frameandpanel

Frameandpanel is a woodworking method in which a panel is enclosed by a surrounding frame to form a door, panelled wall, or cabinet door. The frame consists of two stiles and two rails joined by mortise-and-tenon or other traditional joinery, creating a rigid boundary. The panel, typically a flat piece of solid wood, plywood, or MDF, sits in grooves cut along the inner edges of the frame and is not glued to the frame, allowing it to float within the opening. This floating panel design accommodates wood movement caused by changes in humidity, reducing the risk of warping or cracking.

Raised-panel and flat-panel are common styles. In raised panels, the panel edges are shaped to form a profile that rises above the frame; in flat panels, the panel sits flush with the frame. The frame is usually visible and provides the primary decorative and structural element; decorative mouldings or beading may be used to enhance the look.

Construction methods include traditional cope-and-stick or mortise-and-tenon joinery for the frame, and a sliding or fitted groove for the panel. The panel may be beveled or constructed of laminates; panels may be intentionally slightly smaller to allow for movement.

Applications include cabinet doors, room dividers, window shutters, and furniture elements such as chests and wardrobes. History-wise, frameandpanel is a long-standing technique in European cabinetry and furniture making, particularly from the Renaissance onward; it remains common in modern cabinetry and high-end furniture.