FACE FRAME VS FRAMELESS KITCHEN CABINETS

By: Mike Cordeiro, AyA Kitchens

When planning a kitchen remodel or designing a new one from scratch, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right type of cabinetry. Beyond color, style, and material, the structure of your cabinets can significantly impact both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. Two primary types dominate the cabinetry world: face frame cabinets and frameless cabinets, like the kind offered by AyA Kitchens. Each has its pros and cons, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice that suits your needs, aesthetics, and budget.

Let’s dive into what sets these two cabinet styles apart—frameless and face frame—and explore their unique benefits, design aesthetics, and practical differences, so you can confidently choose the one that best suits your lifestyle, kitchen layout, and personal taste.

WHAT ARE FACE FRAME CABINETS?

Face frame cabinets are the traditional style of cabinetry, especially popular in American kitchens. These cabinets feature a 1.5-inch frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. This frame, made up of horizontal rails and vertical stiles, resembles a picture frame and adds structural support to the cabinet.

The cabinet doors are then attached to this frame, and there are three types of door overlays you’ll commonly find:

• • Partial overlay: The door covers only part of the frame.
• • Full overlay: The door covers most or all of the frame.
• • Inset: The door sits inside the frame, flush with the front.

WHAT ARE FRAMELESS CABIENTS?

Frameless cabinets, also known as “European-style cabinets,” do away with the front frame entirely. Instead, the cabinet doors are attached directly to the cabinet box, which is usually thicker to compensate for the lack of a frame. This style originated in Europe and has become increasingly popular in modern and contemporary kitchen designs.

Because there’s no face frame, the door overlays the entire front edge, giving frameless cabinets a sleeker, more seamless look. They also typically provide more accessible storage space compared to their framed counterparts.

VISUAL AESTHETICS

Face Frame Cabinets: Face frame cabinets have a classic, timeless appearance and tend to work well in traditional, rustic, farmhouse, or transitional kitchen designs. The visible frame gives a sense of craftsmanship and can make the kitchen feel warmer and more detailed. If you're going for that “homey” or classic Americana vibe, face frames are probably your friend.

Frameless Cabinets: Frameless cabinets offer a minimalist, clean look that suits modern, contemporary, and Scandinavian kitchen styles. Without the frame, lines are straighter and more consistent, which gives the cabinetry a sleek and sophisticated appearance. They also tend to look a little more high-end due to their seamless finish. Browse our AyA Gallery to see how frameless cabinets look in a variety of door styles.

STORAGE SPACE

One of the biggest functional differences lies in the interior space.

Face Frame Cabinets: Because of the interior frame, access to the cabinet opening can be slightly more restricted. The frame can interfere with inserting and removing larger items, and you may lose a bit of usable space around the edges.

Frameless Cabinets: Frameless cabinets offer more interior space, particularly in drawers and shelves. Since there's no face frame in the way, you're able to utilize the full width of the cabinet box. This makes frameless cabinets a favorite for smaller kitchens where every inch counts.

CONSTRUCTION & DURABILITY

Face Frame Cabinets: Thanks to the additional face frame, these cabinets are generally more rigid and durable. The frame provides extra support and helps keep the box square, which can be especially important during shipping, installation, or long-term use.

Frameless Cabinets: Frameless cabinets rely on thicker box construction (usually ¾" materials instead of ½") to maintain stability. While still durable, they may not be as sturdy over time if the materials or installation aren’t top quality. Precision is critical with frameless cabinetry, as even small errors in alignment can affect how the doors and drawers operate.

INSTALLATION

Face Frame Cabinets: Installation of framed cabinets is generally more forgiving. The face frame allows for minor adjustments, and you can shim or tweak as needed to get everything to line up properly. This can be helpful for older homes with uneven walls or floors.

Frameless Cabinets: Because there's less room for error, frameless cabinet installation must be exact. Any imperfections in your walls or floor may be more noticeable. It’s typically best to have frameless cabinets installed by experienced professionals to ensure a seamless fit.

HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES

Face Frame Cabinets: Hinges can be either visible or concealed, giving more design flexibility. You can also use a wider range of drawer slides and internal organizers, though you may need custom solutions for maximizing space around the frame.

Frameless Cabinets: Frameless cabinets almost always use hidden, European-style hinges and full-extension drawer slides, giving them a modern and high-functioning feel. Internal kitchen accessories like pull-outs, lazy Susans, and drawer inserts also tend to be more efficient in frameless designs due to the extra width and depth.

COST

Face Frame Cabinets: Often more affordable, especially if you’re purchasing semi-custom or stock cabinets. They’re also easier to find in home improvement stores and big box retailers.

Frameless Cabinets: Can be more expensive due to the thicker materials and higher manufacturing precision. However, if you’re going with a modern aesthetic and want clean lines, the investment may be well worth it.

WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Here’s a quick breakdown depending on your needs:

Choose Face Frame Cabinets if you:

• Prefer a old world traditional style
• Want added structural integrity
• The frame helps with aligning doors and drawers, especially on uneven walls
• Need flexibility in installation

Choose Frameless Cabinets if you:

• Are going for a modern or contemporary design
• Want maximum storage and access
• Value clean lines and a seamless appearance
• Are working with a high-quality installer

CONCLUSION

The debate between face frame and frameless kitchen cabinets doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It comes down to your personal style, how you use your kitchen, and your budget. Framed cabinets offer charm and rugged reliability, however Frameless kitchen cabinets often win the debate over face frame cabinets due to their superior functionality and modern appeal.

Without a front frame, frameless cabinets offer more usable storage space, easier access to the interior, and a sleeker, more contemporary look with full-overlay doors. They also allow for greater flexibility in shelf and drawer configurations, making them ideal for integrating modern accessories like pull-out trays and organizers.

Additionally, frameless cabinets are more efficient to manufacture and install, making them a practical and stylish choice for today’s kitchens. Your kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks and improve your daily functionality and experience.

Browse our stunning collection of door styles, premium materials, and rich finishes designed to inspire your next renovation. Whether you're refreshing your kitchen, bathroom, or any room in your home, AyA has the look to bring your vision to life. Let your renovation journey start with style, explore AyA today!

Planning a kitchen reno? We invite you to book a kitchen design consultation at a location convenient to you. Our expert AyA kitchen designers will assist you throughout the renovation process, offering valuable insights and design ideas tailored to your needs.

We also encourage you to visit an AyA showroom nearby, where you can explore a wide range of door styles, finishes, and accessories, and get a firsthand experience of our offerings. Let’s begin creating the kitchen of your dreams today!

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