Framed vs. Frameless – Frameless Construction
Frameless Construction
Traditional cabinet doors attach to the frame, pull out shelves,drawers, trash bins and accessories must clear this narrowing frame giving you 15-20% less usable space than a frameless cabinet.
Many suppliers produce a face frame cabinet with “Full Overlay” door construction. As pictured below these doors cover most of the cabinet, but it is apparent where two cabinets meet with a larger gap and a less consistent look. These cabinets are designed to somewhat mimic the look of frameless cabinetry without the space saving benefits.
Choosing face frame construction is preferable when the client prefers the aesthetic of seeing part of the cabinet box or desires what is know as an inset door. Inset doors are a form of framed cabinets where the doors actually fit into the frame rather than being attached on top of the frame. This look is found in classic and vintage cabinetry and may have the timeless exposed “pin” hinge. However, many cabinet makers use the thick face frames to conceal the use of thinner and/or lightweight box material.
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| Inset | Traditional Overlay |
Under cabinet lighting adds an elegant and useful touch.
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| Framed lighting | Frameless lighting |