Faux Rail and Stile

[steve-norrell]

I would like to get some comment and critique on the 'faux rail and stile' joints shown in the photos. Basically, the joint is meant to mimic a rail and stile joint except and was made by:

1. cutting a groove in both pieces of wood,

2. gluing in a spline,

3. triming cabinet door to size, sanding, routing.

The wood is either poplar or maple, splines are poplar. Except for being more careful about the width of the spline, the joints came out looking pretty good, requiring only a minimum amount of sanding. The doors are to be painted and the gaps will be filled, probably with spackling.

Thanks for looking. Comments and critique are welcome. Regards, Steve

[JR]

That's a nice looking method. I'd imagine it should hold up fine, although admittedly I'm no door expert.

It looks like you've taken the time to make sure the grain on the splines runs accross the joint, which will contribute to longevity.

I've never seen a door with a cove molding on the outside edge. Interesting.

Oh, you might think a bout offsetting the groove for the spline so it doesn't end up so close to the cove cut. You'll still get the strength of the spline, but run less risk of the spline showing through the router cut.

JR

[steve-norrell]

JR,

Thanks for the comments.

The door edging was cut with a raised panel bit and I will use the same edging for drawer fronts on the lower cabinets.

You are right about being more careful about offsetting the grooves and splines so they are not as close to the edge.

The joints were, indeed, easy to make. All cuts were made with a 1/4in slot bit and are 3/8in deep. Splines can be cut from either 1/4in or 3/4in stock.

Regards, Steve

[Popeye]

There is nothing faux about your door, it is a rail and stile type door. What is isn't is a rail and stile door made with cope and stick joinery. Nice doors by the way. Pat

[ragswl4]

I like it. Simple method and looks very nice. If you don't mind one comment, I might suggest that you round over the outside edge of the door which may yield a more finished, traditional look. Try it on a piece of scrap to see if you like the look.

[footprintsinconc]

beautifully simple! i like the look. i will have to try it out on something that i will make for the kids.

i was going to suggest the same think as ragslw4. it just softens that look once painted.

[steve-norrell]

If you don't mind one comment, I might suggest that you round over the outside edge of the door which may yield a more finished, traditional look.

Thanks for the feedback.

We tried that, but both the LOML and I prefer the plainer cut. Actually, I have a set of traditional rail and stile bits and have made other doors with a round-over on the outer edge, but we prefer the cleaner, (modern?) look shown in the pictures.

Regards, Steve