What's The Difference Between Framed And Frameless Kitchen Cabinets?
Posted on: 22 March 2019
There as so many aspects to choosing cabinetry: the finish, the handles, whether to install drawers or shelves and more. The list is endless. One important structural difference is whether the cabinets are of a framed or frameless design. In Australia, the latter is more common, but both are available.
Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets, as the name suggests, have a frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. The doors and drawers are then mounted onto this edifice. Whether cabinetry is framed may not be something you've thought about previously, but once you're aware of the design variations, they are easy to spot. Typically, when looking at face-framed cupboards, you will see a border, somewhat like a picture frame, around each door and drawer front.
This construction style adds layers, dimension and detail. It creates a background and foreground aesthetic, especially if the doors are traditionally overlaid so that the frame beneath is partially visible. Full overlay doors, though, fit more closely obscuring the structure. One clue to this type of design is the hinges. Attractive decorative hinges are one of its typical characteristics, and they tend to impart a traditional or country look.
Frameless Cabinets
Frameless cabinets, on the other hand, are not constructed with such a frame. Instead, the doors and drawers attach directly to the sides of the cabinet shell or box to provide a clean, modern effect. This model relies on a sturdy cupboard assembly to hold the doors securely. When looking across the face of frameless cabinetry, there will be no border showing between each door and drawer. Instead, all will meet up perfectly, without gaps that reveal an underlying frame.
Usually, the doors and drawers are somewhat larger than those on framed designs, as they need to cover the entire cabinet opening. No framework provides partial cover. These cabinetry models offer fuller access to whatever is inside, as there is no frame edge to block access. Nor is there a centre stile between two cabinet doors that hinder you reaching inside to all corners.
Cabinet makers can build either face-framed or frameless cabinets. The latter, also termed European style, better fit with contemporary kitchens. More detailed face-frame cabinetry is typically installed in more traditional settings. Once you're aware of these two types of construction, it is easy to spot the difference. If you notice a border that shows between the doors and drawers, you will know that you are looking at framed cabinetry.
Speak to local cabinet makers to learn more.
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