Granite Works

Face frame kitchen cabinets offer a blend of traditional appeal and robust construction ideal for a wide range of home styles. Their unique features have made them popular over the last few years. Learn more about them in this post by one of the top “granite dealers near me“, Granite Works.

What Are Face Frame Kitchen Cabinets

Face frame cabinets are distinguished by their construction, featuring a face frame that covers the front edges of the cabinet box. This frame, typically 1.25 inch to 2 inches wide, includes stiles (vertical components) and rails (horizontal components), creating a strong, flat border reminiscent of a picture frame.

These cabinets are a common sight in western-style kitchens and are known for their sturdiness and adaptability to various types of overlays. Most contractors use them for full overlay to inset doors. Material-wise, plywood is most often used for the cabinet box, but other specialty discount kitchen cabinets include red oak, poplar, maple and mahogany, offering a range of aesthetic choices to homeowners.

Advantages of Installing Face Frame Cabinets

Face frame cabinets offer several compelling advantages. Their adaptability to all types of overlay ensures a versatile installation process regardless whether you’re going for traditional or modern aesthetics. Notably, they can also accommodate walls that aren’t perfectly squared or have uneven sections. Moreover, face frame cabinets are generally more affordable than their frameless counterparts, with costs ranging significantly based on materials, design and the size of your project. Focusing on aesthetics, they can easily create a farmhouse aesthetic or a cozy, welcoming vibe.

The Drawbacks To Consider

While face frame cabinets boast numerous benefits, several drawbacks exist. One notable limitation is the reduced drawer box capacity, offering about 1 and ½ inch less interior room than frameless cabinetry. Additionally, the presence of the frame may obstruct the easy removal of oddly shaped or bulkier kitchen tools.

Face Frame vs. Frameless Cabinets

For any “expert on granite near me,” the choice between face frame and frameless cabinets fundamentally comes down to construction differences and aesthetic preferences. Face frame cabinets cater to those looking for the warm and homey feel of a traditional or farmhouse kitchen aesthetic. On the other hand, frameless cabinets are characterized by the clean, sleek European look contemporary homes with minimalist designs are known for.

Installation ease is another factor to consider. Face frame cabinets can be easier to install, especially in homes with less-than-perfect walls, due to the structural integrity provided by the frame.

Types of Face Frame Cabinets

When selecting face frame cabinets, you’re faced with choices regarding door types: inset, full overlay or partial overlay. Each option offers a different look and functionality. 

• Inset doors are set inside the frame, requiring door pulls or knobs. While they tend to offer less storage space, they come with a clean-cut appearance.
• Full overlay doors cover the cabinet face for a seamless, contemporary look.
• Partial overlay doors reveal a consistent strip of the face frame to achieve a compromise between the other two main styles. However, they might potentially look disproportionate due to the visible space between doors if not properly installed.

Turn to Granite Work for top-notch cabinet design and installation services in Maryland. Call us at (301) 640-5010, or fill out this contact form to request an estimate.