Real Shaker vs Faker Shaker: Do You Know What You’re Really Paying For?

When you’re investing in a new kitchen, utility room or fitted bedroom, the doors you choose make a huge difference to the final look and feel. “Shaker” is one of the most popular styles in the UK — clean lines, timeless, and suited to both modern and classic interiors.

But here’s the catch: not all shaker doors are actually made the same, and many homeowners don’t realise they’re being quoted for faker shaker doors rather than genuine, traditionally built shaker doors.

So, what’s the difference? And is the carpenter, joiner or cabinet maker you’ve hired supplying real shaker doors — or something that only looks like them?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Real Shaker Door?

A real shaker door is built the traditional way:

• Solid timber frames, usually four or five separate pieces

• A recessed centre panel, often timber or veneered board

• Full construction using joinery methods, such as mortice and tenon or strong engineered joints

• Individual components assembled by hand

This style offers:

• Greater strength and longevity

• The ability to repaint, repair, or re-sand over time

• A beautiful, authentic grain and finish

• A premium, refined look that gets better as it ages

Real shaker doors cost more because they take more labour, more material, and real craftsmanship to make.

What Is a “Faker Shaker” Door?

A “faker shaker” — sometimes called mock shaker or routered shaker — is a single, flat piece of MDF with a groove carved into it to imitate the shaker profile.

These doors:

• Are made from one flat sheet, no separate frame

• Are cut on a CNC or router to create the look of rails and stiles

• Are quicker to produce and much cheaper

• Can still be high quality when sprayed properly

• But don’t have the depth or integrity of real shaker joinery

There’s nothing wrong with faker shaker doors if that’s what you’re expecting — but many clients assume they’re getting proper handmade shaker doors when they’re not.

Why the Difference Matters When Comparing Quotes

Here’s where homeowners often get caught out.

You may have:

• Two quotes that look like they’re offering the same style

• But one is for genuine solid timber shaker doors

• And the other is for MDF routered doors

The price difference can be hundreds or even thousands, but the spec isn’t like-for-like.

If a tradesperson doesn’t clearly specify the construction of the doors, you could be comparing premium craftsmanship vs mass-produced sheets without even realising.

How to Tell Which One You’re Being Offered

Before accepting a quote, ask:

1. Are the doors solid timber shaker or MDF routered?

2. Are the rails and stiles separate pieces?

3. How thick are the doors?

4. What type of joints are used?

5. Is this quote based on like-for-like construction compared with others?

A reputable cabinet maker will always be transparent about the construction.

Which Is Better?

It depends on what you want:

Choose Real Shaker if you value:

• Authentic craftsmanship

• Long-term durability

• Repairability

• Premium finish

Choose Faker Shaker if you want:

• A more budget-friendly option

• A clean, modern look

• Good value for rental properties or utility rooms

• Doors that will be sprayed rather than hand-finished

Both can look excellent — but they’re not the same product, and they shouldn’t be priced as if they are.

How DW-Construction Builds Shaker Doors

At DW-Construction in Mayfield, East Sussex, we specialise in handmade, bespoke shaker doors built using traditional joinery methods.

Our doors are constructed from individual components, assembled with precision, and finished to a standard you simply can’t get from mass-produced sheet material.

So when you compare us to other contractors, you know you’re comparing quality with quality — not real shaker against faker shaker.

Need Bespoke Shaker Doors Built Properly?

If you’d like a quote or want to see examples of genuine shaker construction, feel free to get in touch.

We’re always happy to explain exactly what goes into our workmanship so you know precisely what you’re paying for.