Say au revoir to bland, flat cabinet doors, and bonjour to swanky fluted style. Here's why we're in love with them, and how to DIY them in your home.
Introduction
When we built our kitchen, we were on a very limited budget. But one aspect I was adamant about was not having those cookie-cutter cabinets found at every big box store. The problem was, those are the most affordable and easiest to find. So, one option we considered was to buy them anyway, then turn them into fluted cabinets — and that's an idea that happens to be trending with a lot of others now, too.
"Fluted cabinetry is popular lately because it's a great way to add style and pizzazz to your kitchen," says Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration. "One of the speculations as to why is because their design is more intricate and, therefore, a bit more expensive upfront. This can make them a display option to one-up neighbors and friends, but many people also choose this design for its unique look."
But you don't have to spend a fortune to get that characteristic look. Chances are, many of the cabinets around your home are pretty easy to DIY into something more interesting and textured, like fluting. Here's how.
What Are Fluted Cabinets?
Fluted cabinets have smooth, rounded grooves on the cabinet faces. They tend to run vertically and are usually pressed or routed in. They can also be made by adding half-round on top of an existing cabinet door.
People often choose fluted cabinets because of their soft, wave-like Mid-Century Modern look, which is also reminiscent of Greek or Roman architecture.
"They are becoming more popular because people are putting more value into personalizing their homes and steering away from more conventional-looking spaces," says Drew Mansur, director of TileCloud. "These cabinets will add an artisanal touch to the room while still maintaining a sense of modernity."
How to DIY Fluted Cabinets
There are several ways to go about making fluted cabinets. "If you have some DIY experience, this job won't be too hard," says Mansur. " The important part is to make sure you don't rush, and to give yourself time to get the best results."
Tools Required
- A miter saw
- A pencil
- A ruler or tape measure
- Clamps
- Half-round trim or dowels or quality plywood
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Primer
- Sandpaper
- Wood filler
- Wood glue
Project step-by-step (4)
Step 1
Glue On Flutes
One of the easiest ways to make fluted cabinets is to glue half-round or strips of plywood onto the front of regular, flat cabinet faces.
This method involves cutting strips and gluing them to the cabinet face.
- Start by measuring the dimensions of the cabinet panel and marking in equal intervals where the flutes will go.
- Cut the flutes precisely to match the height of the cabinet doors, then attach them using wood glue, taking care that they are evenly spaced and vertically level/parallel.
- Once you’re certain it looks even, clamp them in place until the glue is dry.
- Check for gaps between the dowels or trim, then use wood filler to mask any inconsistencies.
- Lightly sand the surface to give it a smooth finish before priming and painting. Mansur recommends a matte finish for a better finish.
Step 2
Cut In Flutes
Alternatively, you can use a table saw to cut grooves into the existing cabinet face. If you don’t like or can’t use your cabinet face, you can cut grooves into a sheet of high-quality plywood, such as birch, and then use that to replace your existing cabinet faces.
Use a jig for the cleanest lines and best results. To make one, measure the space you have, divide it by your material width, and account for fluctuations with the thickness of the table saw blade.
Step 3
Routed Flutes
Finally, you can also use a router with a jig to cut grooves into the face, the same way you would with a table saw. “These can be more stylized and intricate with the change of a router bit,” says Rudin.
Consistency is the key to success with all of these methods.
Also, watch out for common mistakes, such as forgetting to account for the thickness of the blade or the contours of the router bit. “These subtle differences will compound and look comical by the time you get to the end of the material,” says Rudin. Another common pitfall while making fluted cabinets is over-cutting or the wood tearing out. If either of those happen, you’ll probably have to start over.
Step 4
About the Experts
- Josh Rudin is the owner of ASAP Restoration in Tempe Arizona. He started the company as a one-man operation in 2008, and today it has grown into one of the city’s top disaster mitigation specialists.
- Drew Mansur is co-founder and director of TileCloud, an Australian tile and homewares store.
Originally Published: September 26, 2024
