Shaker Door Panel Dimensions
The 15 × 30-inch front with a 1.25-inch frame needs a 13.1875 × 28.1875-inch cut panel. The visible opening is smaller; the table keeps that distinction alongside the other frame widths.
Which center-panel size should go on the material order?
Use the panel cut dimensions, not the visible hole between the frame faces. The edges enter the grooves and the separate total width and height allowances leave room to assemble the panel.
Each pair of rows keeps the outside door fixed while changing the frame width. A wider frame reduces both panel axes; changing only panel thickness cannot recover that lost visible area.
Record the groove depth and the panel material alongside the order. This table uses an engineered-panel planning allowance. For a solid floating panel, review the movement guide before adopting these outline dimensions.
| Finished front W × H | Stile / rail face widths | Stiles: 2 at | Rails: 2 at | Panel cut W × H | Visible panel opening | Use this row |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15" (15.0000) × 30" (30.0000) | 1 1/4" (1.2500) / 1 1/4" (1.2500) | 30" (30.0000) | 13 1/4" (13.2500) | 13 3/16" (13.1875) × 28 3/16" (28.1875) | 12 1/2" (12.5000) × 27 1/2" (27.5000) | Open these dimensions in calculator |
| 21" (21.0000) × 30" (30.0000) | 1 1/4" (1.2500) / 1 1/4" (1.2500) | 30" (30.0000) | 19 1/4" (19.2500) | 19 3/16" (19.1875) × 28 3/16" (28.1875) | 18 1/2" (18.5000) × 27 1/2" (27.5000) | Open these dimensions in calculator |
| 15" (15.0000) × 30" (30.0000) | 1 3/4" (1.7500) / 1 3/4" (1.7500) | 30" (30.0000) | 12 1/4" (12.2500) | 12 3/16" (12.1875) × 27 3/16" (27.1875) | 11 1/2" (11.5000) × 26 1/2" (26.5000) | Open these dimensions in calculator |
| 21" (21.0000) × 30" (30.0000) | 1 3/4" (1.7500) / 1 3/4" (1.7500) | 30" (30.0000) | 18 1/4" (18.2500) | 18 3/16" (18.1875) × 27 3/16" (27.1875) | 17 1/2" (17.5000) × 26 1/2" (26.5000) | Open these dimensions in calculator |
| 15" (15.0000) × 30" (30.0000) | 2 1/4" (2.2500) / 2 1/4" (2.2500) | 30" (30.0000) | 11 1/4" (11.2500) | 11 3/16" (11.1875) × 26 3/16" (26.1875) | 10 1/2" (10.5000) × 25 1/2" (25.5000) | Open these dimensions in calculator |
| 21" (21.0000) × 30" (30.0000) | 2 1/4" (2.2500) / 2 1/4" (2.2500) | 30" (30.0000) | 17 1/4" (17.2500) | 17 3/16" (17.1875) × 26 3/16" (26.1875) | 16 1/2" (16.5000) × 25 1/2" (25.5000) | Open these dimensions in calculator |
| 15" (15.0000) × 30" (30.0000) | 3" (3.0000) / 3" (3.0000) | 30" (30.0000) | 9 3/4" (9.7500) | 9 11/16" (9.6875) × 24 11/16" (24.6875) | 9" (9.0000) × 24" (24.0000) | Open these dimensions in calculator |
| 21" (21.0000) × 30" (30.0000) | 3" (3.0000) / 3" (3.0000) | 30" (30.0000) | 15 3/4" (15.7500) | 15 11/16" (15.6875) × 24 11/16" (24.6875) | 15" (15.0000) × 24" (24.0000) | Open these dimensions in calculator |
Two worked choices for this front
Compare the small door at both ends of the frame-width range before ordering its center insert.
Finished front 15" (15.0000) × 30" (30.0000); two stiles at 30" (30.0000), two rails at 13 1/4" (13.2500), cut panel 13 3/16" (13.1875) × 28 3/16" (28.1875).
Compare the wider front at the intermediate frame widths; keep width and height cuts together.
Finished front 21" (21.0000) × 30" (30.0000); two stiles at 30" (30.0000), two rails at 18 1/4" (18.2500), cut panel 18 3/16" (18.1875) × 27 3/16" (27.1875).
Questions about shaker door panel dimensions
Why is a cut panel larger than its visible opening?
The panel extends into the surrounding grooves. The calculator accounts for groove engagement and then subtracts the entered total allowance on each axis.
Does a wider frame change the outside door size?
It need not. Here the outside rectangle remains fixed and the panel becomes smaller. Use a different opening or overlay only when the desired cabinet coverage changes.
Can I use these panel sizes for solid wood?
Only after reviewing the material and moisture movement. The example gap does not establish a seasonal expansion allowance for a real species, grain orientation and environment.