When considering cabinet styles for your kitchen, bathroom, or any other part of the house, one of the most timeless and reliable choices you can make is framed cabinets. Their robust construction, design versatility, and long-lasting durability have made them a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about framed cabinets, their various styles, and why they remain an excellent investment for your home renovation.
What Are Framed Cabinets?
Framed cabinets are a traditional type of cabinetry that feature a solid frame around the door opening. This frame serves as the structural support for the cabinet door and the cabinet box itself. Unlike frameless cabinets, which have no visible frame and rely on the cabinet box for strength, framed cabinets offer additional support and durability. They are often the preferred option for those who want a more classic or custom-designed look.
The frame on framed cabinets typically consists of vertical and horizontal components, called stiles and rails, which form the outer boundary. This structure creates a rigid, supportive design that can stand up to heavy use and wear over time. Framed cabinets can be designed in various ways to suit different tastes, whether you’re after a rustic, modern, or traditional look.
Benefits of Framed Cabinets
There are several key advantages to choosing framed cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom remodel. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons why they are so highly regarded:
Durability and Strength
Framed cabinets are known for their long-lasting durability. The robust frame construction ensures that they can withstand daily use, making them an excellent option for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The frame provides additional support for the cabinet doors and prevents warping, which is common in frameless designs.
Traditional Aesthetic Appeal
Framed cabinets have a timeless appeal, often associated with classic kitchen and bath designs. Whether you’re going for a vintage-inspired look or a more modern take on tradition, framed cabinets can seamlessly integrate into any home style. Their clean lines and structured appearance make them a staple in both contemporary and traditional interiors.
Design Versatility
Framed cabinets come in a variety of styles and finishes, offering homeowners plenty of design options. From simple, sleek Shaker-style doors to more intricate raised panel doors, you can choose the exact look that suits your home. Furthermore, framed cabinets are ideal for those who prefer custom cabinetry, as the frame offers a solid structure for unique, personalized designs.
Increased Functionality
The frame around the door opening can offer increased functionality. In many cases, framed cabinets can provide extra space for hinges and hardware, which is essential for smooth operation and easier adjustments. This can be especially important when installing larger or heavier cabinet doors.
Easier Door Alignment
The design of framed cabinets allows for easier door alignment and more consistent gaps between the doors. This precision ensures that cabinet doors open and close properly without sagging, which is more common in frameless designs where precise alignment can be challenging.
Types of Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets come in a range of styles, from the simplest designs to more intricate ones. The main types of framed cabinet door styles include:
Shaker Framed Cabinets
Shaker-style framed cabinets are one of the most popular choices for homeowners. Known for their minimalist yet timeless design, Shaker doors feature a flat panel with simple, clean lines. The frame around the door complements the straightforward style, offering both function and visual appeal. This style works well with a variety of kitchen or bathroom designs, from traditional to contemporary.
Raised Panel Framed Cabinets
Raised panel framed cabinets are an elegant choice for more formal kitchens or bathrooms. The center panel of the cabinet door is raised above the surrounding frame, adding depth and dimension. This style can be more ornate, with additional details like beveled edges or intricate carvings, perfect for a classic or luxurious look.
Flat Panel Framed Cabinets
Flat panel framed cabinets are ideal for those who want a clean, modern look with the structural benefits of a framed design. These doors feature a flat center panel without any raised details. They offer a more streamlined, contemporary aesthetic while still maintaining the strength and stability of framed construction.
Louvered Framed Cabinets
Louvered framed cabinets have horizontal slats that allow for air circulation. These are typically used in spaces like laundry rooms or bathrooms where ventilation is important. The frame around the slats offers additional stability, making this a functional and visually interesting design choice.
Materials Used for Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets are built using a variety of materials, each offering distinct advantages based on style preferences and budget. Here are the most commonly used materials:
Wood
Wood is the most popular material used for framed cabinets. It offers a natural aesthetic and comes in a variety of species, including oak, maple, cherry, and birch. Wood framed cabinets can be stained or painted to match your desired color scheme. Wood is durable and long-lasting, making it a solid choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
MDF is an engineered wood product that is often used in cabinet construction. It’s dense, smooth, and resistant to warping, making it a great choice for painted framed cabinets. MDF can be molded into various shapes and is an affordable option compared to solid wood.
Plywood
Plywood is another durable material used in framed cabinets. It’s less likely to warp or crack over time and offers a smooth finish for painting or staining. Plywood framed cabinets are also relatively affordable compared to solid wood, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious remodels.
Framed Cabinets vs. Frameless Cabinets
One of the primary considerations when choosing cabinet styles is whether to go for framed or frameless cabinets. Framed cabinets offer more traditional appeal and additional durability due to their construction. In contrast, frameless cabinets provide a more contemporary, sleek look with no visible frame. Both options have their merits, but framed cabinets are often preferred for their strength, customization options, and overall aesthetic.
While frameless cabinets can give a modern, minimalist look, framed cabinets provide a more robust, classic design that works well with a variety of architectural styles. Whether you prioritize strength, traditional design, or the flexibility of customization, framed cabinets offer the best of both worlds.
Why Choose Framed Cabinets for Your Home?
If you’re looking for cabinetry that combines style, durability, and functionality, framed cabinets should be at the top of your list. Their strong construction, traditional appeal, and versatile design options make them an excellent investment for any home renovation. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, bathroom, or another living space, framed cabinets can bring your vision to life while offering long-lasting value.
For those who want to explore a wide variety of framed cabinet options and get expert guidance on making the right choice, Cabinets ASAP is here to help. Their selection of high-quality framed cabinets ensures that you can find the perfect fit for your home’s unique style. From classic to contemporary designs, Cabinets ASAP offers the ideal solutions for your next home improvement project.
