Face-Frame Cabinets
A face-frame cabinet has a solid wood frame, made of vertical stiles and horizontal rails, fixed to the front edge of the cabinet box. The frame strengthens the box, keeps it square, and gives the doors and drawers something to attach to. It is the traditional North American way to build cabinets.
Because doors mount to the frame, face-frame cabinets give you choices: inset doors that sit flush inside the frame, partial overlay doors that leave some frame showing, or full overlay doors that cover most of it. The frame also adds a visual detail of its own, which many people like for traditional and furniture-style kitchens.
The trade-off is access. The frame narrows the opening, so the usable width inside the cabinet is slightly smaller than in a frameless box of the same size, and drawers lose a little room.
Neither type is better in every case. Face-frame suits traditional design, inset doors and old-house character. Frameless suits a sleek, modern look and maximum storage. The right choice depends on the style of your home, your layout and your budget.
We can help you choose when you plan a custom kitchen in Toronto.