CustomCabinets

Types of Custom Cabinets

Types of custom cabinets can be divided up in many different ways, from the materials used to the decorative style employed in their fabrication. But a simple way to think about types is by looking at the way the cabinet boxes are constructed. There are framed and frameless cabinets. The difference between the two has to do with the way the front face of the boxes are finished; and all cabinetry falls into one of these two types, also called full access or European. Looking at the features of these two types of custom cabinets can help buyers narrow down their ideas on what they are looking for in their new cabinetry and make the selection process easier - you can even consult our custom cabinet guides to help you with your decision making.

Framed Kitchen Cabinets

Framed cabinet models are just what they sound like. They have a frame holding the cabinet box into place at the front. The functional purpose of the frame is to provide structural support. This style is very popular across the U.S. The framed style keeps the box in place and helps it to stay square and resist warping over time. It has some other important benefits as well. The frames actually provide a nice, even surface for the doors to rest against when they are closed completely. As time goes by, this actually encourages the doors to keep straight and to resist warping as well. This is particularly important in models whose doors are made of moisture and humidity prone materials such as particle board and OSB.

On the other hand, the framed types of custom cabinets make it harder to maximize storage capacity. This is because they shrink the opening through which things can pass in and out. Inevitably the result is that some corner of each custom cabinet is wide open while the rest of the unit is overstocked.

Frameless Kitchen Cabinets

The frameless style, on the other hand, encourages efficiency in the interior, with nothing to block free passage in and out. Often hinge placement also encourages the same in these types of custom cabinets. Custom frameless cupboards are made by nearly every domestic cabinet maker these days, even though the framed type is still more common. Those who are going for a European look in their kitchen or bathroom will likely end up with this configuration, because true European inspired cabinetry has no frames and features doors with only a tiny reveal in between.

The differences between the two can affect their function. There is more wiggle room for adjusting a door in the traditional American style framed cabinet or pantry, while there's not so much room for error in the European style. Potential buyers have to study the characteristics of both major types and come to conclusions about which ones they prefer when they set out to make their selections.

Choose an Appropriate Cabinet Type

With two major types of custom cabinets available, it is clear that personal preference over all else will probably determine which one you go with for your home remodel. In terms of cost or difficulty of installation there is no automatic or inherent difference forcing people to lean one way or the other on a custom cabinets install. Each of these two custom types definitely has its strong points, and each can state its case as the superior one of the two. In the end this selection basically comes down to style. Framed and frameless cabinetries have some other functional differences, but these contrasts all play into that style disparity. Choose the types of custom cabinets that suit you and match your kitchen or garage.