Streamline the look of your kitchen or bathroom
Frameless cabinets are great for modern and minimalist spaces.
Without a face frame, they’re more spacious and easy to clean.
Frameless cabinets tend to cost more
Frameless cabinets exemplify the idea that less is more. They're simple and chic, appealing to minimalists who also want a luxe vibe. They’re called frameless cabinets because of the way they're built—they don’t have a face frame on the front of the cabinets. These cabinets aren't just about their good looks either, as they offer some great perks (like more storage space) over their framed counterparts—but they have some downsides, too. Here’s a closer look at frameless cabinets pros and cons.
This type of cabinet is made without a face frame, which gives them a sleek design and makes it easier to reach inside. This is why they are sometimes called “full-access cabinets.” Thanks to their modern aesthetic, frameless cabinets are increasing in popularity in the U.S. They complement a wide variety of decor styles, giving you lots of options when it comes to selecting other room features such as tile and lighting.
Framed cabinets, also known as face frame cabinets, have been traditionally manufactured and favored in the U.S. They feature a face frame, typically 1 ¼ to 2 inches wide, that looks like a flat picture frame and is attached to the front of the cabinet box. The face frame provides strength and stability and is what the doors and drawers are mounted to.
On the other hand, frameless cabinets do not have face frames. Instead, the doors and drawers attach directly to the cabinet box. To compensate for the lack of a face frame, frameless cabinets have thicker boxes. Now that you know the difference between frameless vs. framed cabinets, let’s dive into frameless cabinets pros and cons.
There are visual and practical reasons for choosing frameless cabinets. Here are some points to consider.
Frameless cabinets offer clean lines and a simple design that works extremely well for modern spaces. A lot of the visual appeal comes from the full overlay doors and drawers that typically have a sleek 2-millimeter reveal.
Also, the hinges are always obscured from view. You can take it one step further and opt for handleless doors so that your kitchen wall is totally flat with no visible hardware at all. Instead of handles, these doors have grooves or use magnet-and-spring mechanisms.
Because frameless cabinets don’t have a face frame, you can enjoy unhampered shelf space. It’s easier than ever to store your extra-large dishes or hide oddly shaped appliances. In addition, you’ll find that it’s simpler to install a trash can or organizers.
Frameless cabinetry offers an estimated 15% more storage. For each cabinet, you have easy access to 3 more inches of space than if you were to opt for framed cabinets. Moreover, each drawer is 1.5 inches wider. If you multiply the number of cabinets and drawers you plan to install, you can see that it adds up to a considerable amount of space.
Another advantage of frameless cabinetry is that it's easy to clean. Since there is no frame on the front, you can wipe down the corners with ease. With framed cabinets, it can be hard to tell if there is dirt lurking in hard-to-see places.
Some frameless cabinet makers may also offer doors that have a quick-release button on the hinge. This makes it a cinch to wipe down the doors so you can keep cabinets looking like new.
The general consensus is that frameless cabinets are just as sturdy as framed ones. Since frameless cabinets don’t have rails or stiles, the sturdiness is achieved by the heavy construction of the box.
These cabinets are typically constructed by attaching the top, sides, and bottom of the cabinet box to the back panel with dado joints. Dado joints are considered to be one of the strongest joints in woodworking.
Even with all of the pros of frameless cabinets, it may not be the right choice for you. Here are some reasons why you may choose to stick with traditional framed cabinets.
While frameless cabinets are increasing in popularity, many cabinet manufacturers seem to only offer a few options when it comes to frameless cabinets, so sourcing them may require a little digging.
You can also consult a custom cabinet maker near you to have them made according to your needs.
Frameless cabinets will always have full overlay doors. If your heart is set on partial-overlay or inset doors, you'll have to go with framed cabinetry.
Frameless cabinets can cost $6,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on materials and customizations. In comparison, framed cabinets can cost $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
If you're planning on installing the cabinets yourself, know that frameless cabinets are considered to be a trickier install than framed cabinets. This is because any imperfections will be blatantly obvious.
This makes it more difficult to install them on uneven walls, which are sometimes found in older homes. In these instances, it may benefit you to hire a cabinet installation company near you.
Weigh the pros and cons of frameless cabinets to help you decide if they are the best option for your home. If you’re seeking a modern minimalist look with optimal storage space, then frameless cabinets are the way to go.
However, keep in mind that cost can vary significantly between framed vs. frameless cabinets. Modern frameless cabinets tend to be more expensive than their framed counterparts.
Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this piece.
All frameless cabinets are full overlay, but not all full overlay cabinets are frameless. Full overlay doors and drawers, which completely cover the face of the cabinets, can also be used on framed cabinets. If you have face frame cabinets but long for frameless ones, refacing your cabinets could be a way to get the look for less money.
If your walls aren’t plumb, it can make installing frameless cabinets difficult because they require precise measurements so they don’t show imperfections. Any dissymmetry with installation can cause the doors and drawers to not function correctly. Frameless cabinets are also thicker and heavier, making them harder to install by yourself.
