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Select Your Wood Make sure to only use straight boards (pic on right)! Because I was on a tight budget, I used 1×3 furring strips for my cabinet doors. If you have a higher budget you can also use 1×3 whitewood or common board.
Cut the Rails & Stiles – Cut 2 stiles the height of the cabinet doors. - Cut 2 rails the width of the cabinet doors minus 2x the width of the boards.
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Router the Groove for the Panel Create a groove around the perimeter of the inside of the cabinet doors for the panel to sit inside. Use a router with a 1/4" straight bit set at 1/4" depth.
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Measure 2" from the top and bottom of the stiles. Start and stop your router groove at these marks so the Kreg Jig will be able to get a good solid joint. For the rails, add the groove the entire length of the board.
Cut the Center Panel Cut your panel pieces (from 1/4″ beadboard, MDF or plywood). For Each Door Cut 1 panel so the height is equal to the height of the stiles minus 2x the board width plus 3/8″ and the width is equal to the length of the rails plus 3/8″.
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Quick Tip: To get a good cut on the sheet, place a 2″ piece of rigid foam on top of your worktable. Place the sheet on top of it. Use a circular saw with a guide track. I cannot say enough good things about the Kreg AccuCut! Such a huge help!
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Assemble the Cabinet Doors Drill pocket holes set for 3/4" thick material in both ends of the rail boards. Add wood glue to the edge of one rail. Secure it to the edge of one of the stiles. Repeat this process with the other rail on the other side.
Slide the panel into the groove of the partially assembled cabinet door. Attach the second stile to open ends of the rails with wood glue and pocket hole screws. If desired, fill the pocket holes with plugs or wood filler. Then sand your new cabinet door smooth and paint or stain.
Finish and Hang your New Doors I painted mine in Classy Plum by Behr. A paint brush helps get in all the grooves of the doors and beadboard. Finish with a foam roller to get a smooth surface. Finally, add a coat of Minwax Paste Finishing Wax to give the cabinets and doors some extra protection.
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Beautiful shaker style cabinets with plenty of room for storage - done on a tight budget!