How can I fill the void of my cabinet door to achieve a flush surface for pole wrapping and trim like in the photo of the blue cabinet?
Asked by Edward Temme 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 30, 2024
I’m thinking about replacing my cathedral cabinets with some pole wrap and trim. How would you guys suggest filling the gap left by the cabinet door so the pole wrap can sit smoothly across the front? (I’ve attached a photo of a blue cabinet as inspiration.)
Create a cardboard template of the deep inset, use a router to cut a board that closely matches the thickness of the inset. After sanding the cabinet, apply wood glue and fill the remaining gap with bondo or wood filler. Sand it smooth and then apply your wrap. I’m no expert, but that’s how I would approach this situation.
Hey there, you’ve provided me with the perfect reason to request a router from my husband. Thank you!
They’re not too costly! Really useful tool. However, I believe a jigsaw would make things easier for the thickness of materials required here.
Oh 🤔 I appreciate the input.
And I enjoy affordable options. 😋
To be honest, it would be easier and more effective to simply create new doors.
Thumbs up!
Um, yeah, but the thing is that you need a bunch of tools that most folks don’t just happen to have on hand.
If they’re serious about working on cabinets, they’ll need to invest in some tools. Without the right tools, they won’t be able to complete the project properly or ensure it lasts.
Did you know, , that you can refinish cabinets without a table saw, but when it comes to building a cabinet door, you definitely need one? That’s why the tools needed for each task are quite different.
I could handle it all with manual tools… but you do what works for you.
Getting new doors might be a simpler task.
I appreciate it!
Great Stuff has an expanding foam ADHESIVE that doesn’t expand much and can keep your new door facing in place.
Fascinating! 🤔 Appreciate it!
The approach you take will depend on the number of doors you need to work on, as well as the time, tools, workspace, and materials you have available. I know it’s not the most satisfying answer, but it truly comes down to that. It’s like the response we always receive when we ask a lawyer a question… haha
😊 I really appreciate your help
Do you plan on caning the entire front or just an inset like the example? If you opt for an inset, you may need to find a way to remove the scalloped top, adjust it to match the sides, and then add the cane to the middle inset. Does that sound good to you? Is the door constructed like a shaker, where the center panel is inset into the sides? Or is the scalloped part a trim attached to a flat panel?
Both sides of the door have a scalloped design. I wanted to fill the space just enough to support mounting a low-profile shaker border and then adding pole wrap in the center.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions! 🤗
Got it, so if you fill in the gap and then cover it with cane, you’ll have to put a trim around the edge to achieve a similar appearance. Just keep in mind how that might impact the clearance for the hinges. You don’t want the trim to get caught. Our cabinets had some additional wrapping and it keeps getting caught and pulled. I would also advise against putting too much weight on the doors with those hinges as they might end up drooping. 😕
I’m so grateful for the advice!
I think that your plan might end up making the cabinet door too thick, throwing off the entire look! Sharing a picture of the interior would help with suggestions. By the way, what exactly is ‘pole wrap’?
Appreciate your feedback!
•The cabinet’s interior matches the exterior.
•The shaker-style trim would be too thin otherwise—it might still look a bit funny 😄 but I can envision it working in the end
•Pole wrap is fluted wood on a customizable material sheet; it helps create the fluted insert on the blue cabinet in the example photo
You don’t have to use solid wood to fill the center panel area because that would make the door quite heavy. Instead, cut a piece of foamboard to size and shape, then use panel adhesive to secure it in place. Place your bead board on top, trim it according to the design in your picture, prime, paint, and you’re all set.
Thanks a bunch for the positive vibes! I’m glad you like the idea of using foam board.
I have completed several kitchens and bathrooms using this method, and the results are always amazing.
Good luck with your project.
Great job!
Construct new doors. I can create comparable beaded panel doors right where you are for less than $20 each in materials. OR You could go with the arch and apply beaded wallpaper to your panels. Just remember to seal the edges. It’s a cost-effective and quick option that still maintains a good look.
Thank you!
Fire damage and an insurance claim?
What is the appearance of the inside of your doors? Can they be turned over?
They act in the same manner on the opposite side, which is a pity.