Framed Cabinet
Definition: A framed cabinet refers to a type of cabinet construction where a sturdy, rectangular frame is built around the front edges of the cabinet box. This frame, also known as the “face frame,” provides structural support and serves as the base for attaching the cabinet doors and hardware.
Overview:
Framed cabinets are the traditional cabinet style in American kitchen design. The face frame, typically made of solid wood, is attached to the front of the cabinet box, creating a framework that gives the cabinet its strength and stability. This construction method is in contrast to frameless cabinets, which do not have a face frame and provide a more modern, sleek look with full access to the cabinet interior. Despite being less modern than frameless designs, framed cabinets remain a popular choice due to their durability, versatility, and ability to support heavy doors and hardware.
Key Features:
- Face Frame:
- The face frame is the most distinctive feature of framed cabinets. It is typically made from solid wood or wood veneers, and it surrounds the front of the cabinet, adding a structural element and a decorative finish.
- The frame provides a place to attach the doors, hinges, and drawer fronts, contributing to the overall strength and alignment of the cabinet doors and drawers.
- Construction:
- Framed cabinets are built using a cabinet box (typically made from plywood, MDF, or particleboard) with the face frame attached to the front. The frame itself is usually composed of vertical stiles and horizontal rails that are joined together to create a rectangular border around the box.
- This type of construction often results in a smaller opening inside the cabinet compared to frameless designs due to the space taken up by the face frame.
- Design Options:
- Traditional and Classic Styles: Framed cabinets are often associated with more traditional kitchen styles, offering a warm, familiar look with detailing such as raised panel doors, decorative moldings, and other classic design elements.
- Customization: The face frame allows for customization with different types of finishes, panel designs, and molding. Many homeowners choose framed cabinets because they offer more design flexibility in terms of style and finish.
- Durability and Strength:
- The face frame adds strength to the cabinet and helps maintain its structure over time. This makes framed cabinets an excellent choice for heavy-duty applications, such as larger doors or drawers.
- Framed cabinets are also well-suited for supporting heavy hardware, like soft-close hinges or large, full-extension drawer slides.
- Access and Storage:
- While framed cabinets are sturdy and customizable, they offer slightly less interior space than frameless cabinets. This is because the face frame extends into the cabinet’s interior, reducing the usable space inside.
- However, framed cabinets still offer excellent storage capacity, and many homeowners find the slightly reduced space to be a trade-off worth making for the additional strength and aesthetic appeal.
Why Choose Framed Cabinets?
Framed cabinets are ideal for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and traditional appeal of classic kitchen designs. They are a great option if you want to include ornate details, such as molding, raised panel doors, and decorative touches that align with a more traditional or country-style kitchen. Additionally, their durable construction makes framed cabinets a solid choice for heavy-duty use, especially in high-traffic areas where stability and strength are crucial.