What is the difference between framed and frameless cabinets

While our frameless cabinets are constructed with the same Heirloom Quality practices, the face frame on framed cabinets act as reinforcement, making them the sturdier option of the two. Frameless cabinets offer higher quality finish options such as decorative and embossed laminate veneers, so these can affect cabinet pricing. The key difference between framed and frameless cabinetry is how they are constructed. The face frame is constructed of horizontal members called rails, and vertical supports called center stiles.

The combination of wood grain directions in the face frame helps to reinforce the horizontal strength of the cabinet at the front opening. Frameless cabinetry is constructed without the face frame located at the front of the cabinet.

Weigh the options and make the right decision for your preference and space needs. The only difference between framed and frameless cabinets is the box construction. The structural quality and durability between the two types of construction is equal, you simply have two very different construction methods that offer two different distinct looks.

In frameless construction, cabinets do not have a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. After they have been installed, all you will see are the flat door and drawer fronts, providing a sleek, simple aesthetic that can work with many design themes throughout the home.

Frameless cabinets do not have a center stile coming down in the middle of the two cabinet doors, providing easier access to the items inside, as well as more storage space to work with. The shelves are typically adjustable. Drawers in frameless cabinetry also tend to be larger because of the space saved by not having a face frame attached to the front. Get Started Get Started.

If a cabinet racks, the vertical and horizontal components will not be level, and the doors and drawers will not align properly. Because of the difference in construction, frameless and framed cabinets will require different installation hardware. Framed cabinets are attached to each other through the width of the face frame.

This allows the screws to anchor more deeply into the attachment points of the adjacent cabinet. Pilot holes should be pre-drilled into the face frames to prevent the natural wood from splitting. This shallow anchoring into adjacent cabinetry may increase the number of screw locations required in order to attach the cabinets securely.

In cabinetry, an overlay refers to the amount of cabinet face the doors and drawer fronts overlap. The amount of cabinet face frame or box visible when the doors and drawers are closed is called the reveal. Framed cabinets offer three types of overlays: inset, standard, and full. As for the price, both framed vs frameless cabinets are comparable in cost. Since both cabinet styles are relatively similar, choosing the right one for your kitchen will likely come down to your personal needs and design preferences.

If you want as much as storage as possible and have a more contemporary design in mind, frameless cabinets may make more sense. Are you thinking about a kitchen remodel? Simply schedule a conversation with us!