Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets

What is framed cabinetry?

American cabinet manufacturers have traditionally built cabinets using a framed construction. In this type of cabinet construction, the rails and stiles form a 1-1/2 inch face "frame" at the front of the cabinet box. This frame resembles a flat picture frame that is attached to the door front, giving added dimension to the door front.

What are the advantages of framed cabinetry?

In framed cabinetry, the cabinet doors are secured to the frame, which gives the cabinet strength and sturdiness. Framed cabinets attach the door hinges to the frame face and shelves, and are usually adjustable. Partial and full overlay and inset cabinet doors, can be used with framed cabinets, giving you many design possibilities for creating a customized look for your cabinetry.

What is frameless cabinetry?

Frameless cabinet construction is a European way of manufacturing cabinets that has become popular among American homeowners seeking simple, more contemporary cabinet designs. Frameless cabinetry is sometimes called "full access" cabinetry because it offers greater accessibility by eliminating the face frame. Instead, it relies on thicker box construction for stability. Only full overlay doors can be used, with hinges attached directly to the sides of the cabinet box.

What are the advantages of frameless cabinetry?

In frameless construction, cabinets do not have a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. After they have been installed, all you will see are the flat door and drawer fronts, providing a sleek, simple aesthetic that can work with many design themes throughout the home.

Frameless cabinets do not have a center stile coming down in the middle of the two cabinet doors, providing easier access to the items inside, as well as more storage space to work with. The shelves are typically adjustable. Drawers in frameless cabinetry also tend to be larger because of the space saved by not having a face frame attached to the front.

How do you install framed cabinets?

The installation process for framed cabinets involves ensuring that the face frames of adjacent cabinets are aligned properly.

Steps to Install Framed Cabinets

• Cabinets are typically attached to the wall studs using screws through the back of the cabinet.
• The face frame of each cabinet is leveled and secured.
• Hinges are installed onto the face frame.
• Doors are then attached to the hinges.

How do you install frameless cabinets?

Frameless cabinet installation involves ensuring that each cabinet is leveled and properly aligned with adjacent cabinets.

Steps to Install Frameless Cabinets

• Frameless cabinets are often hung on a suspension rail that is securely attached to the wall studs. This rail supports the weight of the cabinets and ensures a level installation.
• Cabinet boxes are typically attached to the suspension rail using screws through the back of the cabinet or through brackets attached to the sides of the cabinet.
• Since frameless cabinets lack a face frame, hinges are directly attached to the sides of the cabinet box. Doors are then mounted onto these hinges.