Framed Cabinetry Compare to Frameless Cabinetry

Remodeling a kitchen and deciding between Framed vs Frameless cabinetry can be nerve wrecking. Some cabinet makers will offer both types of cabinet construction, while other cabinet makers only make one type. What is best for your space?  Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each type.  

Framed Cabinetry is constructed with a face frame that consists of vertical styles and horizontal rails. The door is attached to the face frame. In larger size cabinets double doors will require a center style. The construction is structurally sound; and many people are familiar with this type of cabinet style.

This is how it gets fun. You can also choose different type of doors and door openings such as:

Full Overlay doors which cover most of the cabinet frame leaving no reveal

Half Overlay doors which reveal some of the cabinet frame

Flush Inset doors which display the entire cabinet face frame because the door will fit tight and flush to frame.

You will want to look into decorative hinges to match the cabinet hardware. If you are leaning towards traditional style cabinets, Framed Cabinets will be a good option.

You should also consider the design of your kitchen layout. When I’m working on a cozy size space storage is definitely a priority. These face frames are usually a 1 ¼” – 1 ½” size stiles and rails and these numbers add up. For instance expect to see the actual drawer box interior to be easily a 7 ½” space for a standard 12” drawer base. So in this case framed cabinets can be a challenge. Also measure your dishes I’ve heard of crazy cases of people not being to fit their dishes inside their wall cabinets. Avoid the trouble.

Here is a fun lighting fact: Framed cabinets allow space for under cabinet lights without any modifications. These lights can fit underneath between the frames of each cabinet. So get your tape measure and know your dimensions!

Frameless Cabinetry or sometimes known as European Style Cabinets were first introduced in the 80’s. Don’t be fooled by the misconceptions. They have come a long way!

Frameless cabinets are constructed in a box fashion with the back panel being the support of the box. The European hinges, as some call it, hidden. Panels are usually plywood, MDF or particle board. This will be another topic for another day.  

The doors will always be full overlay doors to cover the cabinet box.

This is how it gets fun. The combination of doors and drawers side by side will start to create interesting lines. The doors style will determine the style of your kitchen. There are hundreds of options for doors. So this cabinet choice is versatile.

Now moving on the topic of storage space and it all fits, frameless cabinetry will give you more space! The cabinet box consists of 3/4” side panels or 5/8” side panels. For a 12” standard drawer base cabinet you are looking at around 9 ½” of interior drawer space. Frameless cabinets come in a winner in smaller spaces.

You must also be aware that you will need additional pieces to complete your design such as a light rail and soffit rail to attach the crown moulding. This information varies depending on the cabinet line so all these details must be discussed with your kitchen & bath designer and / or cabinet maker.