Installing framed vs. frameless cabinets

When you’re renovating your cabinets, one of the pivotal decisions you’ll face is choosing between installing framed cabinets or installing frameless cabinets. The former adds a touch of classic charm, while the latter gives a modern feel. But the choice goes beyond aesthetics. It significantly impacts storage space and overall functionality.

In this article, we explore the differences between these two cabinet styles and provide guidance on how to install frameless cabinets and framed cabinets. By the end, you’ll be better placed to make the best choice and install your cabinets like a pro. 

Understanding the difference between framed and frameless cabinets

Framed and frameless cabinets are both popular in the kitchen. To better understand their differences, you first need to know what a face frame cabinet is.

Framed cabinets

Framed cabinets have a face frame made of solid wood. This attaches to the front of the cabinet box and provides structural support. It also forms a border around each cabinet door and drawer, creating a sense of craftsmanship. Decorative molding and detailing are often featured on the face frame for a touch of elegance.

These traditional aesthetics contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere. But there are many other benefits to framed cabinets that have made them widely popular:

• Durability: The face frame makes these cabinets more resistant to wear and tear.
• Timeless look: They have an enduring appearance that complements a range of decors.
• Customization: There are many styles of framed cabinet door profiles, like raised panels or Shakers. They are also available in multiple wood species and finishes.
• Inset door options: Framed cabinets pair nicely with inset doors, creating a flush exterior.
• Easy maintenance: The face frame protects against damage, making the cabinets easier to maintain.
• Elegant hardware: Framed cabinets suit distinctive hardware options like ornate knobs and handles.
• Coordination with traditional elements: Framed cabinets coordinate beautifully with elements like crown molding, wainscoting, and ornate backsplashes.

Frameless cabinets

Frameless cabinets do not have a face frame. Instead, the cabinet doors and drawer fronts directly attach to the sides of the cabinet box. This creates a modern appearance with full-overlay doors. 

The biggest advantage frameless cabinets have over framed cabinets is storage. Frameless cabinets offer more accessible cabinet space because there is no face frame to contend with. 

Other benefits of frameless cabinets include:

• Better accessibility: They offer unobstructed access to the cabinet interior.
• Universal access: Frameless cabinets are friendly to individuals with mobility issues, as there are no obstacles to impede access.
• Sleek design: They have an uncluttered look that makes small kitchens feel bigger.
• Customizable interior: They offer a variety of interior storage solutions, like pull-out shelves or deep drawers.
• Easy cleaning: They’re easier to clean because they have fewer crevices and corners than framed cabinets, which accumulate dust and grime.
• Hardware flexibility: Hardware components attach directly to the cabinet sides, allowing for precise adjustments.

Bottom line: Frameless cabinets excel in terms of storage and accessibility, while framed cabinets offer a time-honored appearance that appeals to many homeowners. Your choice between the two will depend on your personal style and functionality needs.

How to install framed cabinets

Whether you’re installing framed cabinets or frameless cabinets, the process will be similar, with a few noted differences in the hardware requirements. Let’s first review the materials and tools you’ll need and then jump into how to install framed cabinets.

Materials you’ll need 

• Upper and/or lower kitchen cabinets
• Plywood strips (for elevation above a floating floor)
• Shims (for leveling and alignment)
• Cabinet clamps (for holding cabinets together)
• Screwdriver or drill
• Level
• Tape measure
• Plane (for minor adjustments)
• 1×4-inch ledger boards (to support upper cabinets during installation)
• 1x2s (for additional countertop support)
• Toe kicks
• Filler strips (for gaps between cabinets and walls)

Hardware for installing framed cabinets:

• 2.5- to 3-inch mounting screws, which secure the cabinet to the wall
• #8 screws, which connect the cabinets through the face frames
• Finishing nails, which attach toe kicks and molding

Note: Defer to any manufacturer-specific instructions and materials if applicable.

Installing framed cabinets

Always prepare your cabinets before installation. Remove the doors to make them lighter and easier to handle. Then, take some measurements and mark where the wall studs will go.

For the first cabinet, which will be the corner or leftmost unit, measure the distance from the cabinet edge to the studs, factoring in the face frame. Transfer these measurements to your unit. Drill pilot holes through the back of the cabinet at the top, middle, and bottom.

When installing upper cabinets, begin by affixing a straight 1×4 ledger board along your wall. This provides temporary support to your cabinets as you install them. 

With preparation out of the way, you can begin installation:

1. Align your first cabinet with the wall studs.
2. Drive the mounting screws into the wall studs just enough to hold the cabinet in place. 
3. Use a level to check that the cabinet is plumb before tightening the screws.
4. Ensure your screws are long enough to go through the cabinet and into the wall studs.
5. Install additional cabinets one by one, ensuring they are level and properly aligned.

When installing the rest of your cabinets:

1. Clamp your cabinets together as you install them to keep the face frames flush.
2. Use a countersink drill bit to drill through the face frames.
3. Connect the adjacent cabinets with screws and secure them together.
4. Verify the alignment and make any necessary changes before finishing.
5. Use shims to adjust for any irregularities in the wall or floor.
6. After you’ve connected all the cabinets and aligned them, remove the ledger.
7. Patch any spots on the wall where the ledger was.
8. Reattach the cabinet doors, adjusting the hinges as necessary.
9. If you’re adding crown molding, attach it with finishing nails after all your doors are on.

Note: Defer to any manufacturer-specific instructions if applicable.

How to install frameless cabinets

Materials you’ll need

When installing frameless kitchen cabinets, you will need all the same materials as framed cabinets. The main difference is the hardware:

• Mounting screws: Unlike framed cabinets, which need longer screws because of the face frame, frameless cabinets need shorter screws to avoid poking through the inside of the cabinet. Screws measuring 1.25 to 1.5 inches are most common.
• Cabinet connecting screws: These secure cabinets through the side panels instead of the face frame. They are typically 1 to 1.25 inches. They focus on joining the cabinet sides together and ensuring proper alignment and stability in the absence of a face frame.

There are also additional tools you can use when installing frameless cabinets or framed cabinets:

• Drill with a countersink bit: This is for drilling pilot holes for the screws.
• Saw or cutting tool: This is to cut plywood strips, filler strips, and toe kicks.
• Glue: This is to attach shims if dealing with a bowed wall.
• Sander or sandpaper: This is to smooth the cut edges of the filler strips if needed.

Remember that the exact quantity and sizes of materials will depend on the specific dimensions of your kitchen cabinets. Always measure carefully and consult the manufacturer’s instructions if you need clarification.

Note: Defer to any manufacturer-specific instructions and materials if applicable.

Installing frameless cabinets

Now, let’s get into how to install frameless cabinets. The steps are very similar to those outlined before, with a few differences:

1. Prepare your cabinets by taking off any doors, drawers, or hardware.
2. For upper cabinets, attach a horizontal cleat along the top of the cabinet area.
3. Measure and mark the cleat placement so you know where to put the wall studs.
4. Use a level to keep it straight and secure it to the wall studs using screws.
5. Locate and mark where you will be securing the cabinets on the cleat.
6. Transfer these measurements to your cabinet and drill pilot holes through the back.
7. Place the first cabinet on top of the upper cleat, ensuring it’s plumb.
8. Secure the cabinet to the cleat by screwing through the pilot holes and into the studs.
9. Install additional cabinets one by one, clamping them together as you go.
10. Use shorter screws and drive them through the side panels to join cabinets together.
11. Continue this process for all cabinets, ensuring the faces and edges remain aligned.
12. Use shims to adjust for any irregularities.
13. Verify the alignment and make any necessary adjustments.
14. Install the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware once all cabinets are in place.

For base cabinets, attach vertical cleats along the top and bottom edges of the cabinet area. The bottom cleat provides support for the cabinets, while the top cleat helps align and secure them. You can then continue installation as normal. 

Note: Defer to any manufacturer-specific instructions if applicable.

8 general tips for cabinet door installation

• Gather your tools: Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and hardware. This will make the process much quicker.
• Measure twice: Always double-check your measurements to get placement right the first time around. Taking the extra time to be precise saves you a lot of headaches.
• Address wall bowing: If installing cabinets near a bowed wall, adhere shims near the stud lines. This prevents the cabinet backs from bowing when you screw them in.
• Handle plumbing or gas lines: Where you have plumbing or gas lines, simply cut holes in the back of the relevant cabinet and install it like the rest.
• Address gaps with filler strips: If you have a gap between the cabinet and the wall, fix it with a filler strip. Simply measure, mark, and cut the filler strip to fit.
• Attach toe kicks: Once the cabinets are secure, size and cut toe kicks and attach them with finishing nails. If installing a floating floor, install toe kicks after completing the flooring.
• Install countertop support: For places where you don’t have a cabinet frame to support the countertop, attach 1x2s with screws. After you’ve secured the cabinets and added the toe kicks, you can install the countertops.
• Reattaching doors and drawers: Remember to only reattach doors and drawers after you’ve installed the countertop. 

The importance of maintenance for your cabinet doors 

Regular maintenance for your cabinet doors is crucial for preserving their appearance and longevity. Cabinets endure daily wear and tear, including spills, grease, and moisture. These lead to staining, warping, or discoloration. Consistent maintenance prevents these issues.

When cleaning cabinet doors, use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners. These remove dirt and grime while avoiding damage to the finish. Lubricate hinges and drawer slides to prevent squeaking and ensure smooth operation.

By dedicating time to maintaining your cabinet doors, you not only protect their aesthetic appeal but extend their life span.

Learn more with The Cabinet Door Store

In the end, the choice between installing frameless cabinets and framed cabinets depends on your design preferences and functional needs. Whether you opt for the timeless charm of face frames or more modern slab doors, a well-planned installation is key to achieving a professional finish.

When it comes to sourcing the perfect doors, drawers, and hardware to complement your cabinets, we invite you to explore The Cabinet Door Store. With a wide selection of high-quality products and customization options, you can find precisely what you need to elevate your cabinet project.

Visit our website today and take the first step toward transforming your cabinets. For more information or advice about your project, contact our friendly team.