Starting a remodel or building a home is an exciting journey

Choosing the right cabinetry is a key part of it

Framed and Frameless cabinets are two distinct construction styles, each offering unique benefits for different aesthetics and storage needs. Read on to discover which one is the perfect fit for your space

Framed Cabinets

Get their name thanks to a visible supportive front frame that provides structure and outlines the front of the cabinet. This option is ideal if you're looking for a traditional or transitional feel and offers versatile door design options: partial overlay, full overlay, or inset.

Downsides

  • Framed cabinets reduce the amount of usable space by 5-15%
  • The center stile in Framed cabinets can be an obstacle with larger items
  • Framed cabinets have a more limited door swing

Frameless Cabinets

Often called European style, lack a face frame, allowing doors and drawers to attach directly to the cabinet box or sides. This design maximizes storage and provides easy access to the interior, making it ideal for a modern style or spaces where every inch of space counts. Frameless construction limits your door design options; it only supports a full overlay.

Downsides

  • Hinge placement and repairs can be more challenging in Frameless cabinets
  • Frameless cabinets can be more susceptible to warping, especially when exposed to water
  • The edge banding on Frameless cabinets can become loose over time
  • Frameless cabinets can only support a full overlay door style.

While you are mulling over framed or frameless construction let's take a minute to discuss the door overlays. Just like the frame style of your cabinet the door placement will affect the look and accessibility of your cabinets.

Partial Overlay

Partial overlay or Standard Overlay cabinet doors cover only part of the cabinet face frame, leaving a portion of the frame visible around each door and drawer front. Partial overlay cabinets reveal more of the frame than a full overlay, creating a traditional look with larger visible borders around each door and drawer.

Inset

Inset cabinets are designed with doors and drawers that fit flush within the cabinet frame, creating a smooth surface. Unlike overlay cabinets, where doors sit on top of the frame, inset cabinets have precise measurements to align perfectly inside, giving them a custom-built, furniture-like look that is timeless.

Full Overlay

Full overlay cabinet doors and drawer fronts cover most of the cabinet frame, creating a clean, smooth, continuous look. With minimal gaps between doors, this style is becoming more common/popular than partial overlay cabinets.