Understanding Cabinet Construction - Part 1

What You Should Know When Choosing Kitchen Cabinets  

To most consumers, few cabinet brands are well-known and a lot of cabinetry looks alike today. It is almost impossible at a glance to tell the difference between expensive and inexpensive cabinetry. Even for many professionals in the field!

Yet cabinetry can represent as much as 60% of an average kitchen’s cost. That is why it is so important for you to be thoroughly informed about the quality differences in cabinetry. It will prevent you from making a wrong decision and being disappointed with the end result.

  

Construction Differences

There are basically two types of cabinet construction systems. The first is called “framed” construction and represents the traditional American methodology from yesteryear. It takes a “box” and attaches a solid 1 ½” wide x ¾” thick “frame” to the front of it. Doors can then “slab”, “lip”, “set in flush” ( like fine furniture ) or “marginally cover” this front frame.

The second production method was developed in Europe in recent decades. Called the “frameless” ( or “European” ) system, 5/8” - ¾” thick melamine ( or plywood ) panels are assembled to construct the cabinet chassis ( or “box” ). This thicker side panel material eliminates the need for a front “frame” to keep the “box” rigid.

Which system is better? This subject is open for debate. Purists prefer “framed” cabinetry for its authentic look, “old world” construction, and general absence of substitute wood materials like “particleboard”. “Frameless” enthusiasts point to the many functional advantages inherent to this more modern construction system.