Cabinet Construction Terminology Explained

Cabinet terminology can be confusing, but understanding the basics of how cabinet boxes are constructed and how door or drawer fronts are styled can be incredibly useful when selecting cabinetry for your home.

Framed vs. Frameless Cabinet Box

Cabinet boxes are either framed or frameless. Today, most cabinetmakers, regardless of price range, are shifting toward frameless designs because they are easier to manufacture and install, and the base construction is more cost-effective.

Framed Cabinet Boxes

Framed cabinet construction, or face-framed box construction, involves two vertical stiles and two horizontal rails forming a ‘face’ that is attached to the front of the cabinet box. This frame is an overlaying structure that covers the box and makes it easier to attach a cabinet door to the front.

While precision manufacturing at eggersmann eliminates this issue, lower-quality cabinets—especially those built onsite—may not be perfectly square and can have gaps between the cabinets, which the face frame helps to camouflage. This traditional method of cabinet manufacturing does provide added sturdiness.

However, the face frame also reduces usable interior space. It marginally blocks access to the perimeters of the cabinet interior, and while an inch or two of lost space might not seem significant across multiple cabinets in a room, it can add up to the equivalent of an entire cabinet’s worth of storage.

Frameless Cabinet Boxes

Frameless cabinet construction, a more recent industry style that originated in Europe, is often referred to as Euro cabinetry, while framed cabinets are called American cabinetry. However, this distinction is somewhat misleading, as both styles are found globally, with frameless construction rapidly becoming the preferred method.

Because frameless cabinets provide full access to the box’s interior when the door is open, they are sometimes referred to as ‘full access’ cabinets. This design allows for easier use of all available space and typically provides 10-15% more usable space than framed cabinetry.

Cabinetry Overlays: Full, Partial, and Inset

Overlay refers to how much of the cabinet box is covered by the cabinet door and drawer fronts. The three basic overlay types are:

• Full Overlay Cabinets
• Partial Overlay Cabinets
• Inset Cabinets

Full Overlay Cabinets

As the name suggests, full overlay cabinet fronts completely cover the cabinet boxes, leaving little to none of the underlying box exposed. Full overlay is the only type of overlay compatible with frameless cabinet boxes.

Partial Overlay Cabinets

Partial overlay cabinet fronts are mounted on top of the cabinet box, covering only a portion of the face frame. The cabinet doors and drawer fronts are slightly larger than the opening of the cabinet interior, leaving a border of the face frame visible around them.

While partial overlay doesn’t work on frameless cabinet boxes, you can achieve a similar look by using cover panels, end panels, and fillers with frameless cabinets

Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinet fronts fit precisely like a jigsaw puzzle piece within the face frame of the cabinet box, fully exposing the entire face frame. These cabinet and drawer fronts are flush with the face frame, offering a similarly clean and modern look to that of frameless cabinets.

Because of the precision required for perfectly squared and sturdy boxes with exactly sized inset doors, this style was once a litmus test for fine woodworking craftsmanship, representing the highest quality available. Today, while the same level of precision and attention to detail is necessary, modern machinery aids craftspeople in achieving this style more easily and consistently. Like partial overlay, inset cabinet fronts are not compatible with frameless cabinet boxes, but the same look can be achieved using fillers and panels.

Which Cabinetry Style Is Right for You?

Choosing the right cabinetry for your home involves more than just picking a style that looks good—it requires an understanding of the construction and overlay terminology to ensure you get the functionality and aesthetics you desire. Whether you prefer the traditional charm of framed cabinets, the modern efficiency of frameless designs, or the refined elegance of inset fronts, knowing the differences can help you make an informed decision. Each cabinet construction style and overlay type has its advantages and considerations, from maximizing interior space to achieving a sleek, contemporary appearance. By grasping these fundamental concepts, you can confidently select cabinetry that not only enhances your home’s design but also meets your practical needs.

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