When designing or remodeling your kitchen, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the style of cabinetry. Cabinets are not only functional—they also set the tone for the entire space. Two of the most popular cabinet styles are frameless and face frame cabinets. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your aesthetic preferences and storage needs. Our custom cabinet builders in Grand Rapids, MI, craft both styles to suit your home and lifestyle, ensuring a perfect balance of beauty and utility.
What Are Face Frame Cabinets?
Face frame cabinets are a traditional style commonly found in American kitchens. These cabinets feature a wooden frame on the front of the cabinet box, which provides extra structural support and a more classic appearance. The frame surrounds the cabinet doors and drawers, creating visible borders that enhance a timeless, furniture-like feel.
Benefits of Face Frame Cabinets:
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Durability and Strength
The added frame reinforces the cabinet structure, making it sturdy and long-lasting.
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Classic Appearance
Face frame cabinets suit traditional and transitional design styles, offering an elegant, timeless aesthetic.
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Flexible Door Options
You can choose from inset, partial overlay, or full overlay doors, giving you more control over the final look.
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Easier Installation
The face frame allows for minor adjustments during installation, which can be helpful in older homes with uneven walls.
What Are Frameless Cabinets?
Frameless cabinets, also known as , eliminate the front frame entirely. The doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet box, creating a sleek, seamless look. This modern style has become increasingly popular for contemporary and minimalist designs.
Benefits of Frameless Cabinets:
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Maximized Storage Space
Without a face frame, you gain wider openings and more accessible interior space—ideal for maximizing storage.
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Modern, Clean Lines
Frameless cabinets offer a sleek, streamlined appearance perfect for modern and contemporary kitchens.
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Consistent Gaps and Reveals
With doors mounted directly to the cabinet box, the spacing between doors and drawers is uniform, creating a polished look.
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Improved Accessibility
Wider openings make it easier to access contents, especially useful in lower cabinets and drawers.
Which Style Is Right for You?
The choice between frameless and face frame cabinets often comes down to your personal design preferences and how you use your kitchen. If you prefer a classic look with flexible door styles and a little more installation versatility, face frame cabinets are a great option. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a sleek, modern aesthetic with maximum interior access, frameless cabinets might be the better fit.
Request a Quote for Custom Cabinets
Our custom cabinet builders in Grand Rapids, MI, work closely with each homeowner to design cabinetry that reflects their vision while optimizing function. Whether you lean toward the traditional charm of or the contemporary appeal of frameless styles, our team delivers craftsmanship that elevates every detail. Let us help you create a kitchen that’s both beautiful and built to last. Call Align Cabinetry at (616) 940-5001 or fill out our online contact form to get started.