Comparison On Certain Important Points Between Framed And Frameless Cabinets
While purchasing the kitchen cabinets, there are generally two construction types that are popular, which are framed and frameless cabinets. A framed cabinet has an overlying frame right in the front for supporting the box, while in case of a frameless cabinet there is no such kind of overlying frame. Both of them offer quality as well as stylish cabinet but with different looks as well as functions. Below you can go through the comparison on certain important points to make the right decision:
Space
While technically both of the cabinets have the same space, however, frameless cabinets have much more accessible space than the framed cabinet. This is due to the fact that there is a frame all around the box right in the front, as well as a stile at the center of the double cabinets, so a framed cabinet will easily block some of the front access. The user can tuck any item right behind the frame slightly, but this will make it much more difficult to reach out to the items that are inside. In a frameless cabinet, the user will have full easy access to the interior space of the cabinet. This in turn will help to make the cabinets look larger and more functional as well as very easier to use.
Strength & Durability
- Framed: The reason to use a frame on a cabinet is to give it full support as well as strength. Unfortunately, this in turn sometimes means that the framed cabinet is constructed from the weaker or the thinner materials, but this can not always be the case. A framed cabinet sometimes may be composed of the 3/4 inch plywood and also have a frame. This is usually a manufacturer’s option, and if a framed cabinet has a heavier, thicker material, the price will also increase. The only time when a framed cabinet can appear more durable or can even last longer is when all the walls are uneven. If the installation is uneven, then a frameless cabinet can be easily pulled out of shape. Framed cabinets are very less to warp in this instance.
- Frameless: A frameless cabinet, on the other hand, lacks the support right at the exterior edge, should be built from the more substantial material, so that the frameless cabinet will have more wood as well as thicker sides for supporting the weight without any need for a frame.
Installation
If constructed correctly, there is very little difference in the installation process. The frame on the framed cabinet is usually mounted by the manufacturer, so when a framed cabinet looks more substantial, this will not affect the installation of the cabinets. There are only a few differences that exist in the installation process. One of the differences can come from putting the shelves into a double cabinet. In such a case, the center stile can come in the way, this in turn means that installing the shelves must be done from one side simply by tilting the shelf. This will not add much of the time or cost to the installation process, however, most of the installers are used to the process. The frameless cabinet is still considered a new product, which in turn means that most of the installers are very less familiar with this installation procedure. The other main difference in the installation is the type of hardware. In a framed cabinet, the longer types of screws are required to hold the cabinets & this is because they must go into the frame. While in the installation of the frameless cabinets shorter screws are used.
Costs
The main biggest difference in the cost option is in the cabinet construction material that it is made from. Medium-density fiberboard will usually cost very less than plywood, for instance, 3/4 inch plywood is more costly than the 1/2 inch. This is due to the fact that a frameless cabinet will be made from the thicker materials as it lacks the frame, so frameless cabinets cost more. However, the user can find framed as well as frameless cabinets that are made of the same thickness as well as from the type of wood. It is important to consider that some of the manufacturer's price is based on how long it takes to build the cabinet. The frameless cabinets are usually constructed much more quickly than framed.