How to Create Shaker Style Wardrobe Doors Using MDF Strips

If you're a DIY enthusiast looking to transform your wardrobe doors without replacing them entirely, you're in the right place. One of the most affordable and stylish ways to upgrade your space is by adding shaker-style panelling using MDF strips. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve that clean, timeless shaker look at home. And best of all, you can order your MDF strips cut to size from us, making the whole process even easier.

Adding shaker panelling to your wardrobe doors is one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve a high-end, bespoke look. With just a few simple tools and our made-to-measure MDF strips, you can completely change the feel of a bedroom or dressing room. Adding shaker panel detailing around the edges of the doors not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a functional and stylish finish.

Shaker-style doors are known for their simple, classic design - flat panels with a clean rectangular frame. They work beautifully in both modern and traditional interiors, offering a sleek and understated elegance. By adding MDF strips to your existing flat wardrobe doors, you can create this iconic look at a fraction of the cost of replacing your doors. Using shaker style strips, you can ensure both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity when fitting them to your doors.

Shaker style has an emphasis on simplicity and functionality. The style is characterised by clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and on functionality. In panelling, shaker style is often associated with flat panels, simple frames, and a lack of intricate carvings or mouldings. The style is also known for its use of high-quality materials, such as solid wood or MDF, and its attention to detail.

MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) is ideal for DIY shaker panelling projects because it’s:

• Affordable
• Easy to work with
• Smooth and ready for painting
• Lightweight but sturdy

When cut to size and glued onto your existing doors, MDF strips can mimic the appearance of traditionally built shaker doors.

Before getting started, gather the following:

• MDF panelling strips 
• Tape measure and pencil
• Spirit level
• PVA glue or adhesive
• Panel pins for securing the shaker-style panels in place (optional)
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Wood filler (optional)
• Primer and paint
• Paintbrush or roller

1. Measure Your Wardrobe Doors

Begin by measuring the height and width of each door. 

2. Order Your MDF Strips

Each door panel typically requires:

• Two vertical side strips
• Two horizontal top and bottom strips

3. Mark Your Panel Layout

Use a pencil and a spirit level to mark where each MDF strip will go. Double-check your measurements to ensure everything lines up perfectly.

4. Attach the MDF Strips

Apply a thin bead of PVA glue or adhesive to the back of each MDF strip and press it firmly onto the door. Work your way around each panel shape, starting with the vertical sides first, followed by the top and bottom strips.

5. Fill, Sand, and Prep

Once the glue has dried, use wood filler to smooth out any gaps or joins between the strips. Let the filler dry, then sand all surfaces so they’re smooth and ready for painting. 

6. Prime and Paint

Apply a primer suitable for MDF. Once dry, paint the entire door in your chosen colour using a brush or roller. Popular colours for shaker doors include white, grey, navy blue, or sage green. The result will be fancy doors that not only look stylish but also provide a cost-effective and rewarding DIY upgrade.

To make your project even easier, we offer MDF panelling strips in convenient packs of pre-cut lengths - perfect for standard shaker designs. Want something more bespoke? No problem. You can also order MDF strips cut to your exact width and height using our cut to size wood sheets page. Whether you're working on a single door or a full set of wardrobes, we’ll supply precisely what you need to get a flawless finish.