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drwass

Framed vs Frameless cabinets

4 months ago

Hi - My KD mentioned frameless cabinets to me today. Storage is not a problem in my

kitchen, but more room inside a cabinet still sounds good to me. Any downside to frameless?? A quick internet search did not help, as some mentioned sturdiness could be a problem but others did not. Thoights??

Comments (18)

  • 4 months ago

    I think it’s just looks, either way.

  • 4 months ago

    I like frameless, full overlay cabinet. I also like to add finished end panels that cover up the drawer/door sides.



  • 4 months ago

    Quality frameless are just as sturdy as framed cabinets, and are the standard in European cabinetry. Prejudice against frameless cabinets usually comes from sales people who don't carry frameless or cabinet makers who don't have the precision equipment necessary. Quality is not synonymous with price, since Ikea's cabinets are excellent quality. Don't confuse cabinet construction with door/drawer styles.

  • 4 months ago

    Thank you all!!

  • 4 months ago

    you can do just fine with framed cabinets and full overlay doors. watch out and avoid center stiles so that has to do with sizes you are choosing for the double door wall cabinets. Frameless has been around ,but newer in N America so the constructuion details/ materials are variable [ pick durable and good warranty] . You might find cost differences between framed and the newer frameless unless you stick w Ikea for big savings in your budget. Ikea has their own planners and installers ...FYI. What brand of frameless does she work with? And does she provide installer for you who has done installs w these??

    drwass thanked herbflavor
  • 4 months ago

    She uses Holiday and Dura Supreme.

  • 4 months ago

    they would both have good offerings in the framed cabinetry. meaning 1. size increments to get what you want 2. storage features within the cabinets .3. nice options w door style finishes etc. A relative had a Holiday kitchen and the designers really maximized the space avail w various kinds of storage ..meaning a variety of drawer base cabinets..... an area with a vertical pantry......a coffee bar area etc . Think of a reason you need frameless .

    drwass thanked herbflavor
  • 4 months ago


    Frameless.

    drwass thanked dan1888
  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    I've had both framed and frameless. Frameless wins hands-down for efficient use of space. Also, I've owned my frameless kitchen cabinets for 35 yrs under heavy use, and have no complaints.

    Pay attention to the quality of the melamine used on the interior. I've always hated those liners people use inside their cabinets. On these cabs I can put my dishes away wet with no issues, and cleaning only requires a spritz of Windex and a quick sponge wipe.

    The company that made them is a national name, but they dropped the frameless line about 5 yrs after I bought my cabs. Then after a long interval (10 or 15 yrs) they began manufacturing them again, so now offer both framed and frameless.

    Since I can't speak to the quality of their new frameless line, I can't offer a personal recommendation.

    drwass thanked jakkom
  • 4 months ago

    Really its finer points . what price difference will there be? im not certain that 2 in frames is standard. is there a plan shes developed yet? is the storage so critical you need frameless? sometimes that is the case. what are the warranty differences between the two? installation is one of the key things w frameless .. what will those costs be?

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    For those of you who have recently installed frameless cabinets and are happy with them, what brand do you have? I am looking for wood, not thermofoil. Thank you!

  • last month

    Separate the drawers/doors from the cabinet construction. You can get excellent value from Ikea cabinets and add fronts in a large variety of materials and styles from Scherr's or other companies.

  • last month

    I just ordered Ikea kitchen cabinets to finish my kitchen (dark brown cabinets are going). We put the Island in 3 years ago and it's amazing how much more the drawers hold than my old island that had only cavernous door storage. I have not had one issue with the Ikea cabinets.



    I am using Ikea fronts but I know you can get fronts for Ikea cabinets from other companies.

  • last month

    My daughter has Shiloh Eclipse in her kitchen and we have it in our study. We are both vbery happy with them. She did painted and we did walnut.

  • PRO
    12 days ago

    Kim G - I am pretty sure that Shiloh has a full inset cabinet. Do you have the inset or the overlay?

  • 12 days ago

    Both of our Shiloh cabinets are full overlay.

  • 11 days ago

    Thank you for the replies & info. I did find the Eclipse cabinetry by Shiloh and they do have frameless full overlay which is what I was seeking. Unfortunately not the door style I was looking for so I may have to compromise if I can't find it.

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