Framed and frameless cabinets differ in style, design, appearance, construction, how the doors are attached, and the amount of storage space they offer.
Joshua Mushell, President of Baltimore-based Denbrook Kitchens, shares his insights on framed and frameless cabinets.
He said, “A framed cabinet has a rectangular ‘picture frame’ in the front. The doors hang on the frame to the outside. The cabinet box is connected to the frame on the inside, often set in a routed-out groove. The frame keeps the box square, so all the corners are exactly 90 degrees.”
He added, “A frameless cabinet generally requires thicker side walls than a framed cabinet and needs a system like corner brackets and/or stretchers to maintain the cabinet in the square.”
The variation of these types of cabinets stems from their unique construction methods, which define each type’s overall look and functionality. So, what sets framed and frameless cabinets apart? Let’s break it down.
| Feature | Framed Kitchen Cabinets | Frameless Kitchen Cabinets |
| Style | Traditional, American Style | Modern, European Style |
| Design | With 1 ½ inch Face Frame | No Face Frame |
| Appearance | Visible face frame, multiple design options | Visible fronts with a clean, minimalist look |
| Construction | The face frame enhances strength and durability | Constructed with a thick box for extra strength and stability |
| Door Attachment | Doors attached to the frame | Attached directly to the cabinet box side |
| Storage Space | Reduced storage space due to the frame | Provides more storage space |
Framed Kitchen Cabinets
Framed cabinets feature a face frame, similar to a picture frame, with doors securely attached to it. The face frame provides strength and durability, making the cabinets sturdy and long-lasting.
The face frame also simplifies installation and makes adjusting doors and drawers easier. Additionally, when attached to the face frame, the hinges give the doors a sturdy foundation and keep the cabinets well-supported.
Joshua also adds, “Most of the traditional cabinet styles had picture frame doors hung on a framed cabinet. That door, whether rectangular or arched, had an inserted or central panel. That panel could be flat, raised with a routed pattern or glass.”
Although the face frame adds strength and durability, it also reduces the available storage space in the cabinets. Additionally, covering the exposed seams requires more materials because of the frame’s need for skin panels.
Joshua also explains the key differences in how plywood ends are treated in framed and frameless cabinets:
“Almost all cabinet boxes are constructed with plywood, a series of thin wood layers wherein the sides are nicely finished and can be painted, stained, or laminated. However, the plywood ends are rough!
Framed cabinets bury these ends into the routed frame groove and are never seen from the front. Frameless cabinet ends are seen with the door open. Hence, they usually apply a plastic edging film to cover the plywood ends.”
These kitchen cabinets accommodate various door styles, such as partial and full overlays or inset doors, to provide multiple design options. Framed cabinets offer a flexible design to easily customize your kitchen cabinetry’s look and feel.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Increased Stability | ✘ Require Skins |
| ✔ Minimal Racking | ✘ Reduced interior space |
| ✔ More size and modification options | ✘ Limited access to cabinet interiors |
| ✔ Easy Installation | ✘ Prone to dust and dirt buildup along the face frame edges |
| ✔ Sturdy Construction | ✘ Potentially dated design |
| ✔ Traditional Aesthetic | |
| ✔ Wide range of customization choices | |
| ✔ Cost-effective |
Frameless Kitchen Cabinets
Frameless cabinets have no face frame on the front to create a sleek, modern appearance. These cabinets provide full access to the interior, making it easier to reach items in the back and adjust shelves as needed.
Installing these cabinets reveals only the flat door and drawer fronts, resulting in a clean, minimalist appearance. Without additional frames, frameless cabinets rely on a thicker box for added stability.
Joshua notes, “Euro-style cabinets, such as with flat panel doors, are almost always frameless. Today, you can find many traditional door styles in frameless cabinets as well.”
Without a face frame, the cabinets and drawers are larger and offer more storage space than traditional framed cabinets. Additionally, having full access to the cabinet interiors simplifies cleaning.
Caryn Grossman, ASID of CG Interiors Group, emphasizes that frameless cabinets require high-quality materials and precise craftsmanship for stability.
She said, “Fully frameless cabinets, due to their lack of a supportive frame, require the use of premium materials and precise craftsmanship, demanding quality, durable materials to ensure stability. Stylistically, we typically find frameless cabinets sporting a flat slab door, creating a sophisticated and streamlined aesthetic.”
In frameless kitchen cabinets, the cabinet box sides directly mount the hinges. This can make the hinges less reliable, as manufacturers typically use engineered wood for the sidewalls. The cabinet may be less sturdy than framed cabinets without the face frame.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Larger drawer capacity for extra storage | ✘ Fewer size and modification options |
| ✔ Full access to interiors without a center stile | ✘ Requires more fillers to fit properly |
| ✔ Factory-finished sides for a sleek, seamless look | ✘ Demands precise installation for proper functionality |
| ✔ Modern, streamlined design | ✘ Higher upfront cost compared to framed cabinets |
| ✔ Easy to clean and maintain | ✘ Potential durability issues with hinges |
| ✔ Smooth, cohesive appearance |
Which One is Best for You
Choosing between framed and frameless cabinets ultimately depends on your specific kitchen needs. For small kitchens, frameless cabinets are the best choice to maximize space. If you plan to install glass cabinets, choose framed cabinets to keep the hinges hidden.
Joshua highlights an important factor to consider when choosing between framed and frameless cabinets. He said, “I think a major consideration to your choice of framed vs. frameless is how level are your floors. If your floors are not level, a framed cabinet is much easier to install and maintain its original square shape.”
He adds, “Framed cabinet doors have 1/4″-3/4″ reveal of the frame. Frameless cabinet doors have no reveal and must cover the entire box.”
Weight can also play a role in your decision. Joshua explained, “As noted, frameless cabinets are heavier both in the base and the wall cabinets as they utilize 3/4″ or even 7/8″ lumber vs. 3/8″-1/2″ for framing. Frameless also require hinges with greater flexibility & range of motion than framed cabinets to allow you to square the door with the frame.”
If you are aiming for a modern look and don’t mind spending more or keeping up with regular maintenance, frameless cabinets are a great choice. However, if you prefer a budget-friendly option that offers durability, stability, and customizable design, framed cabinets are the better fit.
Joshua points out, “Most framed cabinets come with their side panels finished, whereas most frameless cabinets come with their side panels unfinished. They, therefore, require additional finished side panels. You must add the cost and extra width of these side panels to your calculations.”
In other words, frameless cabinets often require additional finished panels, which can increase both the cost and the space they take up. Read our article on why are kitchen cabinets so expensive to learn the reasons behind the cost.
Lastly, for a classic, traditional style, framed cabinets are the perfect choice. If you prefer a sleek, modern look, frameless cabinets are ideal, especially for contemporary kitchens.
Other Factors Influencing Cabinet Choices
Deciding between framed and frameless kitchen cabinets comes down to your priorities. By considering your budget, style preferences, and functional needs, you can choose the option that best suits your kitchen.
However, there are additional factors that should also be taken into account. Joshua explained, “Framed vs. Frameless is a factor that should be considered along with other cabinet features.
Ultimately, however, I think consumers will choose their cabinets based on major factors like color, style, manufacture, availability, and price.
“Your decorator, designer, distributor, and contractor will have a significant influence on that final decision,” says Joshua.
Expert Guidance on Framed vs Frameless Cabinets
Deciding between framed and frameless kitchen cabinets can impact both the look and functionality of your kitchen. Framed cabinets offer a more traditional look with added durability, while frameless cabinets provide a sleek, modern design with more accessible storage.
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Read more kitchen cabinet articles:
- Types of Kitchen Cabinets: What’s the Difference?
- Kitchen Cabinet Construction Grades
- Standard Kitchen Cabinet Sizes: What You Need to Know
- 6 Kitchen Corner Cabinet Solutions
Main Photo Credit: Framed: Wollwerth Imagery / Adobe Stock Free / License, Frameless: starush / Adobe Stock Free / License, created using Canva Pro.
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