Understanding The Difference Between Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets

For as long as kitchen cabinets have been shop-made – going back to the beginning of the last century at least – there was really only one method of construction: the face-frame method. Understanding the difference between framed vs. frameless cabinets requires knowing why each system developed, what benefits exist, and why, in our shop, we use a hybrid approach. 

After 75 years of custom cabinet construction, we've worked with both systems extensively. The choice between face-framed vs. frameless cabinets isn't just about style – it's about understanding which construction method delivers the performance, durability, and value your kitchen demands.

The Traditional Face-Frame Foundation

Having descended from cabinets that were largely site-built by carpenters, traditional cabinets all had one component in common: a frame constructed of solid lumber attached to a carcass of either plywood or solid dimensioned lumber.

How Face-Frame Construction Works:

The face frame components – stiles (vertical) and rails (horizontal) – are joined at right angles by means of classic mortise and tenon construction or with hardwood dowels. Joints are glued, clamped, and cleaned up to be made completely flush on both face and back.

The carcass horizontal members – tops, bottoms, shelves – are generally joined by being let into dadoes (grooves) in the cabinet sides, then glued and nailed together. This structure, due to the fact that all cabinet members are, at most, only ¾" thick, doesn't have much structural integrity on its own.

Enter the face-frame solution: This solid lumber frame, assembled at the corners with glue and joinery, gets clamped and cured into a rigid member much like a ladder. When attached to the carcass, this frame gives the cabinet two critical advantages: rigidity and a place to mount doors and drawers.

Benefits of Face-Frame Construction:

Superior Strength and Flexibility: The rigidity added by the face frame allows sides and bottoms to be made from lightweight ½" thick plywood, with backs that can be ¼" thick plywood. Despite using lighter materials, the overall structure remains exceptionally strong.

Installation Advantages: Framed vs. frameless cabinets differ significantly in installation ease. Face-frame cabinets include built-in scribes on unfinished ends, making them much easier to install and adjust to wall irregularities.

Size Capabilities: In face-frame construction, cabinet size is limited only by the length of components and the ability to clamp everything together as it dries. We've successfully built face-frame cabinets up to 8 feet wide using this method.

Traditional Aesthetic Appeal: If you desire historically accurate cabinetry, there's no substitute for face-frame cabinets with beaded frames and inset doors and drawer fronts that fit flush with the frame.

The European Revolution: Frameless Construction

Different construction methods emerged during the 1960s that resulted in a sea-change of cabinet construction. Due to the devastation in Europe from World War II, the need for rebuilding, and shortages of raw materials and labor, new cabinet-making methods were explored.

The Frameless Innovation:

Instead of the face-frame method, a new system called frameless construction was developed. Rather than using a face frame, cabinets were constructed entirely of ¾" thick panels, generally particleboard or MDF (medium density fiberboard) core material with melamine finishes.

These panels were developed in Europe as an answer to raw material shortages and the complete destruction of the existing panel industry during the war. Along with newly developed panels, new machinery had to be engineered to facilitate dowel construction. New types of hinges, drawer slides, shelf supports, and other hardware were developed specifically for this construction method.

The 32mm System:

Another term for frameless construction is the "32mm system," named for the minimum center-to-center distance between construction holes. A cabinet side is drilled for 8mm dowels to hold the top, bottom, and back in position. Series of 5mm "system holes" are drilled in vertical rows on all cabinet sides. Into these holes are attached special hinge base plates, drawer slides, and adjustable shelf supports.

Frameless Construction Benefits:

Reduced Labor Intensity: Because of the limited amount of material needed and dedicated hardware, plus the fact that if melamine or laminate materials are used, nothing needs to be sanded or finished, frameless cabinet construction requires much less labor than face-frame cabinets.

Commercial Applications: In commercial cabinetry, fast turnaround and ease of cleaning take precedence over style. Since 95% of commercial work is obtained by competitive bid, the cost advantages of frameless construction become significant factors.

Consistent Hole Patterns: The systematic drilling approach ensures precise hardware placement and consistent results across multiple cabinets.

Frameless System Limitations

Face-framed vs. frameless cabinets each have distinct limitations. Frameless construction faces several constraints:

Size Restrictions: Cabinet size is generally limited to 48" wide, significantly less than face-frame capabilities.

Weight Considerations: The all-panel construction creates heavier cabinets that require more substantial installation support.

Installation Challenges: The lack of a face frame makes cabinets relatively flexible until installed, making the installation process more critical and demanding greater precision.

Limited Flexibility: Wall irregularities and installation adjustments become more difficult without the built-in scribes that face-frame construction provides.

The Stofanak Hybrid Approach

Despite predictions within the cabinet industry that the 32mm system would make face-frame cabinets obsolete, face-frame cabinetry still exists and plays an important role in the cabinet industry – though it has borrowed heavily from modern systems.

Our Modern Face-Frame Method:

At Stofanak Custom Cabinetry, we utilize a hybrid method of construction employing traditional and modern techniques. Face-frame cabinet components are wood veneer plywood with clear UV-cured finish on the interior, married to a traditional face frame using both traditional and modern joinery.

The result of our hybrid approach combines the advantages of both systems: a completely clear-finished interior of either maple or birch veneer, with cabinet exteriors all matching in either stained and finished veneer and solid wood, or painted finishes.

Performance Advantages:

Superior Installation: Cabinets constructed in this manner are light, strong, and more easily installed than corresponding frameless cabinets.

Modern Precision: Modern CNC machinery helps us maintain close tolerances across the varied materials and thicknesses we employ to continue making traditional cabinets in the 21st century.

Durability: The combination of traditional face-frame strength with modern materials and techniques creates cabinets built to last generations.

How To Choose Between Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets

When Face-Frame Construction Makes Sense:

• Historical accuracy requirements: Period homes demanding authentic appearance
• Custom sizing needs: Cabinets wider than 48" or unusual dimensions
• Installation challenges: Walls with significant irregularities
• Long-term durability priorities: Cabinets intended to last decades
• Traditional aesthetic preferences: Inset doors and classic details

When Frameless Construction Works Better:

• Commercial applications: Fast turnaround and easy cleaning priorities
• Budget-conscious projects: Cost considerations outweigh other factors
• Contemporary aesthetics: Clean, European-style appearance preferences with clean lines on the finished product. This truly overlaid look is perfect for residential projects
• Standard sizing: Projects using typical cabinet dimensions under 48"

The Details That Make The Difference.

Understanding framed vs. frameless cabinets ultimately comes down to recognizing that both systems can produce quality results when executed properly. However, the choice impacts everything from installation ease to long-term durability.

Our hybrid approach captures the structural advantages of traditional face-frame construction while incorporating modern efficiencies and materials. This combination delivers cabinets that install easily, perform reliably, and age gracefully – regardless of whether you prefer traditional or contemporary aesthetics.

The investment in proper construction methods – whether purely face-frame, frameless, or hybrid – pays dividends through decades of reliable performance and enhanced home value and while this is probably more than you ever wanted to know about cabinet construction, quality goes beyond achieving a look. We believe in delivering on quality details that you can’t necessarily see because they make the ones you can, that much more impressive.