Framed cabinetry has been the mainstay of cabinets in America for centuries. Still today framed cabinetry accounts for 75% of all the cabinets manufactured by members of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing Association (KCMA). In this post, we will take a look at the pros and cons of framed cabinetry.
It is believed that the genesis of framed cabinetry was when frames were added to cupboards to stabilize and strengthen shelves to hold more weight. From there doors were added to the frames.
Framed cabinetry has been around for so long due to its many advantages:
- Traditional look
- Multiple overlays
- Structural integrity
- Easier installation
- Corner cabinets modifications
- Large array of door styles and moldings
There are cons as well:
- Less storage space
- More linear space required per cabinet
- Contemporary designs
Now, let’s dive deeper into the pros & cons of framed cabinetry.
Traditional Look
As previously mentioned, framed cabinetry has been around for centuries. So, it is not surprising that it is most associated the traditional American kitchen.
However, framed cabinetry can be transitional by utilizing designs that combine classic and contemporary elements. This often means balancing traditional details with clean lines and simplicity.
Multiple Overlays
Framed cabinetry is available in three overlays: half overlay, full overlay and inset. The most popular today are full overlay and inset.
Full Overlay
Inset
Structural Integrity
The two cabinet construction methods are framed and frameless. Eggersman Kitchens and Home Living does a nice job demonstrating these difference construction types illustrated below.
The frame is attached to the cabinet’s sides, or ends, and also anchors the doors. The frame provides the additional stability and makes it harder to rack the cabinet, or get out of square. However, as we will discuss below, the frame also limits the storage area and has other drawbacks.
Easier Installation
Another advantage of the frame is that it allows for easier installation. For the reasons below, it is preferred by the DIY market:
- Alignment: The face frame can be used as a guide making it easier and simpler to ensure that the cabinet box is level and square.
- Door and Drawer Attachment: The frame provides a solid surface for attaching hinges and drawer glides, and it can help to ensure that the doors and drawers are aligned properly.
- Hide Imperfections & Errors: The face frame can hide imperfections and poor alignment.
Corner Cabinet Modifications
Framed corner cabinets offer greater flexibility for modifications primarily due to their construction method. The frame’s structure and the angle at which the door rests on it make design, construction and adjustment challenges less noticeable. In contrast, the tight reveals of frameless cabinets tend to highlight even minor imperfections.
Furthermore, the presence of a frame often enhances the aesthetics where the 45-degree door meets the cabinet, providing a cleaner look that can remain appealing even if the door requires adjustment. Frameless designs lack this feature, making any misalignment readily apparent.
Large Array of Door Styles and Moldings
As framed cabinetry is 75% of KCMA members production, there are more door styles and other accessories for framed cabinetry.
For example, Bishop Cabinetry’s Essentials line has 18 framed door styles and 12 frameless door styles. We are working to balance this out more. In Design Elements, most doors are available in both framed and frameless cabinetry.
Framed cabinetry has a lot of pros. However, there are a few drawbacks:
Less Storage Space
In May’s blog we discussed the Pros and Cons of Frameless Cabinetry. Frameless cabinets optimize storage space in ways that framed cabinetry cannot, all due to the frame:
- Larger Cabinet Openings – The frame consumes 3/4″ of opening on all four sides resulting in 1.5″ space horizontally and vertically.
- More Drawer Space – 1.5″ of space is lost horizontally and vertically.
- Easier Shelf Adjustment – The frames get in the way of adjusting shelves. – Still adjustable, just takes a bit more effort.
The frame can also make it more difficult to get larger items in and out of the cabinet, such as food processors or large dishes. Finally, the frame limits visibility into the cabinet on the edges.
More Space per Cabinet
Framed cabinets require more space for the same cabinet than a frameless cabinet. This makes framed cabinetry less desirable in smaller kitchens and other areas with limited space.
Contemporary Designs
Contemporary cabinet design is defined by sleek, clean lines with a focus on simplicity, functionality and minimalist aesthetics. It is harder to accomplish this with framed cabinetry. A contemporary look is more easily achieved with frameless cabinetry.
Bishop cabinets offers both framed and frameless cabinetry. Whether you want a traditional rustic wood look or contemporary look with glossy Modern Materials, or anything in between, we offer it all.
About Bishop Cabinets
Bishop Cabinets has been manufacturing for over 60 years. Click here to learn more about our capabilities and latest offerings that align with the latest trends in cabinet finishes.
Our Vision Statement
“To create beautiful and functional cabinets through innovation, growth, and a commitment to keep family values at the core of everything we do.”