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Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets: Pros and Cons
By: Andrew Saladino | 
7 min
Last Updated: May 12th, 2024
Updating your kitchen cabinets can dramatically transform the entire space. But before you dive into choosing a style and color, a crucial decision awaits: framed or frameless cabinets?
Framed cabinets boast a traditional look with a face frame surrounding the doors. Frameless cabinets, on the other hand, offer a sleek, modern aesthetic with doors that overlay directly onto the cabinet box.
Both options have their pros and cons, so understanding the key differences between framed vs. frameless cabinets will help you select the perfect cabinets to suit your kitchen's design and functionality.
Eager to get started? Browse our selection of traditional and frameless kitchen cabinets to find a style that suits your space.
Table of Contents
Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets: Side-By-Side Comparison
From construction to cost, here’s a quick look at the key differences between framed and frameless kitchen cabinets.
| Framed Cabinets | Frameless Cabinets | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Traditional | Modern |
| Construction | Hinges attach to the cabinet face frame | There is no face frame; hinges attach directly to the cabinet box |
| Storage | Slightly less storage due to the face frame | Slightly more storage |
| Durability | May be slightly more durable | May be less durable depending on the materials used |
| Price | Typically cheaper than frameless cabinets | Typically more expensive than framed cabinets |
What Are Framed Cabinets?
A framed cabinet, also commonly referred to as a "face frame" or "American style cabinet," features a frame around the front to which the doors and drawers attach. This traditional style, originally conceived in North America, is a versatile option for your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
You can easily identify a framed cabinet by the noticeable trim boards that are used to visibly strengthen the construction of the cabinet box. These boards are often made of hardwood, while cabinet boxes are usually made from engineered wood that is less prone to water damage and easier to install because of its lighter weight.
At Kitchen Cabinet Kings, all our framed cabinets have a full overlay door style, often with a ¾-inch solid birch face frame. This overlay refers to the amount of the face frame that is covered by the cabinet doors and drawers.
Pros and Cons of Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets offer a balance of durability and design flexibility. Here's a breakdown of their pros and cons to help you decide if they're the right fit for your kitchen.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction: The face frame provides a strong base for attaching doors and drawers, leading to a more durable cabinet overall.
- Wider style options: Framed cabinets can accommodate a wider range of cabinet door styles, including inset, partial overlay, and full overlay, allowing for more design customization.
- Easier installation: The face frame simplifies installation and makes adjustments to doors and drawers more manageable.
- Less expensive: On average, framed cabinets cost about $1,000 less than frameless cabinets for supply and installation.
Cons:
- Less storage space: The face frame takes up some interior space, resulting in slightly less storage capacity than frameless cabinets.
- Limited modern appeal: The traditional look of framed cabinets might not align with a sleek, modern kitchen design.
- Additional materials: Framed cabinets have exposed frames, which require additional skin panels to cover the seams. This means they’re more difficult to refinish or reface after installation.
What Are Frameless Cabinets?
Frameless cabinets, also called “full-access” or “faceless” cabinets, consist only of the cabinet box. Because there is no face frame attached to the skeleton of the cabinet, you have full access to the cabinet interior. This style originated in Europe and is commonly used to achieve a minimalist and modern design style.
In North America, all cabinets were originally framed, as it provided extra strength and durability to the cabinet boxes. Today, the materials are sturdier, and the face frame is no longer needed for additional support.
Our frameless cabinets are exclusively available with full overlay doors and extra thick cabinet boxes for better strength and stability.
Pros and Cons of Frameless Cabinets
Offering a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, frameless cabinets are a popular choice for modern kitchens. But before you're swayed by their clean lines, consider both the benefits and drawbacks.
Pros:
- More storage: Without a face frame, frameless cabinets offer more interior space for storing dishes, pots, and small appliances.
- Modern look: The seamless design creates a clean, minimalist aesthetic that complements modern kitchens beautifully.
- Easy access: The full overlay of doors allows for full access to the cabinet's interior, making it easier to reach items in the back and adjust the shelves.
Cons:
- Durability concerns: The lack of a face frame can make these cabinets slightly less sturdy than framed cabinets, especially for heavier loads.
- Weak hinges: Hinges may be less reliable because they are mounted directly into the sidewalls, which are usually made of engineered wood, rather than the face frame, which is made of hardwood.
- Limited customization: Frameless cabinets typically offer fewer door style options compared to framed varieties.
- Installation expertise: Precise installation is crucial for frameless cabinets to function properly, which may require a skilled professional.
- More expensive: Because frameless cabinets require sturdier materials, they tend to be more expensive than framed cabinets.
Installing Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets
Framed and frameless cabinets present distinct challenges when it comes to cabinet installation.
Framed cabinets are generally easier for DIY enthusiasts. The face frame provides a sturdy base for attaching cabinets and aligning doors and drawers. Longer screws can be used through the face frame for a more secure connection.
Frameless cabinets, on the other hand, require more precise installation due to the absence of a face frame. The cabinet boxes themselves need to be perfectly aligned for the doors to operate smoothly. Specialized hardware and shorter screws are used to connect cabinets together. While some experienced DIYers may be able to install frameless cabinets, installation often benefits from professional expertise to ensure proper alignment and functionality.
Things To Consider When Choosing Face Frame vs. Frameless Cabinets
When picking your new set of framed or frameless cabinets, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Space: If you're working with a small kitchen or bathroom, choosing frameless cabinets that maximize the space can make a significant difference.
- Glass cabinets: If you want to install glass cabinet doors, framed cabinets are the better option, as they will keep the hinges hidden.
- Design: Frameless cabinets provide a sleeker look than framed cabinets and are a popular choice for contemporary or modern kitchens and bathrooms. For a more traditional look, framed cabinets will give you the design style you're envisioning.
- Personal preference: Whether framed or frameless cabinets are the best choice for you comes down to your personal preference and needs.
Looking for an expert opinion? Our NKBA-certified designers can help you envision both options in your space with a free 3D kitchen design.
Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets FAQs
Are framed cabinets better than frameless?
There isn't a simple answer to whether framed or frameless cabinets are better. They both have pros and cons, and the best choice for you depends on your priorities for your kitchen or bathroom.
If you’re seeking a traditional style with more options to choose from, you might prefer framed cabinets. These cabinets are also generally less expensive and may offer slightly more structural support.
On the other hand, frameless cabinets are a great choice for modern and contemporary designs. They also offer slightly more storage space, which may prove worthwhile in smaller kitchens and bathrooms.
What is the difference between frameless and framed cabinet hinges?
Framed cabinet hinges attach to the face frame, while frameless hinges mount directly onto the cabinet box itself, often with full overlay doors to hide them.
What type of cabinets last the longest?
There's no inherent difference in durability between framed and frameless cabinets if both are made with high-quality materials and construction. Cabinet care and the weight they hold over time can also impact how long they last.
The choice between framed vs. frameless cabinets ultimately comes down to aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Framed cabinets offer a traditional look and potentially lower cost, while frameless varieties provide a modern aesthetic, increased storage space, and easier access. When made with high-quality materials, both types of cabinets can offer excellent durability for many years to come.
Whether you prefer framed or frameless cabinets, we have exactly what you’re looking for. Browse our selection of high-quality kitchen cabinets available in classic and trending styles for the perfect addition to your kitchen remodel.
