When I remodeled my kitchen last year, I kept coming back to the same cabinet style, shaker.
I liked how clean they looked. No frills, no drama. Just solid, simple lines that didn’t compete with the rest of my kitchen.
It didn’t matter what backsplash or flooring I picked. Shaker cabinets worked with all of it. If you’re here, chances are you’re looking for the same thing.
You want cabinets that are affordable, easy to shop for online, and don’t go out of style next year.
This article covers everything I wish I knew back then, including what shaker cabinets are, how to compare prices, where to buy them, and even how to plan your layout.
It’s all here, plain and simple.
What Are Shaker Kitchen Cabinets?
Shaker cabinets started with the Shakers, a community from the 1700s. They believed in making things that were useful and built to last.
Their cabinet design followed that thinking: clean lines, no decorations, just a recessed panel with a simple frame around it. The basic shape hasn’t changed much. That’s part of why people still love them.
They’re timeless. No curves, no carvings, no grooves to collect grease. Just flat surfaces that are easy to wipe down and easy to match with almost anything.
These cabinets are often made with solid wood, MDF, or plywood. Solid wood is more traditional, while MDF gives a smooth surface that’s great for paint.
Plywood is strong and lightweight, and is often used for the box behind the door. All of them work; you just have to decide what matters most: cost, look, or durability.
Why Shaker Style Cabinets Are a Popular Choice?
There’s a reason shaker cabinets keep showing up in all kinds of homes. They just fit. Somehow, they work with everything.
1. They Fit Any Style
Shaker cabinets are one of the few styles that truly work in all types of kitchens. I’ve seen them in warm, rustic spaces with butcher block counters, and also in sleek, high-contrast kitchens with stainless steel and quartz.
The clean lines and flat-panel design don’t clash with anything; they just quietly complement whatever’s around them. That flexibility is hard to beat.
2. They’re Easy to Personalize
Even though the style is simple, you’re not stuck with one look. You can keep them crisp white for a light, open feel. Or go darker with navy or black if you want something bold.
Sage green and soft taupe can warm things up without being overwhelming. And because the design isn’t busy, your choice of hardware, brass, matte black, and brushed nickel gets to shine.
3. They’re Easy to Change Later
One of the reasons I chose shaker cabinets is that they’re easy to live with long-term. If you ever want to refresh the look without replacing the cabinets, just repaint them. The flat surface makes the process simple.
No curves or grooves to sand, just a smooth, straight shape that takes paint well.
4. They Work for Any Budget
Not all kitchen styles give you this kind of range. With shaker cabinets, you can start at the budget end with RTA options and still get a clean, finished look.
Or, if you have the budget, go custom and choose every little detail, color, size, and wood type. Either way, you’re getting a timeless design that won’t feel outdated in a few years.
5. They Never Go out Of Style
Shaker cabinets have been around for over 200 years, and there’s a reason they haven’t disappeared. They’re built on function and simplicity, not trends.
That means you don’t have to second-guess if they’ll still look good in five or ten years. They will. And that’s what makes them such a safe, wise choice for any kitchen project.
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) vs. Custom Shaker Cabinets
Let’s talk price. I had a tight budget, so I had to figure out where I could cut costs without cutting quality.
| Cabinet Type | Key Features | Typical Price (Per Cabinet) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-Assemble | Flat-packed, DIY assembly, budget-friendly | $100–$250 | Budget remodels, DIYers, and simple layouts |
| Semi-Custom | More size and finish options, often pre-assembled | $200–$500 | Mid-range projects, flexible design needs |
| Fully Custom | Built to exact measurements, any finish or material, with the longest lead times | $500+ | High-end kitchens, unique layouts, or features |
I went with ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets. They came flat-packed and needed a bit of effort to put together, but I saved hundreds. If your kitchen has weird corners or you’re chasing a particular look, custom might be worth it.
Shaker Cabinets: Color, Finish & Material Details
When I first started looking, I thought shaker cabinets only came in white. Turns out, there’s a lot more out there.
White is still a favorite; it works with everything, but I also looked at navy, gray, and even sage green. Finish plays a big role, too. This is how:
- Finishes like matte, glossy, painted, or stained can change how the cabinets look and wear over time.
- Solid wood looks great, but it can crack with paint; MDF is smoother and more stable for painted finishes.
- Plywood holds up well for cabinet boxes, while particleboard is cheaper but less durable.
- Details like soft-close hinges, dovetail joints, and full-extension drawers make a real difference in daily use.
- If you’re unsure, order samples; seeing the color and texture in your own space helps a lot.
Best Online Retailers to Buy Shaker Cabinets From
I did a lot of digging before I placed my order. These are some online stores that stood out, each with its own pros.
- IKEA is a go-to if you’re trying to keep costs low. The options are limited but clean and modern. Just know that most of their cabinets use particleboard.
- Home DepotandLowe’s offer a huge range, from basic RTA to higher-end semi-custom. Their customer service is helpful, and you can visit in person if needed.
- RTA Cabinet Store is great if you’re ready to assemble things yourself. The prices are fair, and the quality is decent. They also offer free kitchen design services, which helped me finalize my layout.
- Cabinet Joint and Barker Cabinets are better suited for DIYers with experience. You get more customization and stronger materials, but the process can be slower.
- CliqStudios offers fully assembled cabinets with a polished look. A little pricier, but the finish quality is solid, and they offer design assistance if needed.
Before buying, read customer reviews, ask about shipping times, and see if they offer sample doors. It helps to touch and see before you commit.
How to Measure and Plan for Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Measuring your space correctly is key. I made a mistake the first time around and ended up with a drawer that bumped into the oven handle. Don’t be like me, measure twice.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Measure walls | Measure from corner to corner. Include height and note any sloped ceilings. |
| Mark windows, doors & vents | Record their position and size. These affect cabinet placement and spacing. |
| Note appliance locations | Include exact spots for fridge, oven, dishwasher, etc. |
| Sketch or use a layout tool | Try tools from IKEA, Lowe’s, or RTA Cabinet Store to plan visually. |
| Use painter’s tape for the layout | Tape cabinet outlines on your floor/walls to check flow and spacing. |
| Double-check all measurements | Verify before ordering, as small mistakes can throw off the whole layout. |
If you’re not sure where to start, painter’s tape can help. I laid out the cabinet dimensions right on the kitchen floor and walls to see how things would feel. It helped me catch a few tight spots before ordering.
Final Thoughts
Shaker kitchen cabinets are a solid choice for just about any home. They look good, hold up over time, and don’t cost a fortune unless you want them to.
I chose them because I needed something simple, durable, and easy to buy online. And they delivered.
Now that you’ve seen the types, prices, finishes, and stores worth checking out, you’ve got everything you need to make a decision that fits your space and your budget.
Take your time, compare your options, and don’t be afraid to order samples.
You came here looking for shaker kitchen cabinets you could browse, price out, and order online. I hope this article helped make that search a lot easier.