Kitchen cabinets are constructed either with or without face frames. The results produce cabinets that look and function quite differently. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but the primary issue for most people when choosing which style to put in their kitchen comes down to looks.
Face-frame Cabinets
Big Stock Photo
Face-frame (or framed) cabinets are the most common style in the U.S. The distinguishing feature is vertical and horizontal trim boards that surround the cabinet box. Trim boards add stability and allow for somewhat thinner material for cabinet boxes. The doors rest on the surface of the face frame.
The biggest drawback is that trims boards block access, making it a little harder to fit large containers in them and impossible to install cabinet-width pull-out drawers.
Often, hardwood trim is used over less expensive plywood or particleboard boxes, giving the cabinets a more upscale appearance.
Frameless Cabinets
Allerina & Glen MacLarty
Frameless cabinets are often called European-style cabinets, since this is where they developed. Instead of covering the edges of the cabinet box with trim boards, the edges of frameless cabinets are covered with veneer that matches the face of the cabinet material (typically wood, melamine or plastic laminate).
The lack of trim boards means that the cabinet boxes require thicker side panels for stability. It also means better accessibility to the contents.
The interior sides of frameless cabinets contain 5mm holes on 32mm centers, which are used for installing drawers, doors and shelf supports. It's a very efficient style that suits the requirements of mass production. Frameless bottom cabinets often rest on legs.
