Framed vs Frameless Cabinets

Understanding the difference in cabinet construction

What exactly does it mean for a framed cabinet or frameless cabinet? And what distinguishes one from the other? Exploring the unique differences between the two helps you determine which one is best suited to the needs of your kitchen or bathroom.

What are framed cabinets?

Framed kitchen cabinets have been a staple of American cabinetry for years, more traditional and they continue to be popular even today. That’s why they’re sometimes called “American style.” As the name suggests, framed kitchen cabinets have a face frame that covers the front of the cabinet box. The 1-½ inch face frame is comprised of rails and stiles and resembles a flat picture frame. The structure with a front face frame makes the framed kitchen cabinet more rigid and sturdy. The face frame also helps keep the cabinet square. The door is secured to the frame, adding dimension to the door front. 
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Framed cabinets are appealing to many people because of their variety. We can mount the doors inside of the frame for an inset style, or expose part of the frame by mounting the doors to the front of the frame for a partial overlay or full overlay. Partial overlay is associated with less expensive cabinets because less wood is required to build doors and drawers when compared to full overlay where the doors and drawers cover the face frame almost completely.Framed kitchen cabinets with full overlay doors create an appearance that is very similar to frameless cabinetry.

What are frameless cabinets?

Frameless cabinets came to the US from Europe; they’re sometimes called European style. Frameless cabinets are frequently referred to as “full access” because no cabinet space is taken up by a face frame and they offer ease access to the interior of the cabinet. Only full overlay doors are used with frameless cabinets and the door are attached directly to the sides of the cabinet box. A veneered front edge is applied that hides the rough or raw plywood or furniture board edges.

Considered the modern alternative to the more traditional choice of framed cabinets, frameless cabinets offer a very sleek and streamlined appearance. Also, interior storage space is slightly larger within frameless cabinetry.

​Each kitchen cabinet construction method has its advantages and disadvantages; no one style is “the best.” Each has its merits.