A raised panel is a door or cabinet panel with a flat central field surrounded by a bevelled or chamfered edge that sits proud of the surrounding frame. Known as “briefpaneel” in Dutch and sometimes called a mirror panel, it is a classic element of traditional joinery found in interior doors, furniture, and architectural panelling.
How a Raised Panel is Made
The construction of a raised panel involves precise woodworking steps:
- A solid timber or engineered board is dimensioned to fit within the stile-and-rail frame
- The edges are shaped with a panel-raising bit on a router table or a moulding plane to create the characteristic bevel
- The bevel produces a thin tongue around the perimeter that fits into the groove of the surrounding frame
- The central field remains at full thickness, creating the “raised” effect
- The panel floats in the frame without glue, allowing for seasonal wood movement
Styles and Variations
- Single raised panel — bevel on the front face only; the back remains flat
- Double raised panel — bevels on both front and back faces for a symmetrical appearance
- Arched raised panel — the top edge follows a curved profile, common in traditional cabinetry
- Flat panel with applied moulding — a simpler alternative where moulding strips create the illusion of a raised field
Application
Raised panels are used in interior doors, cupboard doors, wall panelling, wainscoting, and fireplace surrounds. They are characteristic of Georgian, Victorian, and colonial architectural styles. In modern construction, raised-panel doors are produced in both solid wood and MDF, with MDF versions often receiving a painted finish. They remain a popular choice wherever a traditional, crafted appearance is desired.
Related Terms
- Stile and rail
- Panel door
- Wainscoting
- Moulding
- Frame-and-panel construction
More guides and plans available at fredsdiyplans.com