Comparing Shaker and Traditional Cabinet Styles

When designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, choosing the right cabinet style is an important decision. Two popular options are shaker and traditional cabinet styles, which have distinct looks that impact the kitchen's aesthetic.

Shaker cabinets feature simple, clean lines and flat recessed or raised panels, often with exposed hinges. They have a more contemporary style compared to traditional cabinets, which boast elaborate decorative carvings, ornate crown moldings, curved inset panels, and concealed hinges.

Key Characteristics of Shaker Cabinets

The shaker style first emerged in the 18th century from a religious group known as the Shakers, who valued simplicity and functionality. Today's shaker kitchen cabinets embody those ideals in the following defining traits:

• Simple, rectangular frame and door design
• Flat recessed or slightly raised wood panels
• Exposed door hinges, often with a decorative finish
• Plain surfaces void of ornamentation
• Straight lines and sharp corners rather than curved profiles
• Often frameless construction
• Available in array of colors and finishes

These pared-back elements give shaker cabinets an unfussy, contemporary look well-suited to modern and eclectic home styles. Their fuss-free styling also makes them highly versatile within more traditional kitchen settings.

Materials Used in Shaker Cabinets

Shaker cabinets showcase wood's natural grain patterns and colors. Popular wood species choices include:

• Maple: Pale yellowish-white; smooth, fine grain
• Oak: Rich brown tones; dramatic grain patterns
• Hickory: Pale brown; coarse, irregular grain
• Walnut: Deep chocolate brown; flowing, varied grain
• Cherry: Rich reddish-brown; fine, straight grain

These all take stain well to customize shades from light to dark. Less expensive shaker cabinets use plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF) cores with applied wood veneers. Solid wood construction provides lasting beauty and durability.

Defining Features of Traditional Cabinets

Traditional kitchen cabinets are hallmarked by ornate details that create visual interest, including:

• Elaborate carvings and moldings
• Turned posts, curved accents and decorative corbels
• Inset cabinet doors with raised curved panels
• Concealed hinges to preserve clean lines
• Framed cabinet box construction
• Rich wood tones and multi-step finish processes
• Glass fronts and interior cabinet lighting

These embellished elements give traditional cabinetry an upscale yet comfortingly familiar presence. Their time-honored aesthetic pairs nicely with common kitchen styles like French country, Tuscan and traditional.

Woods Used for Traditional Cabinets

Traditional kitchen cabinets showcase fine furniture-grade woods. Common types include:

• Oak: Affordable, strong and stain-resistant
• Maple: Creamy white; takes stain consistently
• Cherry: Ages gracefully into a richer tone
• Walnut: Subtle grain; luxury appeal
• Mahogany: Dramatic grain patterns
• Alder: Cost-effective choice; takes stain well

These all gain patina and become more beautiful over time. Using high-grade plywood or solid wood core construction ensures structural integrity and longevity.

Cost Comparison

In general, shaker cabinets cost less than traditional designs. Much depends on factors like materials, construction, customizations and more, but on average:

• Stock shaker cabinets cost $80-$250 per linear foot
• Custom shakers run $200-$550 per linear foot
• Stock traditional cabinets range from $150-$400
• Custom traditional cabinets cost $400-$1000+ per linear foot

Semi-custom designs fall between stock and custom. Shaker cabinets' cost advantage stems from their simpler styling requiring less labor and fewer high-end materials to construct compared to intricate traditional cabinets.

Getting the Best Value

When pricing shaker or traditional cabinets, examine:

• Door style and materials
• Drawer construction technique
• Box and interior shelving materials
• Hardware selections and finishes
• Special accessories like roll-outs or glass door fronts

Focus on functional elements and solid bones over front frills. Good technique yields heirloom quality, while trends fade. Setting priorities for must-haves helps balance style and budget.

Functional Differences

Beyond aesthetics, shaker and traditional cabinets perform differently thanks to distinct construction methods. Key functional differences include:

• Storage accessibility: shakers often have full overlay doors hiding cabinet frames, while traditional cabinets have inset doors set within frames reducing inside space.
• Drawers: shaker cabinets tend to use easier-operating roller guides; traditional cabinets often have older-style wood guides.
• Specialty hardware: shaker cabinets frequently incorporate functional hardware like pull-out shelves; traditional cabinets focus more on decorative hardware.
• Lighting: traditional cabinets might feature interior lighting or glass fronts to showcase contents; shaker cabinets put contents front-and-center.

Consider how each design impacts ergonomics and kitchen workflow. Picture where everyday items will be stored and how easily contents will be accessed. Testing doors and drawers firsthand is invaluable.

Cleaning and Care

All cabinets require care to look their best. Traditional cabinets demand gentle attention around delicate carvings. Shakers' flat recessed panel doors might have a slight edge for easy wipe-downs. Both styles need:

• Prompt attention to spills and grease splatters to prevent staining
• Gentle dish soap and water cleanings; avoid abrasive scouring pads
• Polishing with furniture wax or polish to protect and beautify wood
• Awareness of extremes in sunlight, humidity and temp changes

Look for durable finishes and surfaces to reduce maintenance. While regular care preserves beauty, understand natural wear adds cherished patina over years of use.

Style and Design

Choosing shaker or traditional cabinetry impacts decor and visual harmony. Compare how each complements surrounding kitchen elements like:

• Countertops : Shakers suit modern surfaces like quartz; traditional cabinets pair well with butcher block or marble.
• Backsplashes : Shakers allow bold tile patterns; traditional cabinets shine against simple subway tile.
• Floors : Shakers match stained concrete; traditional cabinets complement hardwoods.
• Fixtures : Shakers harmonize with matte black or stainless appliances; traditional cabinets unite beautifully with vintage-look fixtures.

Harmonious combinations boost beauty and resale value. Mixing divergent styles risks unevenness. Fret not--a thoughtful transition using fixture finishes, cabinet hardware or lighting prevents discord.