Raised panel still has its fans, but Shaker is the most versatile door style in residential work. Here's how the two compare, and why Dogwood started with Shaker.
Shaker and raised panel are two of the most recognizable cabinet door styles in residential work. Both are timeless, but they suit different projects. Here's how the two compare, and why Shaker is where Dogwood's line starts.
What Makes Shaker Work
Shaker doors — a flat recessed center panel framed by clean stiles and rails — are the default choice in contemporary and transitional homes built or renovated in the last 15 years. They're easier to paint cleanly, easier to clean, and read as modern without being cold.
For clients doing a full kitchen renovation with a design sensibility shaped by Houzz or Instagram, shaker is almost always the right call. It disappears into the design and lets hardware, countertops, and lighting do the talking.
When in doubt, spec shaker. It ages well with resale in mind and disappears into the design so hardware and countertops do the talking.
Dogwood's White Shaker is our standard finish — no upcharge, 2–4 weeks lead time, and also available in any Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore paint color or stain for projects that want a custom finish.
Where Raised Panel Fits
Raised panel doors have a center panel that projects slightly forward from the frame, creating visible depth and shadow lines. They read as traditional or formal, and they tend to show up in older homes, formal built-ins, and "furniture-style" kitchens.
That raised profile is also harder to paint cleanly, which is one reason painted raised panel doors often cost more and take longer to finish.
Dogwood is adding more door styles soon. If a project calls for a different look, ask us what's coming.
Why Dogwood Started with Shaker
- Versatility: Shaker works in contemporary, transitional, and modern farmhouse designs, in white, color, or two-tone finishes.
- Clean painted finishes: The flat recessed panel takes paint cleanly, which matters when an order can be any Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore color.
- Simple ordering: You choose White Shaker or a custom color, and the rest of the order stays the same.
The Short Version
When in doubt, spec shaker. It's easy to sell, easy to install trim around, and ages well with resale in mind.
Dogwood Cabinets
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