Cabinet Construction
Framed vs. Frameless
When considering cabinet construction methods, cabinetry is divided into two major categories — Framed and Frameless. What’s the difference between Framed and Frameless cabinets? Let’s dive in a little deeper and explore these two construction methods, their benefits, and how to choose the best cabinet style for your project.
What is a “Framed” Cabinet?
American “Framed” cabinet construction (also known as face frame cabinets) is considered a more traditional style and is a very common method of construction for cabinets made in the USA. This method is known for its traditional “framed” face frame (the area that provides a fixing point for the cabinet doors). The solid wood frame is made of ¾” x 1 ½” hardwood that is dado-ed to the top, bottom and sides of the cabinet box. The frame actually extends beyond the width of the cabinet box creating a ¼” reveal (known as a scribe) and the inside of the frame extends ¾” past the inside edges of the cabinet box.
One large benefit to framed cabinetry is that the more traditional framing offers the ability for three (3) different cabinet door overlay styles to select from: Standard Overlay (also known as “Partial Overlay”), Full Overlay, or Inset.
Standard Overlay Cabinet Door:
A Standard (or Partial) Overlay cabinet door overlaps the face frame by 3/8” and leaves a reveal of 1 1/8” of the face frame exposed on all sides (left, right, top & bottom).
Full Overlay Cabinet Doors:
A Full Overlay cabinet door style overlaps the face frame of the cabinet by 1 1/4″, leaving a 1/4″ of the face frame exposed.
Inset Cabinet Doors:
An Inset cabinet door is installed flush (integrated) within the face frame opening leaving the entire 1 ½” face frame exposed.
What is a "Frameless" Cabinet?
Frameless cabinetry provides a European-inspired design with a luxurious finish. Full-access cabinet construction inspired by European cabinet-making, blends high-tech with high-fashion sensibilities. Frameless construction cabinets optimize for full access to the interior and storage, while its diverse array of styles speaks directly to the imaginative homeowner in need of specific function and elegant design.
Fully Accessible Storage:
Frameless cabinets offer more accessibility versus framed cabinets. This is due to the fact that there is not an inside edge of a frame projecting into the cabinet opening. This allows an easier access to the cabinet interior as well as a larger opening to store plates, platters and cookware. The larger opening also allows for a wider drawer box in the frameless cabinetry compared to the framed cabinets of the exact same width.
For example, a 15” wide four (4) drawer base cabinet in framed construction will have a 10 ¼” opening width while a frameless cabinet of the same size will give you a 12” opening width. That additional 1 ¼” per drawer really adds up when you are trying to maximize your storage space!
Flexible Styling:
One other benefit to frameless cabinetry is that this style of construction allows for more flexibility in design and styling. For example, a frameless cabinet can be used in a Traditional design as well as a Modern design. Frameless cabinets only offer one overlay style, Full Overlay. The Full Overlay of a frameless cabinet completely covers the entire box, leaving only a 2mm reveal that creates a sleek, seamless appearance, making it a popular choice for modern and contemporary styled kitchens. The only style restriction is that Standard Overlay and Inset doors are not an option due to the lack of a traditional face frame.
