Frame-and-Panel Cabinet Door – Classic Joinery, Great Practice

Article 77: Frame-and-Panel Cabinet Door – Classic Joinery, Great Practice

By: A Woodworker Who Believes Every Shop Should Build a Door by Hand

This project introduces mortise-and-tenon joinery and panel fitting—useful for furniture, cabinets, or built-ins. You can make it with hand tools or machines.

Materials

• Rails: (2) @ 3" × 14" × 3/4"

• Stiles: (2) @ 3" × 22" × 3/4"

• Panel: 10" × 18" × 1/4" (plywood or solid wood)

• Wood glue

Tools Needed

• Table saw or router

• Chisels

• Tenon saw

• Clamps

• Sander

Steps

1. Cut Frame Parts

   • Stiles are vertical, rails horizontal. Ensure square ends.

2. Cut Mortises

   • In each stile, cut 2 mortises (1/4" wide × 1" deep × 2" long).

3. Cut Tenons

   • On each rail, cut 2 matching tenons. Dry fit the joints.

4. Rabbet Panel Groove

   • Use router or table saw to cut a 1/4" × 3/8" groove in each frame piece.

5. Cut Panel

   • Size panel to float inside grooves, with 1/16" clearance on all sides.

6. Assemble

   • Glue mortises and tenons only—don’t glue the panel. Clamp and square the frame.

Sketch – Exploded View

  [Stile]   [Panel]   [Stile]
     |        |         |
  [ Rail ]---+---[ Rail ]
         ← Tenons into mortises