Framed vs. Frameless Cabinetry

From the first pour of cereal in mourning to the midnight snack sneak, your cabinets are the unsung hero of your home. The cabinets, often overlooked, hold all of the ingredients and tools you use to feed your family and create memories. Cabinets play a crucial role not only in your storage but also in your kitchen's overall aesthetic and functionality. If you're on the journey of designing or redesigning your kitchen, choosing cabinets involves more decisions than you may realize. One of the foundational choices is between framed and frameless cabinetry. Both framed and frameless cabinets have unique advantages and a few trade-offs. Check out our pros and cons of framed vs. frameless to better understand the difference.

Framed Cabinets

A hallmark of traditional American-style design, framed cabinets have a solid wood face frame that fills the space between the door and the cabinet box. Framed cabinets promise added stability, minimal racking, many size and modification options, and a breeze regarding installation. However, the fact that they necessitate the installation of separate skin panels on exposed sides and may offer less interior space than their frameless counterparts is something to keep in mind.

Pros & Cons of Framed Cabinets

Framed cabinets have various advantages, including added stability, minimal racking, numerous size/modification options, and effortless installation. On the downside, they require skin panels and fall short on inner space.

Frameless Cabinets

 Exhibiting a modern, European-style design, frameless cabinets bear a square box construction and lack a face frame. They are celebrated for their larger drawer box capacity, full access to the cabinet interior, factory-finished sides, and seamless appearance. However, their durability may differ from framed cabinets, and the installation often demands more precision.

Pros & Cons of Frameless Cabinets

Frameless cabinets shine with their larger drawer box, unobstructed access to the interior, factory-finished sides, and a sleek, seamless appearance. Still, they have fewer size/modification options, may require more fillers, and are prone to racking during shipping.

Framed vs. Frameless

When comparing framed and frameless cabinets, each type reflects a different style – framed cabinets are more traditional, and frameless cabinets are more modern. Regarding storage, frameless cabinets edge ahead, offering marginally more space. They also provide easier access to the interior. It's worth noting that framed cabinets incorporate a solid wood face frame, and frameless cabinets adhere to a square box construction. The installation methods also differ, with framed cabinets attached via the face frame and frameless cabinets directly through the cabinet side panels.

The final decision between framed and frameless cabinets will hinge on your tastes, budget, and the overall style you envision for your kitchen or bathroom remodel. Schedule an appointment with us to help you make the perfect decision for your cabinetry. 

Take the next step today:

• Visit contactohi.com to schedule a free design consultation.

• Browse our portfolio for inspiration.

• Meet the team behind the build.

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