Are Framed or Frameless Cabinets the Right Choice For Your Home?
When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, the options are endless. You’ll have to narrow down your must-have features, choose the perfect color palette, find the right countertop material, and more. While you’ve likely considered each of these possibilities, there’s one that you might not have the full story on. Even though it’s one of the biggest decisions in terms of budget, many people overlook cabinet style as one of the most important factors in designing the kitchen of their dreams.
There’s a decades-old debate (and some common misconceptions) about whether framed or frameless cabinets are the better choice, and at Swartz Kitchens & Baths, we believe it’s important for you to have all of the facts. Today we’re covering some of the basics about each style – from features and misconceptions to pros and cons – so you can decide which is right for your home. After all, your cabinets should be built to last, and you want to choose a style that you’ll continue to love for years to come.
The Differences Are in the Details
First things first, the main structural difference between framed and frameless cabinets is…(you guessed it!) the frame. Framed cabinets feature a frame overlay that sits between the main box and the cabinet doors and drawers. Frameless cabinets do not have this overlay, so the cabinet doors attach directly to the box. Framed cabinets are often referred to as “American style” or “traditional,” while frameless cabinets are called “European style” or “modern.”
Framed cabinets may feature door styles that are full overlay, half overlay, or inset. On the other hand, the door design for frameless cabinets is always inset. Often you will see some amount of the wooden frame around the doors and drawers of framed cabinets, while frameless cabinet doors are flush with the box, which creates a seamless look.
The wood used in frameless cabinets is usually thicker than that used in framed cabinets, while framed cabinets often feature a center stile for added structural support. There are a few more differences in structure, space, accessibility, installation, and customization, all of which we’ll dive into more in the Pros and Cons section below.
You’ll likely find a wide range of options within each overarching style, but the cabinet styles lend themselves well to different design aesthetics. If you’re looking for a sleek, contemporary look that will make your home feel both luxurious and modern, frameless cabinets may be right for you. In contrast, if you’re hoping to create a cozy and classic look or an inviting farmhouse kitchen, framed cabinets may be just the style you’re looking for.
Unmasking a Misconception
In the past, there have been misconceptions about the quality of frameless cabinets. Over the last few decades, many U.S. builders and homeowners believed that frameless cabinets were generally lower quality than framed cabinets because they were often made with cheap plywood and covered in laminate. Framed cabinets were a sign of wealth and quality, and were the expected choice in a custom home.
The truth is that there are framed and frameless cabinets of all costs and qualities on the market, and the high demand for frameless cabinets in a number of states such as California and New York shows that homeowners are catching on. This growing demand speaks to the fact that there are high-quality frameless cabinets that offer the sleek, contemporary look that many people use as inspiration when designing their homes.
Seeing as both framed and frameless cabinets can be high quality or made within any budget, one of the most important differences for you to consider when choosing the right cabinets for your kitchen is your own personal style.
Pros and Cons
Like every other choice you’ll consider in the design process, there are pros and cons to both cabinet styles. Make sure to consider all of the pros and cons below, specifically how they’ll apply to your home and unique preferences, before choosing the cabinet style that is right for you.
Framed Cabinet Pros:
- Cabinets stay square, so there will be fewer door adjustments
- Classic look
- Can be placed on uneven walls
- Many choices with style and material
- Easy installation
- Shelves less likely to sag with added structural support
Framed Cabinet Cons:
- Less cabinet space
- Less access to cabinet interior
- Difficult and expensive to create the sleek look of frameless cabinets
- Difficult to customize
Frameless Cabinet Pros:
- More space and accessibility (full access to cabinet interior)
- Better for smaller homes or tighter spaces
- Flush finish creates a sleek, modern look
- Constructed with thicker materials
- Easy customization, even after installation
- Option for open shelving
Frameless Cabinet Cons:
- Fewer styles and material choices
- Should not be placed on uneven walls
- Cabinets rely on construction quality for support, rather than additional structure provided with frame
- Can be more difficult to install
Which is best for you?
Both cabinet styles are available in the full range of budgets and quality, and each category present its own pros and cons. When it comes down to it, the choice between framed or frameless cabinets is all about your personal style. Whether you want the sleek, European look of frameless cabinets to accentuate your modern kitchen or the traditional look of framed cabinets to accentuate your classic style, there are countless options out there to choose from.
Swartz Kitchens & Baths is here to help make cabinet selection an easy, enjoyable process. Contact us today to get expert advice on the best cabinet option for your home that will stand the test of time when it comes to function and personal style.
Are Framed or Frameless Cabinets the Right Choice For Your Home?
When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, the options are endless. You’ll have to narrow down your must-have features, choose the perfect color palette, find the right countertop material, and more. While you’ve likely considered each of these possibilities, there’s one that you might not have the full story on. Even though it’s one of the biggest decisions in terms of budget, many people overlook cabinet style as one of the most important factors in designing the kitchen of their dreams.
There’s a decades-old debate (and some common misconceptions) about whether framed or frameless cabinets are the better choice, and at Swartz Kitchens & Baths, we believe it’s important for you to have all of the facts. Today we’re covering some of the basics about each style – from features and misconceptions to pros and cons – so you can decide which is right for your home. After all, your cabinets should be built to last, and you want to choose a style that you’ll continue to love for years to come.
The Differences Are in the Details
First things first, the main structural difference between framed and frameless cabinets is…(you guessed it!) the frame. Framed cabinets feature a frame overlay that sits between the main box and the cabinet doors and drawers. Frameless cabinets do not have this overlay, so the cabinet doors attach directly to the box. Framed cabinets are often referred to as “American style” or “traditional,” while frameless cabinets are called “European style” or “modern.”
Framed cabinets may feature door styles that are full overlay, half overlay, or inset. On the other hand, the door design for frameless cabinets is always inset. Often you will see some amount of the wooden frame around the doors and drawers of framed cabinets, while frameless cabinet doors are flush with the box, which creates a seamless look.
The wood used in frameless cabinets is usually thicker than that used in framed cabinets, while framed cabinets often feature a center stile for added structural support. There are a few more differences in structure, space, accessibility, installation, and customization, all of which we’ll dive into more in the Pros and Cons section below.
You’ll likely find a wide range of options within each overarching style, but the cabinet styles lend themselves well to different design aesthetics. If you’re looking for a sleek, contemporary look that will make your home feel both luxurious and modern, frameless cabinets may be right for you. In contrast, if you’re hoping to create a cozy and classic look or an inviting farmhouse kitchen, framed cabinets may be just the style you’re looking for.
Unmasking a Misconception
In the past, there have been misconceptions about the quality of frameless cabinets. Over the last few decades, many U.S. builders and homeowners believed that frameless cabinets were generally lower quality than framed cabinets because they were often made with cheap plywood and covered in laminate. Framed cabinets were a sign of wealth and quality, and were the expected choice in a custom home.
The truth is that there are framed and frameless cabinets of all costs and qualities on the market, and the high demand for frameless cabinets in a number of states such as California and New York shows that homeowners are catching on. This growing demand speaks to the fact that there are high-quality frameless cabinets that offer the sleek, contemporary look that many people use as inspiration when designing their homes.
Seeing as both framed and frameless cabinets can be high quality or made within any budget, one of the most important differences for you to consider when choosing the right cabinets for your kitchen is your own personal style.
Pros and Cons
Like every other choice you’ll consider in the design process, there are pros and cons to both cabinet styles. Make sure to consider all of the pros and cons below, specifically how they’ll apply to your home and unique preferences, before choosing the cabinet style that is right for you.
Framed Cabinet Pros:
- Cabinets stay square, so there will be fewer door adjustments
- Classic look
- Can be placed on uneven walls
- Many choices with style and material
- Easy installation
- Shelves less likely to sag with added structural support
Framed Cabinet Cons:
- Less cabinet space
- Less access to cabinet interior
- Difficult and expensive to create the sleek look of frameless cabinets
- Difficult to customize
Frameless Cabinet Pros:
- More space and accessibility (full access to cabinet interior)
- Better for smaller homes or tighter spaces
- Flush finish creates a sleek, modern look
- Constructed with thicker materials
- Easy customization, even after installation
- Option for open shelving
Frameless Cabinet Cons:
- Fewer styles and material choices
- Should not be placed on uneven walls
- Cabinets rely on construction quality for support, rather than additional structure provided with frame
- Can be more difficult to install
Which is best for you?
Both cabinet styles are available in the full range of budgets and quality, and each category present its own pros and cons. When it comes down to it, the choice between framed or frameless cabinets is all about your personal style. Whether you want the sleek, European look of frameless cabinets to accentuate your modern kitchen or the traditional look of framed cabinets to accentuate your classic style, there are countless options out there to choose from.
Swartz Kitchens & Baths is here to help make cabinet selection an easy, enjoyable process. Contact us today to get expert advice on the best cabinet option for your home that will stand the test of time when it comes to function and personal style.