Choosing between framed and frameless cabinets will impact the space efficiency, style, and functionality of your kitchen. Frameless cabinets, also known as European-style cabinets, are invaluable for maximizing storage space while offering modern appeal. On the other hand, framed cabinets offer a more traditional style but compromise on storage. This article will guide you through the storage differences of frameless and framed cabinets while exploring other key details, such as installation and design potential.
What Are Framed Cabinets?
Framed cabinetry has a solid wood face frame that is attached to the cabinet box, with cutouts for the door and drawer openings. The doors are then attached to the face frame.
Framed construction allows you to choose between various door styles, such as inset, partial, and full overlay doors. Additionally, framed construction is often more durable because the face frame offers additional support.
However, there are some downsides to frame cabinetry. One is that it requires very precise installation or the doors will be difficult to open. Another crucial factor is that the cabinet opening is smaller, meaning that you cannot get full access to the cabinet’s interior.
What Are Frameless Cabinets?
Frameless cabinets have a strong European influence and streamlined appearance. This style does not have a visible frame; instead, the door covers the entire front and is attached to the cabinet box with invisible hinges.
The frameless cabinet’s clean aesthetic isn’t just about appearances; it also ensures maximum space optimization. With no face frame, you can access the entire cabinet interior, which is ideal for wide items like baking trays, organizers, or small appliances. Full overlay doors are the standard for all frameless cabinets.
While the absence of a face frame slightly decreases the structural stability, working with a trusted supplier like iCabinetry Direct ensures you get a beautiful product without compromising quality.
Which Cabinet Has More Storage Space?
When considering framed vs. frameless cabinets, storage efficiency is a primary factor. Frameless cabinets provide full access to the cabinet interior, making corners easier to reach. You’ll enjoy wider drawers and more flexible shelving, perfect for larger items like stowing your toaster when it’s not in use.
Of the two construction methods, framed cabinetry has slightly more structural stability, as the face frame and interior pillar helps to support the cabinet box. However, this comes at the cost of slightly reduced usable volume, which can be a sticking point for some homeowners.
How Much More Storage Space Do Frameless Cabinets Offer?
Frameless cabinetry has about 10% to 20% additional storage space. In other words, for every ten cabinets, frameless construction can yield up to one extra cabinet’s worth of storage when compared to framed construction. This is a major reason why frameless cabinetry is one of the most popular custom cabinet design options for homeowners with smaller kitchens, where every inch matters.
Which Cabinet Is Easier To Install?
DIY homeowners may worry about the installation know-how they’ll need for framed vs. frameless cabinets. Both cabinetry styles can be installed by the savvy do-it-yourselfer, but frameless cabinets require greater precision in leveling and spacing.
This is because the cabinet doors are directly on top of the cabinet box rather than set in or on a frame. Without precise measurements, the doors may rub against the cabinet side or overlap the adjacent cabinet. The drawer fronts also must be perfectly aligned or they could accidentally damage the doors.
Additionally, frameless cabinets require specialty hinges, called invisible hinges, to support the sleek lines and minimalist aesthetic. While these are not hard to install, they do require careful leveling and spacing.
Frame cabinets are a little easier to install because the manufacturer has already set the face frame, which provides a simple visual guide for where to hang the doors.
Which Cabinet Is More Expensive?
Budget constraints also play a role when choosing framed vs. frameless cabinets. Framed cabinets can sometimes be cheaper for stock models, making them a prime choice for those who need maximum cost-effectiveness. However, frameless cabinets cost less for custom designs because of the streamlined manufacturing process; the cabinet makers do not need to set in face frames.
You also need to consider elements like materials, finishes, and customization. For example, a solid wood framed cabinet with soft-close hinges, premium finishes, and high-end hardware may be more expensive than a frameless cabinet without these details.
Our team will walk you through your options regarding custom vs. semi-custom cabinetry to ensure you get exactly what you need.
Benefits of Frameless Cabinets
Frameless cabinets combine a classic aesthetic with modern chic. These cabinets improve efficiency, style, and customization flexibility, making them an excellent long-term investment.
Customizable
Since there’s no bulky frame taking up space in frameless cabinets, they’re easier to access than framed cabinets.
Homeowners can adjust the shelving with minimal effort, as there’s no center stile in the way, and the drawer and door margins are less than one-quarter inch. Because of this, you can accommodate your evolving storage needs, such as switching dinnerware for appliances or adding more shelving for smaller items.
Modern Style
If you want a modern style for your kitchen, frameless cabinets are the way to go. This sleek kitchen design visually expands smaller kitchens while maximizing storage, making it an excellent option for tiny houses or tight layouts. The clean, neat appearance perfectly accents more European or minimalist designs.
Open Shelving Potential
Homeowners love the flexibility of frameless cabinets. Simply removing the doors can convert a closed cabinet to open shelving, which is a highly affordable way to refresh your kitchen’s style. You can even swap full wood doors for glass panels to create a more high-end look.
Long-Term Durability and Maintenance
Frameless cabinetry requires high-quality materials to maintain structural integrity, as otherwise the cabinets may begin to droop or sag. Unlike framed cabinetry, which occasionally has a center stile and face frame to support the doors, all the weight of frameless cabinets has to be distributed through the cabinet box.
As such, framed cabinetry can more easily support heavy doors or long-term everyday use, even with low-end stock options. However, purchasing high-quality frameless cabinetry from a trusted supplier like iCabinetry Direct reduces the risk of your cabinets collapsing or warping.
To keep your cabinets in good shape, adjust the hinges if you notice rubbing or sagging. You should also tighten the hardware periodically, especially during seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity.
How To Choose Between Framed and Frameless Cabinets for Your Kitchen?
Having explored both framed and frameless cabinetry, it’s time to make a decision. Consider these factors when making your choice.
- Frameless Cabinets: These are a superior option for those who want maximum access to interior storage areas and a neat, streamlined aesthetic. However, they are slightly less structurally sound and may need additional maintenance.
- Framed Cabinets: Due to the center stile and face plate, framed cabinets are a bit stronger, making them good for everyday wear. Stock and semi-custom options may be more affordable. However, the interior space is more limited, and they are less flexible in terms of organization configurations.
What Kitchen Designs Utilize Frameless Cabinets?
As one of the most popular modern cabinet styles, frameless cabinets are a superior choice for European, contemporary, and transitional designs. They pair beautifully with high-contrast modern finishes, such as black-and-white or white-and-navy. Minimalist hardware further accentuates their stark, clean look.
In terms of design traditions, frameless cabinet construction is most closely associated with Scandinavian decor, particularly with neutrals or natural wood finishes.
Explore kitchen design inspiration by reviewing our project gallery, where you can see what other homeowners and designers have done with our high-quality cabinetry options. We offer free design tools and personalized consultations to help you find the perfect fit for your home.
What Doors Fit With Frameless Cabinets?
You have a wide range of cabinet door options to suit your specific tastes. Matte slab doors are one of the most popular modern kitchen door styles, especially when paired with streamlined hardware in brushed nickel or matte black. These perfectly emphasize what draws so many people to frameless cabinetry.
For those who want a more transitional look, consider a recessed panel or five-piece door, which adds additional visual appeal without excessive ornamentation. You might choose a natural wood finish, like cherry or maple, and use tapered pulls or round knobs.
Another popular choice is two-tone finishes, which can add a pop of color to your kitchen. Consider sharp contrasts, like an off-white with a marine blue, depending on the overall aesthetic.
Our team is here to walk you through every element of your cabinetry design process, ensuring that you’re perfectly satisfied with your purchase. We can help you decide between door styles, finishes, and hardware depending on what you’d like to emphasize in your new kitchen. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or professional designer, we have an abundant selection of high-quality products to suit your needs.
Find the Perfect Cabinets for Your Kitchen with iCabinetry Direct
Our Ultracraft frameless cabinets are a curated, proprietary collection. Inspired by European heritage but built in the United States, they combine elegant profiles with the best in cabinet construction.
iCabinetry Direct is one of the most trusted cabinet suppliers in the business thanks to our years of expertise, high-quality products, and personalized design consultations. Whether you’re seeking frameless or framed cabinets, iCabinetry Direct can help you find your perfect match. Contact us today to discuss your specific cabinetry needs.
FAQs about Frameless vs Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinetry is typically considered more durable because the face frame and center stile add more structural support. This makes them suitable for heavy use, such as busy families who want a low-maintenance option.
However, well-made cabinetry can be equally durable while also adding more interior space. If made of high-quality materials like solid wood or plywood, these products can last decades with minimal maintenance.
Yes. These kitchen cabinets require European hinges, also known as concealed hinges, to create a seamless appearance. These must be carefully aligned to ensure that the doors do not overlap or sag.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to combine both framed and frameless cabinetry in your kitchen. For example, you might choose frameless cabinets for your base cabinets, as the full overlay doors provide extra storage space for large appliances. Then, accent them with framed cabinets on top for your dishware and other needs.
On the other hand, you may choose frameless cabinets for your uppers, because they can be easily converted to open shelving if you decide you’d like a different configuration. Our consultants can help you determine which is best for your needs.
A plywood or solid wood frame is the best choice for frameless cabinet construction. Because the structural integrity relies entirely on the cabinet box, you need strong materials that can support the doors and drawers.
When considering framed vs. frameless cabinets for resale value, it depends on the overall aesthetic of the home. You may choose framed cabinets for a more traditional design, while a modern design may look better with frameless cabinets. However, because frameless cabinets are typically more expensive, they may improve the resale value.
