Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets: Understanding the Differences
Whether you’re well into your remodel or just getting started on your journey, you’ve probably heard about framed and frameless cabinets. There seems to be a never-ending debate about which is the ‘better’ option in terms of both design and cabinet construction.
In order to ‘clear the air’ so to speak, we’ve created an in-depth breakdown to help you understand each style, construction, and design options. Let’s get started!
Framed Cabinets
Main Characteristics
Framed cabinet construction will vary by brand and cabinet line, but the most noteworthy feature of this cabinet is the hardwood face frame. The face frame is a wood frame lining the front of the cabinet box, and all cabinet hardware is installed on the face frame and door.
This is a common construction method for American-made cabinetry and offers more stability during shipping. Additionally, this style is great for homeowners who love the added character of framed construction.
Pros
Hardwood face frames prevent assembled cabinets from racking or leaning to one side prior to installation and are stronger during transit. This feature also provides a more traditional American-made cabinet look. Many cabinet manufacturers offer this style because it’s easy to manufacture, has great character, and will last for years to come.
Cons
Drawer boxes will lose some storage space because they sit inside of the 1-½" face frame. Door hinges are also screwed right into the frame and door leaving slightly less space at the opening of the cabinet. Lastly, some framed cabinets need finished wood panels to make any exposed ends appear flush because of the overhang of the face frame.
Door Styles and Finishes
Typically, framed cabinets have large style and color catalogs ranging from very traditional, like our Winfield door, to modern styles like Jensen, and everything in between. Many cabinet dealers, like CliqStudios, have an abundance of on-trend colors as well as timeless and traditional finishes in both paints and stains.
Framed Cabinet Construction
High-quality framed cabinetry, like our Signature Plus line below, usually includes popular features like dovetail drawer boxes and soft-close hardware. Many of our framed cabinets are available in furniture board and all-plywood construction, allowing you to pick the best option for your project and budget.
Major features to take note of include the hardwood face frame, furniture board I-beam braces, fully concealed soft-close cup hinges screwed into the face frame and door, and the drawer box sitting within the frames opening. We offer framed cabinets in our fully assembled custom lines and in our Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) lines.
Frameless Cabinets
Main Characteristics
Frameless cabinets are known for their more European look. This is because this cabinet type has no face frame and exudes sleek and clean lines. Cabinet hardware for this style is installed directly inside the door and cabinet wall. Another easy way to distinguish frameless cabinets is by their unique measurements.
Although this style of cabinet was mainly produced in Europe for years, it has now made its way to the U.S. because of its beauty, simplicity, and fashion-forward cabinet styles. This type of cabinet is perfect for someone who values clean lines or contemporary design.
Pros
Also known as ‘full access’ cabinets, this means frameless cabinets do in fact offer slightly more storage space than framed. Other benefits include the streamlined look due to the minimal gap between cabinet doors, the edgy European style, and thicker cabinet walls.
Cons
Measurements can be outside the norm because most often, frameless cabinets are based on European drilling equipment. This means things like pantry cabinets may be shorter and need to be stacked with other cabinets to achieve the desired height. In relation to assembled frameless cabinets, the lack of a face frame can also make them more susceptible to shifting before installation.
However, once these cabinets are installed, they have just as much structural integrity as a framed cabinet. At CliqStudios, we only offer Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) frameless cabinetry so you never have to worry about this issue.
Door Styles & Finishes
Frameless cabinets have taken off in the U.S., and many cabinet suppliers are starting to offer more styles and finishes. What would typically be a very modern or contemporary style cabinet in Europe is transitioning to any style and color to stay on par with the ever-changing tastes of American homeowners. Frameless styles include textured doors like our Mesa Ash Wood, high-gloss slab doors like Belhaven Luster, and even transitional door styles.
Frameless Cabinet Construction
The main differences in frameless cabinet construction are quite different from framed. Looking at our RTA frameless cabinet line, the cabinet walls are architectural grade ¾" plywood. Additionally, frameless styles can offer easy-level leg systems with clip-on toe kicks. This provides more versatility and convenience during installation.
Without a face frame, frameless cabinets are edge-banded on the front to match the door style and finish. Some cabinet lines also sell deeper end panels to create a more flush, inset look with frameless styles. We offer a variety of frameless cabinets in our Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinet line.
Framed & Frameless Pricing
Like most cabinet price comparisons, the cost will vary between these construction styles. Frameless cabinets can cost more, but that is dependent on region, cabinet line i.e., semi-custom or custom, installation costs, and whether the cabinet is RTA or assembled. As always, talk to a designer for customized pricing to see what will work best for your budget and needs.
In Conclusion
It's clear to see both cabinets are attractive for different reasons with frameless being slightly more streamlined and framed offering more character visually, among many other things. This choice is completely based on individual preferences like design, storage, and functionality. No matter what type of cabinet you choose, you are sure to be happy with the result.
Talk to a designer to get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the shipping options available at CliqStudios to deliver framed or frameless cabinets in the USA?
We offer free shipping on orders above $3500 regardless of the cabinet line. Visit our delivery page for more details.
How many framed and frameless cabinet colors and finishes are available at CliqStudios?
CliqStudios offers around 100 finishes in our framed and frameless cabinet lines. Speak with a designer for details.
Which is the best-selling CliqStudios framed cabinet?
The best-selling CliqStudios framed cabinet is our shaker door style.
