Although you could also argue that the face is the kitchen’s support system, let’s face it, we could argue about body parts all day. Although there are numerous choices to be made, including those regarding material, wood species, finishes, door styles, embellishments, and so forth, the truth is that the more options you have, the more custom your cabinets can be made to your individual preferences and requirements.
There are two types of construction to take into account when choosing cabinets: framed or frameless cabinetry. Both offer countless design options as well as their own special advantages. As you choose the best type of cabinet construction for you, take into account the following factors.
Read More: What Are RTA cabinets?
Table of Contents
What Is “Framed” Cabinetry?
Traditionally, American cabinet makers have built cabinets using a framed construction. The rails and stiles used in this type of cabinet construction create a 1-1/2 inch face “frame” at the front of the cabinet box. This frame, which is affixed to the door front and resembles a flat picture frame, gives the door front more depth.
Related Reading: What Is A Face Frame Cabinet?
What Is “Frameless” Cabinetry?
Stylish design with European influences. Dura Supreme’s Bria cabinetry features frameless (full-access) construction inspired by High-tech cabinetry made in Europe that combines high fashion and design sensibilities Full access to the interior and storage are maximized by frameless construction, and its wide variety of styles directly appeal to the creative homeowner seeking specialized functionality and tasteful aesthetics.
Flexible Styling
Another advantage of frameless cabinetry is that it offers more design and styling flexibility than other types of construction. A frameless cabinet, for instance, can be used in both traditional and modern designs. Only the Full Overlay overlay style is available on frameless cabinets. Frameless cabinets are a popular option for modern and contemporary styled kitchens because the Full Overlay completely covers the entire box, leaving only a 2mm reveal. The only style limitation is that, since there isn’t a conventional face frame, Standard Overlay and Inset doors are not an option.
Framed Vs. Frameless: Pros
Advantages Of Framed Cabinetry
- Strength and sturdiness – the solid wood face frame on framed cabinets serves to greatly reinforce the sidewalls to which they are anchored – an advantage that is missing from frameless cabinets.
- More versatile and customizable – You have a wide range of design options with inset, standard, and full overlay options to create a unique appearance for your cabinetry.
- More door style options – For framed cabinetry, Wellborn Cabinet provides a wide range of unique door styles.
Advantages Of Frameless Cabinetry
- More accessibility – since there is not an inside edge of a frame projecting into the cabinet opening. As a result, the interior of the cabinet is easier to access, and there is a larger opening for storing plates, platters, and cookware.
- More storage space – since there is no face frame to create a lip around the cabinet openings, it is much easier to store appliances such as mixers, blenders, or juicers in frameless cabinets.
- Additional flexibility in design and styling – frameless cabinets can be used in a traditional design as well as a modern design.
- Larger, spacious drawers – the space saved by not having a face frame attached to the front.
Difference Between Framed And Frameless Cabinet
The key difference between framed and frameless cabinetry is how they are constructed. The face frame is made up of vertical supports called center stiles and horizontal members called rails. The face frame’s combination of wood grain directions contributes to bolstering the cabinet’s horizontal strength at the front opening.
Cabinetry that is frameless is built without the face frame that is found at the front of the cabinet. End panels, shelves, tops, and cabinet bottoms are all made of ¾” thick thermofused melamine.
Framed Or Frameless Cabinets: Which Is Better?
With more knowledge at hand, consider your options carefully and choose the best option for your preferences and space requirements. The box construction is the only distinction between cabinets that are framed and those that are frameless. The two types of construction are equally strong and long-lasting; they just have very different construction techniques and two completely different aesthetics. Wellborn Cabinet, Inc invites you to check out our room gallery or request a catalog for inspiration for your next project. Once you have found the right cabinet style for your home, find a Wellborn Cabinet dealer near you.
