tooling, the process to glue up solid panels of wood is not advisable. (More on this topic below.) In contrast, opposing layers of cabinet-grade plywood make large panels more stable and less prone to movement compared with solid wood slabs.
The photo of this blond kitchen shows plywood that has been edge banded so that it appears to be solid wood. The edge of the open louver door is only three-quarters of an inch thick and is edge banded with the same material that is used on the face and back of the door. That way, you don’t see the glued-together plywood layers. Edge banding takes place after the plywood is cut into panels. The cabinet builder attaches wood strips to the edge of the panel, using a matching wood material that virtually disappears.
Like solid wood, plywood cabinet panels may be finished with a wood stain, ranging from light to dark, or a clear finish.
Pros: Plywood is sustainable, stable and easy to work with, and it can be purchased in sequential sheets for grain matching.
Cons: It needs edge banding, the quality is variable and it is not suitable for lacquer finish due to imperfections in the substrate. If the desired look is solid slab, plywood often will not suffice.
Care: The finished product requires wiping down quarterly with a damp cloth and annual inspection of edge banding.
Cabinets 101: How to Get the Storage You Want
Lacquer Finish
In the most modern of spaces, you will find slab doors in gorgeous, glossy finishes. This highly desired finish is achieved via several door materials and finish options:
In the most modern of spaces, you will find slab doors in gorgeous, glossy finishes. This highly desired finish is achieved via several door materials and finish options:
- Medium-density fiberboard or possibly Medex (an exterior-grade cousin of MDF) with a specialty multilayer lacquer finish and buff
- A shiny plastic coat (called Thermofoil) melted onto particleboard or plywood core
- Laminate with matching edge banding glued to particleboard or plywood
In terms of the best door materials for a lacquered finish, both MDF and Medex offer a very stable flat surface. Both are made from fine wood pulp, processed with glue and placed under high pressure to create a solid panel.
However, using a plywood product under lacquer would not be the best choice, as the wood grain and minute surface variations can show through. The various layers of wood can telegraph, or show through, and cause the paint to look rippled or even to crack.
Pros: Both MDF and Medex are very smooth, easy to work with and inexpensive.
Cons: MDF can be problematic in moist conditions, and both MDF and Medex are very heavy.
Care: As long as MDF is completely sealed, care is minimal; cabinets are easily cleaned with a clean, damp cloth.
However, using a plywood product under lacquer would not be the best choice, as the wood grain and minute surface variations can show through. The various layers of wood can telegraph, or show through, and cause the paint to look rippled or even to crack.
Pros: Both MDF and Medex are very smooth, easy to work with and inexpensive.
Cons: MDF can be problematic in moist conditions, and both MDF and Medex are very heavy.
Care: As long as MDF is completely sealed, care is minimal; cabinets are easily cleaned with a clean, damp cloth.
Laminate Finish
Many brightly colored and highly textured laminates work well for slab door and drawer fronts. Laminate, commonly known as Formica, is a material built of thin layers of plastic and resins. Many of you might know laminates from old countertops or, more recently, flooring. But today’s version is better.
Modern laminates are durable and come in a wide array of colors and textures. The laminates are purchased in thin sheets and are cut and glued to plywood or particleboard when used for cabinets. The benefit of using laminate as a finish is the consistency in its color, texture and grain throughout. In this photo, both the bright orange cabinets and the textured wood grain drawers and panels are a plastic laminate.
Pros: Laminates are durable, come in bright colors and textured finishes, and offer a huge variety of choices.
Cons: They are heavy, it can be hard to replace damaged panels, and the particleboard core can be problematic due to moisture.
Care: They are very easy to care for; a simple wipe down keeps them like new.
Many brightly colored and highly textured laminates work well for slab door and drawer fronts. Laminate, commonly known as Formica, is a material built of thin layers of plastic and resins. Many of you might know laminates from old countertops or, more recently, flooring. But today’s version is better.
Modern laminates are durable and come in a wide array of colors and textures. The laminates are purchased in thin sheets and are cut and glued to plywood or particleboard when used for cabinets. The benefit of using laminate as a finish is the consistency in its color, texture and grain throughout. In this photo, both the bright orange cabinets and the textured wood grain drawers and panels are a plastic laminate.
Pros: Laminates are durable, come in bright colors and textured finishes, and offer a huge variety of choices.
Cons: They are heavy, it can be hard to replace damaged panels, and the particleboard core can be problematic due to moisture.
Care: They are very easy to care for; a simple wipe down keeps them like new.
Large panels of laminate running in both vertical and horizontal patterns can make a strong statement that emphasizes the size of your space. In this photo, you feel the height of the kitchen because of the vertical lines on the refrigerator cabinet. Then, the range wall pulls your attention horizontally, mimicking the line of the range hood. Using long bar pulls adds even more drama to the look.
Combining a laminate with other wood, as shown in this photo, or adding glass panels, undercabinet lighting and a special backsplash can bring even more contrast and interest to your design. As long as you have enough space, do not be afraid to mix grains, colors or materials to create a statement.
Browse kitchen fixtures on Houzz
Browse kitchen fixtures on Houzz
Solid Wood Finish
The final option for a slab door finish — and in this case, the door’s material as well — is a solid slab of natural wood. Solid wood can make a sturdy and functional cabinet door as long as the project is tackled by a professional. The process of selecting, milling, planning layout, grain matching and tooling needed for cabinetry requires a skilled woodworker.
The fun of a solid wood slab door is in the natural variations in the wood, showing lighter and darker areas of the tree, along with knots and varied growth rings. Of course, solid wood can be stained to your preferred finish, as well as clear-coated in finishes from natural to glossy.
The final option for a slab door finish — and in this case, the door’s material as well — is a solid slab of natural wood. Solid wood can make a sturdy and functional cabinet door as long as the project is tackled by a professional. The process of selecting, milling, planning layout, grain matching and tooling needed for cabinetry requires a skilled woodworker.
The fun of a solid wood slab door is in the natural variations in the wood, showing lighter and darker areas of the tree, along with knots and varied growth rings. Of course, solid wood can be stained to your preferred finish, as well as clear-coated in finishes from natural to glossy.
This look does not belong solely in a rustic cabin; it can also work well in many modern spaces, as shown in this photo. Hardware will make the difference in the end result, so choose those pieces carefully.
Solid slab doors in specialty woods such as teak can be used to showcase strong color or grain movement. Here, a grain-matched outdoor teak kitchen will last for decades, and with an annual oil treatment, it will stand up to the elements and stay this stunning.
Cabinets 101: How to Work With Cabinet Designers and Cabinetmakers
Solid slab doors in specialty woods such as teak can be used to showcase strong color or grain movement. Here, a grain-matched outdoor teak kitchen will last for decades, and with an annual oil treatment, it will stand up to the elements and stay this stunning.
Cabinets 101: How to Work With Cabinet Designers and Cabinetmakers
You may want to consider working with a custom cabinetry shop if you are a fan of beautiful grain. The care a custom shop can take when milling solid wood into slab fronts is evident in this beautiful kitchen. Note the pantry cabinet to the left of the refrigerator: The maker used the entire 8-foot length of wood to make the upper and lower doors appear as one. The pair of doors under the sink are also cut from grain-matched material.
A custom shop will glue together varied widths of solid lumber to create the larger panels. You will pay a price for this level of detail and artistry from a craftsman, but you may find that the cost is well worth it for the beautiful look.
Pros: Solid wood is beautiful, durable, sustainable and natural.
Cons: Large slabs are difficult to control, and warping may occur.
Care: Like any other cabinetry, depending on your finish, you should be able to wipe it down with mild soap and water.
Cost: Prices of slab door cabinetry shown in this article can range from $300 per linear foot for the simple plywood doors to well over $600 per linear foot for the solid teak wood. The variations are great and will depend on the prices in your area, as well as the quality of the cabinet builder.
More
Homeowner’s Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
8 Popular Cabinet Door Styles for Kitchens of All Kinds
Shaker Style Still a Cabinetry Classic
Find products for your kitchen
A custom shop will glue together varied widths of solid lumber to create the larger panels. You will pay a price for this level of detail and artistry from a craftsman, but you may find that the cost is well worth it for the beautiful look.
Pros: Solid wood is beautiful, durable, sustainable and natural.
Cons: Large slabs are difficult to control, and warping may occur.
Care: Like any other cabinetry, depending on your finish, you should be able to wipe it down with mild soap and water.
Cost: Prices of slab door cabinetry shown in this article can range from $300 per linear foot for the simple plywood doors to well over $600 per linear foot for the solid teak wood. The variations are great and will depend on the prices in your area, as well as the quality of the cabinet builder.
More
Homeowner’s Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
8 Popular Cabinet Door Styles for Kitchens of All Kinds
Shaker Style Still a Cabinetry Classic
Find products for your kitchen
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These cabinet door and drawer fronts come in a single piece, also known as a slab. A slab door is clean and easy to build, and it is relatively inexpensive compared with other styles since it requires less material and there are fewer steps involved in making it. Another great benefit to slab doors is their ease of cleaning. With no nooks, crannies or corners for spills or dust to collect, slab doors in general can be kept looking brand new with a quick wipe down quarterly with a damp cloth.
In this modern, two-tone kitchen, the beautiful horizontal-grain slab doors are clean, calm and center stage.