Anatomy of a Cabinet Door
If you're a homeowner browsing custom cabinetry for the first time, this guide will help you understand the key components involved in building your cabinet doors — from panel types to edge details.
Overview
A cabinet door is made up of four main components:
Stiles – the vertical frame pieces
Rails – the horizontal frame pieces
Panel – the center insert, which can be flat or raised
Sticking and Edge Profiles – the decorative details cut into the inside and outside edges of the frame
Together, these elements define the door’s style, structure, and visual character. The stiles and rails form the frame, while the panel adds depth or simplicity. Sticking and edge prep provide the finishing touches that make each door unique.
What is it?
The panel is the center portion of the door. The panel raise refers to how the panel is shaped or contoured.
Common Options:
Flat Panel: Sleek and simple, ideal for modern or Shaker-style doors.
Traditional Raised Panel: Center panel is raised with bevels or curves. Classic and timeless.
Reverse Raised Panel: A raised panel flipped inward — adds weight and depth but maintains a flat appearance.
How They Fit
into
Cabinet Door Design
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What it is: Vertical frame piece
Where it appears: Left/right edges of the door
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What it is: Horizontal frame pieces
Where it appears: Top/bottom edges of the door
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What it is: The center insert
Where it appears: Floats inside the frame
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What it is: The profile on the outside edge of the door
Where it appears: Outside edge of the cabinet door
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What it is: The decorative profile inside the frame
Where it appears: Cut into the inner edge of the stiles and rails
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What it is: Bore holes for hinges
Where it appears: Usually drilled into the stile where the hinges will be installed