Frameless Vs. Framed Cabinets: Pros and Cons

Choosing the right and appropriate kitchen cabinetry is one of the most important decisions you must make as a homeowner. So, choosing between framed and frameless cabinets can be a tough job. Both have their unique features and advantages. Now, the only way to narrow down that choice is to help you consider what you need.

In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of framed and frameless cabinets so you can decide which one to choose for your kitchen.

Framed Cabinets

A standard cabinetry style found in many American homes, you’ll quickly identify them by their doors and drawer fronts that rest against the frame. It is characterized by door hinges attached directly to its face frames. This may be the best type for people who are into traditional kitchens because of its classy and vintage look. Its other pros are as follows:

• Style flexibility
• Door and drawer styles
• Solidly anchored hinges to hardwood face frames
• Sturdy, easy-to-adjust cabinet doors
• The frames stop the cabinet from getting out of shape

Its mitered corners add a professional, polished look. Framed cabinets also tend to be more robust and more durable. Although they may be more expensive, they can provide a more streamlined and modern look to a kitchen. Its cons?

• requires more material than frameless cabinets
• typically, 10 to 20 percent more expensive because of the hardwood material
• they tend to be thicker
• roll-outs and drawers have less interior space

Frameless Cabinets

This is a cabinet construction that is known to have stemmed from Europe. Often, kitchen cabinet remodeling companies refer to frameless cabinets as contemporary or modern cabinets. From its name, it’s a cabinet that doesn’t have frames. You’ll know one when you see that its doors and drawers directly rest across the edges of cabinet boxes. Its hinges are attached to the cabinet walls’ sides, making them more aesthetically pleasing. Here are its advantages:

• More storage space
• Sleek, modern look
• Opting for open shelving is possible
• Shelves are easy to mount
• Door style options
• Versatile and customizable

If you’re a do-it-yourself type, frameless cabinets might not be your best option. They require a fair amount of drilling and installation. But opting for frameless cabinets also has its fair number of disadvantages:

• Hinges need often adjusting
• Less sturdy
• challenging to install, especially on uneven walls or floors
• trendy, making it more expensive than framed cabinets
• standard inset and overlay construction may not be available

With these, sometimes it would make you think that framed cabinets might be the best choice. And leaving them in the hands of professional kitchen renovators may be best.

Which is better?

That question will be answered only by you. If your kitchen style is leaning on a modern, contemporary look, go for the frameless cabinets. If you are after a classy and elegant kitchen, then framed cabinetry might serve you well. But above the aesthetics, always remember to prioritize its function for you and your family.

If you want help deciding or are interested in bringing the look and functionality of your kitchen cabinets to the next level, contact us at (714) 961-1900 or visit our website at www.mrcabinetcare.com/.