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Frameless Kitchen Cabinets: Best Kitchen Cabinet For Today's Lifestyle!
Frameless kitchen cabinets and face frame cabinets are the two most common types of cabinets on the market. The biggest difference between the two is the way they are constructed and are commonly compared to one another so that homeowners can see the difference.
It's good to know how they differ since you may have a choice between the two types and after all, cabinets are a big investment and you want to get the best value for your money...
You'll probably like one more then the other and decide that's what you want for your new kitchen design. Most all North American cabinetmakers produce face frame cabinets but several do not produce frameless cabinets.
Frameless kitchen cabinets have been used in Europe for decades and it wasn't until recently that they have started to become popular in North America. Actually, frameless cabinets are often referred to as European cabinets.
Face frame cabinets on the other hand have been used in North America since production cabinets came into being. They first got their design from furniture. Some think that face frame cabinets have a more upscale look since they look like traditional furniture.
Frameless Kitchen Cabinets
Frameless kitchen cabinets have no face frame giving them their name. The box includes a top, bottom, two sides and a back giving it structural integrity with no frame applied to the front of the box. The doors are attached to the front of the box.
The doors and drawers will cover the entire box with just enough of a gap to let the doors and drawers of an adjacent cabinet clear one another. Because the doors and drawers cover more of the cabinet box, (with no frame), creates the biggest difference in the look between these two cabinet types.
They have a sleek simplified appearance and are usually associated with
contemporary kitchen design,
especially when slab doors are used like in the photo on this page. However, with different door profiles and finishes they can go perfectly with traditional and transitional kitchens.
Face Frame Kitchen Cabinets
Face frame cabinets are constructed using a partial box that is built with a hardwood frame attached to the front. The frame on the front and other supports is what gives the cabinets its structural integrity and name. This frame is clearly visible around the cabinet doors and drawers when the cabinet is complete.
Not to make things confusing but face frame cabinets have the option of being made to look like their frameless counterpart. This is done by building the doors and drawers larger to cover more of the frame. The frame is still there but it is more concealed. Usually this option costs more and is called "full overlay."
More on frameless cabinets and cabinet construction in this video.
Reasons Why Frameless May Be Better
Both versions are good choices but some would point out the following as being benefits of using frameless kitchen cabinets over face frame:
They lend themselves well to a simple, elegant style with their seamless look that is more up-to-date. They are often used with flush or slab doors to add to their sleek look in modern kitchen design.
They are full-access cabinets. One of the benefits of having no frame is that there is no frame in the way when you are storing your items. This allows you to place your large items inside the cabinets without tilting them to get past the frame.
There is also no vertical center stile in the way where two cabinet doors come together making it easier to store your kitchen items with no obstructions in the way. This allows you to store larger items.
You will have wider drawers with no frame that takes up valuable space from side to side. This provides you with more storage space in cabinets and drawers.
They are easier to clean with no frame in the way when wiping cabinets out.
The shelves are easily mounted since they slide straight in with no frame in the way.
They provide natural looking open shelving with no doors. With a face frame cabinet, this would look unnatural with the frame surrounding the face of the cabinet.
They are stronger overall with a solid wood box made of plywood or particleboard. (note: plywood always makes for better quality construction)
They are stronger after installation when attached to adjacent cabinets.
Both types of cabinets will serve you well. They both have a similar function but a style that is a bit different and accessibility that definitely favors frameless kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen design trends
show that face frame cabinets are still more popular but the frameless version is starting to come into favor by many that are having their kitchen remodeled. Available wood species, colors and door styles is similar for each depending on the cabinetmaker.
If you want a modern kitchen design then your decision is clearly to go with a frameless kitchen cabinet. The simplicity and streamlined look of this type goes hand in hand with contemporary design. If you want a traditional kitchen, you will want to use the face frame version or the frameless version with a traditional door style; either one will work.
If you visit a home improvement center or cabinet retailer, you will most likely find more face frame cabinets on display since the have been made in North America for so many years.
It is likely, however, that they will have a frameless kitchen cabinet available to look at as well. Look at the difference for yourself and see which you find to be the best for your
new kitchen design.
Knowing what your possibilities are will get you more of what you want!
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