Framed and Frameless Cabinets

Traditional framed cabinets and contemporary frameless cabinets offer endless style and design options for your kitchen. Both types provide homeowners with the quality and structural durability they need as well as offer multiple stock, semi-custom, and custom options to fit the design aesthetic they desire. Framed Cabinets Framed cabinet construction is a very common method of construction for cabinets manufactured in the United States. The cabinet frame resembles a flat picture frame that is attached to the cabinet’s door front, providing added dimension. Framed cabinets consist of plywood or particle board cabinet boxes held together by a 1.5-inch to 2-inch border or frame attached to the front to hide the edges of the cabinet box. This face frame also adds strength and sturdiness and help support the overall cabinet. Framed cabinets’ side panels are inset and attached to the stiles (the vertical member of the face frame) and rails (the horizontal portion of the face frame.) Door hinges can be attached to the outside face frame, leaving a reveal (partial overlay) or to the inside of the frame, creating a uniform, flush-mounted look. Framed cabinetry offers three different overlay styles: standard (or partial,) full, or inset, each offering a wide variety of design possibilities for creating a customized look. Based on material types and the size of your kitchen, stock framed cabinets start around $5,000, semi-custom framed cabinets cost around $10,000, and custom-built framed cabinets run between $20,000 – $30,000. Because they require more material, framed cabinets tend to be more expensive than similar frameless cabinets. A notable downside to framed cabinets is that they provide less storage due to their narrow door and drawer openings within the frame. Frameless Cabinets Originally popular in Europe, frameless cabinets are becoming popular among American homeowners seeking a simple, contemporary look. Frameless cabinets do not have a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. The cabinet doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet box and typically cover the entire cavity to create a sleek, unbroken appearance. Sometimes called “full access” cabinetry, frameless cabinets offer greater accessibility and storage because there is no face frame or center stile to narrow the opening. Again, the price of frameless cabinets varies due to material types and the size of your kitchen. Frameless cabinets are a bit less expensive due to less material needed, but you may have a difficult time finding a cabinet maker with expertise in frameless cabinetry. While framed cabinets are often found in traditional-style kitchens and frameless cabinets compliment the clean look of modern kitchens, don’t feel that you must obey these design “rules.” When choosing between framed and frameless cabinets, the choice should be determined by your budget and personal preferences. Give us a call at 678-445-5533 or stop by one of our showrooms today to discuss the features and benefits of framed and frameless cabinetry and which is the best choice for your kitchen. If you are looking for custom cabinets in Atlanta and looking for a reputable custom cabinet company then call us today.