Frameless or Framed Cabinetry?
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| Framed Cabinetry (Inset) |
Which one suits your needs?
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| Frameless Cabinetry |
The Difference Between Framed and Frameless Cabinetry
Framed Cabinetry
Framed cabinetry is what most US cabinetmakers offer their customers. As the name suggests, the cabinet construction includes cabinet fronts that consist of both doors/drawers and a faceframe. With framed cabinets there is usually a reveal around the doors and drawers where you see the faceframe. The amount of faceframe you see depends on the overlay you have chosen, usually full-overlay, partial/standard overlay, or inset.
With full-overlay, 1/4" of the faceframe can be seen around the door/drawer fronts. With standard/partial overlay, you can normally see either 1/2" or 3/4" of the faceframe around the doors/drawer fronts. Keep in mind that the doors and drawer fronts are usually the most expensive components of your cabinetry and expect to pay more for full-overlay is usually more expensive because the doors/drawer fronts are larger than with partial overlay. Full-overlay cabinets provide a sleeker look and people who know cabinetry will see this as an indication of quality.
For kitchen and bath designers, partial overlay makes designing easier because they do not usually need to worry about door clearance next to walls, appliances, and deeper cabinets. However, most designers will suggest full-overlay to their clients because that option offers a better look. And the price point, but that is not usually what drives that selection. Most designers take pride in their creations and want them to look their very best. The primary reason customers choose partial overlay is because of the price point. However, they may also find a specific door style that is only available in a partial overlay option.
As with partial overlay, inset overlay makes designing easy because the designer doesn't usually need to worry about clearances. You can create a variety of different looks from modern to traditional, but normally traditional. Many homes built in the 50s featured inset cabinetry in both traditional and contemporary designs. Inset could be described as a fine-furniture look.
Frameless Cabinetry
Frameless cabinetry, also known as European-style or full access, is what most European cabinetmakers offer their customers. Frameless cabinets do not include a faceframe and can usually be described as a box with doors attached. That description is not meant to disparage this option and frameless cabinetry is a beautiful option for your kitchen. As with full-overlay cabinets from the framed side, frameless cabinets offer a sleek, sophisticated design and allows the designer to create a beautiful and unique look for their clients.
Frameless cabinets are more difficult to design in and install due to their tight tolerances. Most homes are not square and walls are not usually smooth or lacking texture and this may affect the installation. Designers will need to consider clearances, where to include a panel, and whether their installer is comfortable with the installation. In the US, you may find that frameless options are at a higher price point than framed cabinetry. However, frameless cabinets can allow a designer to create unique looks that may not be possible with framed cabinetry.
Industry standard on framed cabinet faceframes is up to an 1/8"variation between cabinets which makes stacking cabinets difficult and frameless cabinets are much easier to stack. Therefore, frameless cabinets can be stacked as high as the side panels will allow. Side panel heights vary depending on the manufacturer, but many of the cabinet lines we offer have up to 120"options for kitchens with 10' ceilings.
Which is Better for You?
Which is better for you depends on YOU! And your situation too, but your kitchen and bath designer can find ways to get you what you want. As long as their installers are familiar with the cabinets you choose.
If you are looking for a clean, sleek, more modern look, frameless cabinets are the way to go. A trained designer can create the look you want using either style, but frameless comes to mind when this is the look you are going for.
If you are looking for a more traditional or transitional look or are concerned about how true the walls are in your home, framed cabinets are normally the way to go. Not to say that you cannot create the same look or correct any issues with the walls using frameless, just that, in the US, you may find more options when using framed cabinets and framed could save you some headaches.
Find the look you like and discuss options with your trained kitchen and bath designer. They will help you in choosing the style that best suits your wants and needs. Here at By Design Kitchen and Bath Solutions, we know a few good designers if you are in the US and would like to purchase cabinets from a brand you can trust. If you are in our service area, we offer installation services from installers we can rely on and we would love to assist you with your kitchen or bathroom project. Reach out at 940-565-5402 or email me at jgarcia@bydesigngraham.com.
Javier @ By Design Kitchen and Bath Solutions, Inc.
