Face frame cabinets are often the traditional style choice for both kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. But what is a face frame cabinet, what kinds of kitchen designs do they fit, and why are they so popular? The team at Current Cabinetry is here to answer all your questions about face frame cabinets and their benefits.
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Face Frame Cabinets: The Basics
Face frame cabinets, also called “American’ style cabinets, have a small lip of decorative trim around the front of the cabinet box that the door attaches to. The face frame provides additional structural support and hides exposed corners when the door is closed, altogether providing a more cohesive look.
Most cabinet face frames extend about 1.5 to two inches from the main cabinet box and are usually attached separately from the box itself. For double doors that close in the middle, the cabinet will have a small thin strip of face frame to cover any gaps when the doors are closed.
Face frame cabinets can be contrasted with frameless cabinets. Frameless cabinets don’t have a face frame lip and instead have doors that directly attach to the inside of the cabinet box wall.
Types of Face Frame Cabinets
Face frame cabinets come in three main varieties: inset, standard, and full:
- Inset frame cabinets have doors that fit directly inside the face frame. They are similar to frameless cabinets in that they create a more streamlined look. The main downside of inset doors is they can swell from humidity and get stuck on the face frame.
- Standard overlay cabinets go on top of the face frame and have a slight overhang. The overhang hides cabinet box corners and covers gaps when the doors are closed.
- Full overlay cabinets are the same as a standard overlay but with a larger door overhang. The larger overhand creates more coverage but also creates less wiggle room with respect to door spacing.
Pros of Face Frame Cabinets
We’ve answered, “What is a face frame cabinet?” and now it’s time to answer, “Why face frame cabinets?” Face frame cabinets are an ideal choice for many homeowners for a bunch of reasons:
- The full overlay of face frame cabinets provides a classic and traditional look that works with several cabinet colors.
- Face frame durability means that face frame cabinets are tougher than their frameless cousins.
- The presence of overlays gives you a bit of wiggle room when positioning cabinet doors spacing.
- Frame face cabinets are easier to install because the hinges connect right to the face frame.
Downside of Face Frame Cabinets
Of course, face frame cabinets also have their disadvantages:
- Since face frames have a protruding lip, that means there is slightly less functional interior storage space.
- Full overlay and inset overlay cabinet doors can get stuck on each other and frames if the wood expands when it is humid.
- You will most likely need cabinet hardware like handles or knobs.
Face Frame Cabinet FAQ
Now that you know the answer to, “What is a face frame cabinet?” explore some of the most common questions we receive about our face frame cabinet inventory.
How Much Overhang Do Face Frame Cabinets Have?
Standard face frame cabinets usually have a door overhang of about half an inch. Full overlay doors may have a larger overhang.
How Long Does It Take to Install Face Frame Cabinets?
For a complete cabinet removal and replacement, it takes about two to three days. The size of your kitchen, cabinet layout, and accessibility can all affect installation times.
What Is the Best Material for Face Frame Cabinets?
The best material for face frame cabinets is solid natural wood. The most popular cabinet wood options include oak, cherry, maple, ash, hickory, and birch.
How Long Do Face Frame Cabinets Last?
Natural wood face frame cabinets have the longest lifespan and can last over 30 years if you take good care of them.
Are Face Frame Cabinets Better Than Frameless Cabinets?
Whether or not face frame cabinets are better than frameless cabinets depends on your specific needs. It’s important to understand your needs and explore all your options before committing to a decision.
Quality Cabinets for Baltimore Homeowners
Read our blog to learn more about frameless cabinets vs. full overlay cabinets. If you have any more questions like, “What is a face frame cabinet?” or would like to discuss our cabinet inventory, contact Current Cabinetry online today or give us a call at (410) 609-7077!