Raised Panel Cabinets San Francisco
Traditional custom cabinetry with timeless raised panel doors. Cathedral arch, square raised panel, and beaded frame styles crafted for San Francisco's classic homes.
What Are Raised Panel Cabinets?
You walk into an older San Francisco home and notice the kitchen has this classic, elegant look that feels timeless. Chances are, those cabinets have raised panel doors. It's one of those traditional design elements that's been around for centuries because it just works – adds depth, creates visual interest, and gives kitchens that refined appearance people associate with quality craftsmanship.
Raised panel doors have a center panel that's literally raised up from the surrounding frame. The panel is thicker in the middle and beveled down at the edges where it meets the frame. This creates depth and shadow lines that catch light and add visual dimension.
Raised panel doors have a center panel that's literally raised up from the surrounding frame. The panel is thicker in the middle and beveled down at the edges where it meets the frame. This creates depth and shadow lines that catch light and add visual dimension.
Frame Construction
Four pieces (two stiles, two rails) joined at the corners with mortise and tenon or cope and stick joints
Raised Panel
Center piece shaped with raised profile, creating dimensional depth and shadow lines
Traditional Joinery
Panel floats in frame groove allowing wood expansion without cracking - proven construction over centuries
Cathedral Arch
The top rail has an arched curve instead of being straight. This creates an elegant, formal appearance that works beautifully in traditional and Victorian-style kitchens.
Perfect for San Francisco Victorians in Pacific Heights and classic homes in Bernal Heights
Perfect for San Francisco Victorians in Pacific Heights and classic homes in Bernal Heights
Traditional Raised Panel Styles
Square Raised Panel
The most common traditional style. The panel is rectangular with raised center and beveled edges. Clean, classic, works in almost any traditional kitchen.
The timeless choice for Edwardians in the Sunset and Richmond
Beaded Frame
The inside edge of the frame has a small decorative bead (rounded detail). This adds another layer of detail and craftsmanship.
Refined traditional look for historic Mission District homes
Refined traditional look for historic Mission District homes
Premium Wood Species
Maple
Smooth, tight grain that takes paint beautifully. Excellent choice for painted cabinets. Also works well with natural stain for a clean, contemporary look.
Oak
Traditional choice with prominent grain pattern. Extremely durable and ages beautifully. Red oak has warmer tones, white oak is slightly cooler.
Cherry
Rich reddish-brown tones that deepen over time. The raised panel profile shows up nicely, and the wood develops a beautiful patina with age.
Walnut
Dark, rich tones with beautiful grain patterns. The dark wood and dimensional profile create dramatic visual impact in traditional kitchens.
Alder
Budget-friendly hardwood that stains well. Good choice when you want the raised panel look with natural stain but need to manage costs.
Custom Species
Need something specific? We can source specialty woods to match existing cabinetry or achieve a particular look for your project.
Raised Panel Profile Options
The profile shape significantly impacts the door's appearance. We can create various profiles to match your style preferences.
Standard Bevel
Clean, angled bevel from the raised center down to the frame. Simple and classic. The angle can be steep for more drama or gentle for a subtle effect.
Cove Profile
Concave curve instead of straight bevel. Creates softer shadow lines and a more refined appearance. Traditional profile that's been used for centuries.
Ogee Profile
S-curved profile with both concave and convex curves. More ornate and decorative. Works well in formal traditional kitchens where you want maximum detail.
Flat Raised Panel
The center is raised but the surface is flat rather than beveled. Creates a more contemporary look while maintaining the dimensional quality of raised panels.
We can also create custom profiles if you have something specific in mind or want to match existing cabinetry in your home.
Paint vs. Stain Finishes
Painted Finishes
Paint emphasizes the dimensional quality of raised panels. The shadow lines and depth show up clearly against the uniform color. White, cream, gray, and soft colors are popular choices.
We use conversion varnish paint for superior durability. The finish is smooth, hard, and resistant to moisture and daily wear.
Painted raised panels work well in both traditional and transitional kitchens. The style reads traditional, but paint can make it feel fresh and updated.
We use conversion varnish paint for superior durability. The finish is smooth, hard, and resistant to moisture and daily wear.
Painted raised panels work well in both traditional and transitional kitchens. The style reads traditional, but paint can make it feel fresh and updated.
Stained Finishes
Stain showcases the wood grain along with the raised panel profile. You get both the dimensional interest of the panel and the natural beauty of the wood.
The grain pattern shows up differently in the raised area versus the beveled edges, adding another layer of visual interest.
We use conversion varnish over stain for protection and durability. The finish brings out the wood's natural color while providing a hard, protective surface.
The grain pattern shows up differently in the raised area versus the beveled edges, adding another layer of visual interest.
We use conversion varnish over stain for protection and durability. The finish brings out the wood's natural color while providing a hard, protective surface.
Our Custom Cabinet Process
1
Consultation
We visit your space to discuss your vision, take measurements, and show you samples of wood species and profiles.
2
Design & Drawings
We create detailed shop drawings showing exactly what your raised panel cabinets will look like before we build anything.
3
Material Selection
Choose your wood species, profile style, finish type, and hardware. We guide you through all options.
4
Custom Fabrication
We build your cabinets in our San Francisco shop using traditional joinery and precision equipment.
5
Finishing
Professional paint or stain application with conversion varnish for a durable, beautiful finish that lasts decades.
6
Installation
Expert installation by our experienced team. We ensure perfect fit, proper alignment, and smooth operation of all doors and drawers.
We've been building raised panel cabinets in San Francisco for over 35 years. They're still one of the most popular door styles we make, especially for clients who want traditional or transitional kitchens.
The thing about raised panels is they require more skill and precision to build than flat panel or slab doors. The panel needs to be shaped correctly, the frame joints need to be tight, and everything needs to fit together so the door stays flat over time.
The thing about raised panels is they require more skill and precision to build than flat panel or slab doors. The panel needs to be shaped correctly, the frame joints need to be tight, and everything needs to fit together so the door stays flat over time.
Serving San Francisco & Bay Area
We proudly serve all San Francisco neighborhoods and surrounding Bay Area communities with custom raised panel cabinet design and installation.
San Francisco
Pacific Heights
The Sunset
Bernal Heights
Mission District
Richmond District
Noe Valley
The Sunset
Bernal Heights
Mission District
Richmond District
Noe Valley
East Bay
Oakland
Berkeley
Alameda
Piedmont
Albany
Berkeley
Alameda
Piedmont
Albany
East Bay
Daly City
South San Francisco
San Bruno
Millbrae
Burlingame
South San Francisco
San Bruno
Millbrae
Burlingame
Common Questions About Raised Panel Cabinets
How much do raised panel cabinets cost?
Raised panel cabinets typically cost 20-30% more than flat panel doors in the same wood species due to the additional material and labor required. Price varies based on wood species (maple and alder are less expensive, walnut and cherry cost more), profile complexity, finish type, and door size. We provide detailed estimates that break down all costs.
How long do raised panel cabinets last?
Raised panel cabinets built with quality materials and traditional joinery will last 30-40 years or more with proper care. Our mortise and tenon construction creates doors that stay flat and square for decades. The conversion varnish finish is highly durable and resistant to moisture and daily wear.
Can you match existing raised panel cabinets?
Yes. If you're adding to an existing kitchen or need to replace damaged doors, we can match your current raised panel style. We'll examine your existing cabinets, measure the profile, identify the wood species, and recreate the exact look so new cabinets blend seamlessly with the old.
Are raised panel cabinets appropriate for modern homes?
Raised panels are traditionally styled, but transitional designs with simpler profiles and painted finishes can work in updated homes. If you want clean, minimal contemporary style, flat panel or slab doors might be a better choice. We'll recommend the door style that best fits your home's architecture and your design preferences.
Do you offer cabinet refacing with raised panel doors?
Yes. If your existing cabinet boxes are in good condition, we can reface them with new raised panel doors and drawer fronts. This transforms your kitchen without the cost and disruption of replacing all the cabinets. We'll assess your current cabinets honestly and recommend whether refacing or replacement makes more sense for your situation.
Get Started With Raised Panel Cabinets
If you're considering raised panel cabinets for your San Francisco kitchen, contact us for a consultation. We'll discuss your vision, show you samples of different wood species and profiles, and help you understand what's possible.