What are fluted panels in modern cabinetry?

Fluted panels feature evenly-spaced parallel grooves (flutes) CNC-machined directly into a solid wood board or MDF substrate. They are commonly applied to island gables, full-height pantry ends, and hood surround faces. The depth and spacing of the flutes can be customized; a 3/8" groove at 1" spacing is a typical contemporary profile. Fluted panels add tactile depth to otherwise flat surfaces and photograph particularly well with raking side-light.