Your kitchen is one of the most important spaces in the home, but many homeowners seeking new cabinets aren’t sure which type will match their vision. You might have never considered the difference between overlay and inset cabinetry, especially in terms of budget considerations and design preferences.
Thankfully, iCabinetry Direct’s experts are here to explain how to decide between inset vs. overlay cabinets. Our comprehensive guide will dive into the different construction methods, storage space differences, and practical considerations to help you determine which will best meet your needs.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a firm idea of whether inset or overlay cabinets best meet your needs, so you can explore our curated selection of high-quality cabinetry with confidence.
Inset vs Overlay – what’s the difference?
The key difference between inset doors and overlay doors is the door’s orientation to the cabinet frame.
Inset doors sit flush with the face frame, which requires precise craftsmanship. This means there is slightly less storage space, but it also has a timeless appeal that perfectly complements a traditional, transitional, or modern aesthetic.
On the other hand, overlay styles have doors that sit on top of the face frame, providing more interior storage space. This gives them a more traditional appearance that meets the functional needs of a family home. They are generally more affordable, so they are a common selection for house flippers or apartment managers.
However, either option can be the right choice for you, depending on your specific tastes. Contact us to discuss your project in further detail, and we’ll help you select the best option.
Inset kitchen cabinets
Inset cabinets provide a streamlined appearance and timeless elegance because the cabinet doors and drawers are completely flush with the frame opening. These clean lines give them a built-in look without the higher price tag of fully bespoke cabinets.
Many homeowners like inset cabinets for smaller spaces because they don’t need to worry about bumping into a door. However, there is slightly less interior space because the doors are set inside the frame. They also require precision craftsmanship, exact measurements, and high-quality materials. Without precise installation, the doors will stick or jam.
Inset cabinet doors might be the perfect choice for your dream kitchen, especially if you like these styles:
- Traditional luxe
- Shaker style
- Farmhouse chic
- Contemporary aesthetic
You cannot open inset cabinetry without a push-to-open mechanism or hardware, like pulls or knobs. This, while not a problem for many people, may make them less than ideal for families with young children or seniors.
Overlay kitchen cabinets
Overlay cabinets have doors that sit outside of the face frame; they “lay over” the frame. Full overlay cabinets have doors that cover the entire frame, while partial overlay doors keep some of the cabinet frame visible.
Overlay cabinets offer cost efficiency and easy installation, which is why they are a popular choice in rental properties or modern builder-grade kitchens. Because the door is not inside the frame, it provides more storage space, making the most of tight kitchen layouts.
The small gap between the door and the frame also means that partial-overlay doors can be pulled open without using the handle, making them a good choice for family homes.
These cabinets are a popular, budget-friendly choice in styles such as:
- Traditional Georgian or colonial
- Transitional designs
- Coastal kitchens
- Modern European or Scandinavian
One downside of overlay cabinets is that the doors swing out wider than those of inset cabinets. While this does allow you to access the interior fully, it may block other cabinets or appliances, and it can be a problem in tight layouts like U-shaped or galley-style kitchens. It also means that they are more prone to dings and scratches on the corners unless the homeowner is careful.
Inset vs Overlay Cabinets- Pros and Cons
The choice between inset cabinets and overlay cabinets depends on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and lifestyle, as each has pros and cons.
Inset Kitchen Cabinets- Pros
- Skilled Craftsmanship: They require precise measurements, making them a great choice for high-end builds.
- Aesthetic Appeal: These offer the look and feel of built-ins without the high price.
- Versatile: Inset cabinets have been around for centuries, so they are easier to blend with historic home styles like mock Tudor.
While inset cabinets are often preferred for historic home remodels, they have also become very popular in modern design movements like Scandinavian and Japandi. Specific finishes and hardware choices can completely revitalize their look, while certain finishes can help them feel fresh and trendy.
Inset Kitchen Cabinets- Cons
- Higher Price Point: The high material quality, exact measurements, and intricate details mean they have a higher cost.
- Less Efficient Use of Space: Inset cabinets have a slight reduction in storage space, which can matter for smaller kitchens.
- More High-Maintenance: You need to adjust the doors and clean them, or they will get stuck.
However, don’t dismiss inset cabinets. They are more durable than other cabinet styles, which means that you will not need to replace them for years or even decades. As such, they can be a good option for buyers who are settling into their forever home and seeking a long-term investment.
Overlay Kitchen Cabinets- Pros
With full overlay, the doors entirely cover the cabinet frame, which creates a seamless and trendy look, while partial overlay has a small part of the frame visible. Either of these options can be the right choice for you, depending on what style you prefer. Each of them have similar pros.
- More Affordable: Labor costs are lower, making them a budget-friendly choice.
- Easy to Open: Partial-overshade doors can be opened without hardware, making them a good choice for families with small children.
- More Storage: Full-overlay cabinets not only have a seamless, flush appearance but also let you access the entire interior.
Overlay Kitchen Cabinets- Cons
- Exposed Corners: Doors are more likely to get scratched or dinged, so they may need to be repaired more frequently.
- Less Personalized Look: Even high-quality overlay cabinets lack the built-in appearance of inset cabinets.
- Lower Resale Value: More homeowners are choosing to replace this style with something trendier, so overlay cabinets may not improve resale value.
Though overlay cabinets are not considered trendy anymore, they are still a great choice for fast kitchen flips or budget remodels, as they have shorter lead times and are more affordable than inset cabinets. Our designers can help you decide whether this style may work well, depending on your budget and overall goals.
How to get affordable inset kitchen cabinets
When you buy kitchen cabinets online, you can get the same products you’d find in a showroom, but at a lower price. iCabinetry Direct has partnered with the best cabinetmakers in the business.
Not only can you chat with our team members for personalized support or use our free measuring tools, but you can also order everything from the comfort of your home.
We offer high-quality, affordable custom inset cabinetry, delivered to your doorstep fully assembled. This is not only more convenient than driving around to multiple home improvement stores, but it also means you’re not paying for a showroom’s operational expenses: just labor, materials, and shipping.
Browse our products to see our many options for both inset and overlay cabinetry, or check out the inspiration gallery to see how others have upgraded their kitchens with our products. We offer a variety of door styles and finishes for both inset and overlay cabinets, so you can get a customized look without the high price tag.
Ready to chat? Call us at 877-734-5032 or fill out our contact form.
FAQs About Inset and Overlay Cabinets
Inset doors are set inside the cabinet’s face frame, giving them a flush and built-in appearance that suggests fine craftsmanship. Overlay cabinets have doors that “lay over” the frame. With a full overlay, they completely cover the cabinet box, while a partial overlay has an exposed frame.
Yes, they are worth the cost. These are made with great care and the finest materials, so they are guaranteed to last for years. Additionally, having doors set inside the frame means they are less likely to get dinged up or scratched.
Yes, this is a very popular choice for modern kitchens. Many choose to use a full overlay for the base cabinets because they provide extra space for bulky appliances or dishware. Partial or custom inset doors for the upper cabinets give the room a neat, built-in appearance. This option also lets you enjoy the timeless elegance of inset doors without the higher cost of a full set of inset cabinets.
Inset cabinets are more durable. They are often made from premium materials like solid wood or plywood, and the precise measurements mean they are built to last. With regular adjustments and careful maintenance, you can enjoy your inset cabinets for decades to come.
Inset cabinets are not a common stock option because they require such a rigorous quality assurance process, so buying them online is often your best bet.
iCabinetry Direct’s iStyle Custom Starmark Inset cabinet line is a premium collection of inset cabinets designed in collaboration with Starmark, a trusted cabinet manufacturer with a reputation for quality work. You can select from multiple wood species, such as oak, alder, and maple, depending on your specific preferences. You can also choose from several types of Shaker-style doors, including ones with beadboard insets.
