Choosing between framed vs frameless cabinets is one of the most important decisions in your kitchen remodel. This choice affects everything from storage capacity and durability to your kitchen's overall aesthetic and long-term functionality.
With cabinets representing 35-40% of most kitchen budgets, understanding the differences between face frame vs frameless cabinets can save you thousands while ensuring you get the right solution for your needs.
Your home's age matters too. In a kitchen remodel in Portland, where many homes date to the early 1900s, walls are rarely perfectly square, which often tips the decision toward framed cabinets.
Frameless cabinets provide more usable storage space. The face frame on framed cabinets creates approximately 3/8" of depth that reduces accessible space around the opening, though this primarily affects drawer storage rather than shelved areas.
Practical impact: The face frame doesn't necessarily reduce what you can store, but it does make accessing items slightly more difficult and limits drawer box sizes.
Framed cabinets traditionally offer superior structural support, but modern frameless construction has largely closed this gap:
Framed Cabinet Strength:
Frameless Cabinet Strength:
Framed cabinets are more forgiving during installation:
Frameless cabinets require precision from start to finish:
Frameless cabinets typically cost 5-15% more than comparable framed cabinets:
Why frameless costs more:
Cost breakdown example (mid-range kitchen):
Frameless installation often costs 10-20% more:
Both styles offer similar resale value, but consider:
Framed cabinets create:
Frameless cabinets create:
Framed cabinet limitations:
Frameless advantages:
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
Framed cabinets: Frame edges can trap grease and require detailed cleaning Frameless cabinets: Smooth surfaces clean easily but show fingerprints more
Framed cabinets: Standard hinges readily available and inexpensive Frameless cabinets: European hinges more expensive but offer better adjustment
Both styles can last decades with quality construction. Frameless cabinets may require more careful handling due to their precision fit, while framed cabinets are more forgiving of settling and normal wear.
The raw material costs are typically comparable between framed and frameless cabinets. However, frameless cabinets require higher-quality manufacturing with tighter tolerances, which means you often need to buy higher-end frameless cabinets to achieve professional results. This quality requirement, rather than the style itself, drives the higher cost.
Frameless cabinets do provide easier access to storage since there's no face frame around the opening. While you don't lose significant storage capacity with framed cabinets, the approximately 3/8" face frame depth can make accessing items slightly more difficult, particularly with drawers.
Both can be equally durable with quality construction. Framed cabinets have structural advantages from the face frame, while frameless cabinets compensate with thicker cabinet sides and better hardware.
Converting is typically not cost-effective. The cabinet boxes, hinges, and doors would all need replacement. It's usually better to start with new cabinets in your preferred style.
Both offer similar resale value. Choose the style that fits your home's overall aesthetic—framed for traditional homes, frameless for contemporary spaces.
The choice between framed vs frameless cabinets ultimately depends on your priorities:
If storage space and modern aesthetics are most important, choose frameless cabinets despite the higher cost.
If budget and traditional styling matter more, framed cabinets offer excellent value and timeless appeal.
Consider your home's style, your budget, and your storage needs when making this important decision. Both styles can create beautiful, functional kitchens when properly designed and installed.
Lamont Bros. Design & Construction works with homeowners across the Portland metro and Southwest Washington, many of them busy professionals and families who want a kitchen that works for how they live without managing the project themselves. Our design team can help you compare framed and frameless cabinets in person and choose the right fit for your home, budget, and style.
Since 2008, our team has completed 850+ remodels and was named a two-time 2026 National NARI Remodeler of the Year. Here's what that means for your kitchen:
Schedule a free design consultation with a Lamont Bros. design consultant, call us at (503) 713-5335, or visit our showroom at 18675 Willamette Dr. in West Linn to see both cabinet styles in person.