Inset Cabinet Doors
Inset cabinet doors and drawer fronts sit inside the cabinet opening, flush with the face frame, instead of covering it. Closed, the door is level with the frame and surrounded by a small, even gap. The result looks like a fine piece of furniture, which is why inset is a favourite for traditional, period and Shaker-style kitchens.
Inset is the most demanding way to hang a door. Every door must be sized and fitted precisely on all four sides, because wood expands and contracts with humidity and a tight gap can start to rub. That precision takes more labour and more careful building than overlay doors, and inset doors usually need a framed cabinet box, since the frame is what the door sits inside.
Inset doors also use slightly more room. The door and its hinges sit inside the opening, so you give up a little interior space compared with full overlay. In return you get a clean, fitted look and a reveal line that shows off the craftsmanship.
Planning a kitchen? Request a quote for a custom kitchen in Toronto and tell us about the door style you have in mind.