What Is The Difference Between Framed And Frameless Cabinets?

By Author: Jason Delmar
Total Articles: 333
Comment this article

When homeowners start their often tedious search for kitchen cabinets, they usually focus on the look and design of the doors. People rarely stop to think about what else cabinets consist of, which is actually the most important part of cabinets. The structure to which the doors are attached is the main component of kitchen cabinets. Without that structure, cabinets would functionality and durability.

With the thousands of cabinet styles on the market, there are really only two types of cabinet box construction- framed and frameless. Each style represents a completely unique way of constructing the cabinet. Not to mention, the overall appearance and functionality is distinguished as well.

Framed Construction: This is the more traditional method of cabinet construction. It consists of a front frame with rails and stiles around the cabinet opening, to which the door(s) is attached. Not only are they easier to install, but they offer more contact surface for adhering to the cabinet box. Traditionally, glue, staples, dowels, screws, or even cam locks are used for locking the cabinet together.

Frameless Construction: ...
... This particular style is also referred to as European-style cabinets. It consists of a box without a front frame. This makes for a more contemporary style. Also, there are no rails or stiles blocking the way so access is made easy. Special hardware fittings are used to attach the door and pin and dowel is used in the construction. While it offers more access, you are removing some of the rigidity from the cabinet which means the cabinets will require additional support.

Aside from the outside frame, the actual box undergoes its own construction. During its construction, special attention must be given to the kitchens frequent moisture changes. Due to these changes in moisture levels, the box must be made from a material that can adjust well. It is rarely made from solid wood because wood tends to warp under such exposure. Instead, it is typically made from plywood, particleboard or furniture-grade flakeboard, or medium density fiberboard. While all of these materials are made from by products of wood, they all have different strength levels and moisture resistance levels, so it is important to research which one will be right for your kitchen.

The cabinet doors are typically made from a different material then the box they are attached to. In fact, solid wood is commonly used in the doors, such as oak, hickory or maple. The warp factor can be resolved by using multiple strips of the wood in a variety of sizes. This gives the door more flexibility under humid conditions.

Even though most cabinet manufacturers don't use solid wood for the cabinet box, almost all of them will use some sort of veneer or skin to help create a uniform look. In most cases, a thin layer of wood that matches the doors and/or faceframe will be used so that it can be stained to match the rest of the cabinet.

Regardless of whether you are looking for the modern look of european frameless cabinets, or the traditional look of framed cabinets, it is important look beyond just the doors and see what the cabinet is really made of.