Few home renovations or updates are as important as choosing the right kitchen cabinets. The kitchen is the heart of your home, and mindfully selecting the right cabinet options from many variations is well worth the time and effort. You’ll be looking at, using, and living with your kitchen cabinet choices for years.
Kitchen cabinets come in many styles, colors, and materials, along with hardware and other options. When selecting your cabinets, consider their design aesthetic, how much storage space they provide, whether they are durable under constant use, and ultimately, the cost. This guide will explain the difference between framed, frameless, and inset cabinets and why choosing the right cabinet is so important.
What Are Framed Kitchen Cabinets?
Framed kitchen cabinets are the most common type in the US, and for decades, builders and designers have chosen them for their traditional design projects. You likely have them in your home with their framed construction and overlay doors.
If you’re wondering if you have framed cabinetry, looking at the hinges can tell you what type of cabinets you have. The hinges on framed kitchen cabinets are screwed to the side rail of the cabinet box, and when the cabinet door is closed, you can see the hinge on the outside. This creates the look of a flat picture frame in a full overlay. Framed kitchen cabinets are known for their sturdiness and stability.
Builders and designers use framed cabinetry for traditional and farmhouse-style homes because it provides more sturdy construction, aligning the doors is easier, and the cabinets stay in place longer. However, building the cabinets this way takes up a little more space, and the framed edges are apparent, which isn’t in line with a sleek, modern look.
What Are Frameless Kitchen Cabinets?
Frameless cabinetry differs from framed cabinets in that the hinge plate is mounted directly to the inside wall of the cabinet box — there is no frame in front, which allows for easier access. The frameless construction is more popular in Europe and other countries, where the modern aesthetic plays a bigger role in overall design and builders’ aesthetics.
Frameless cabinets provide more space and are often used in apartments where space is limited and every inch counts. The cabinets’ opening is wider because the door swings open. When closed, the entire cabinet system looks sleek and modern.
However, frameless cabinets often have depth-adjustable shelves and require precise installation because the way they are attached to the cabinet frame makes them less sturdy over time. If they aren’t aligned and screwed in properly, one door can sag compared to another, and the modern look can quickly go from sleek to tacky.
What Are Inset Kitchen Cabinets?
Inset kitchen cabinets are the least used and most challenging installation option. Installers position the doors and drawers flush within the cabinet’s face frame, creating a smooth, even plane with the frame while still showing the frame outline around each door and drawer.
If you’re looking for an expensive, high-end, custom look, inset cabinets might be worth considering. They are the most expensive of our three examples and require exact and specialized craftsmanship in the building and installation processes.
Because they are inset into the cabinet boxes, inset cabinets can become unaligned when the weather changes. For example, temperature swings and humidity can cause inset doors to shift or rub against the frames and appear warped on the exterior.
Kitchen Cabinets Cost Comparison
The cost of kitchen cabinets depends on several factors, including whether they are stock or custom. Knowing the pricing ranges can help you determine which type of kitchen cabinet you can afford and will best suit your home and style.
Framed Kitchen Cabinets Costs Average
The popular framed kitchen cabinets are the least expensive in the group, starting at roughly $200 per linear foot for stock cabinets and climbing to $1,000 per linear foot for custom-made framed kitchen cabinets. Labor costs will likely be the least expensive option, since most contractors and builders install framed kitchen cabinets more often than the other two types of cabinets.
Frameless Kitchen Cabinets Cost Averages
Frameless kitchen cabinets are less common in the US than in Europe, and while they aren’t the most expensive, they regularly cost 20% — 30% more to purchase and install. Often marked as European-style, frameless cabinets start at around $300 per linear foot for stock and go up to an average of $1200 per linear foot for custom frameless cabinets. Qualified labor will be an added expense since specialized installation is suggested to get the best alignment and stay in place for the longest time.
Inset Kitchen Cabinets Cost Averages
Inset kitchen cabinets are the most costly of the three. You’ll probably find this type of cabinet in a new, high-end home with a sleek, modern aesthetic. They are available only on special order and don’t come in a stock option. Custom builds start at $1500 per linear foot, and like frameless cabinets, you’ll need specialized craftspeople to install them properly. Installing inset cabinets on its own can easily double the cost of installing standard framed or frameless cabinets.
Researching these kitchen cabinet styles is worth your time and effort, as it will save you money in the long run.
Which Style Kitchen Cabinet Should You Choose?
Ask yourself what style you like, what your budget is, and how much storage you need. If you get clear on the answers to those three questions, you’ll have a pretty good idea of which style of cabinet is best for you. Each style has pros and cons, and with some thought and planning, you can narrow down what works best for you and your new kitchen cabinets.
When working out your budget, be sure to factor in the labor. For example, if you decide to go with custom cabinets, the labor will be an added expense that will almost always be higher than expected, so get that number nailed down before committing.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation In Denver and Surrounding Areas
The kitchen is the center of any home, and creating a space where you love to cook, eat, and gather family and friends is one of the many joys of thoughtfully creating a kitchen according to your vision.
The cabinets are at the center of your kitchen, serving a double purpose of beauty and functionality. So, select which type of kitchen cabinets is central to your design. Kitchen and Bath by Design works with homeowners to create the perfect space, and we are experts in building and installing all types of kitchen cabinets in Littleton or Denver and the surrounding area.
Visit our showroom to see the different cabinet styles — framed, frameless, and inset. Contact one of our designers for inspiration and advice on your new kitchen. Call us at (720) 572-8212 or stop by to chat with an installer or designer directly. Our designers are in the showroom every day, and we look forward to talking to you about your project.
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