Face Frame or Framless?

[Black wallnut]

I believe that it is a matter of personal preference. I like face frame construction for cabinets. It allows the use of rabbeted doors, which IMHO helps to keep dust out. I think a face frame adds strength for longer life of the cabinet. I also think it just looks better.

[jackellis]

I have mixed feelings about them. Especially with drawers, I think they take up way too much space, which is important when you live with a pack rat who loves to fill up every available nook and cranny. But I agree with Mark that they do help strengthen the carcase.

[Tom Slick]

I prefer the assembly/installation/practicality of frameless/european and like the look of the full overlay of the doors better.I also like their modern style but they look out of place around other "classic" style cabinets and classic style kitchens. face frame cabinets certainly have a much more "traditional" look to them.

[ragswl4]

Deleted by originator.

[cabinetman]

I prefer and am building face frame cabinets. While face frames may be more work, I like the look and I don't have to cover the exposed edges of the plywood on the front of the cabinet.

But you are covering the front edges, just like frameless, but thicker. I prefer frameless construction. It does allow for more room, cabinets are easier to clean and the bottoms are smooth out the opening. Never had a problem with weight or deflection with frameless construction. Did have a big problem with the FF euro hinges on updating faceframe cabinets. They are more prone to failure than carcass mount.

[drumpriest]

I find most of the time that I build face frame cabinets. But it does depend. I've been asked before to make cabinets that are frameless. Also, if it's a chest of drawers, there is the potential to make the drawer faces flow together, and at times it looks better frameless, etc...

[Tequila]

Totally depends on the application. If I wan't something traditional, I'll for face frame. I go frameless for a more modern look, or when I just need something quick.

[jziegler]

I voted face frame, since that's what I've built for my kitchen. Works better for the kitchen in an old house (even if it's now a modern kitchen). Of course, for some appliactions I'd sue frameless, so maybe I should have voted that it depends.

Overall, I like the look af face frame better. But, for utility cabinets, things like that, frameless is just fane and faster to build.

Jim

[Stormbringer]

For any newbs out their wunderin' about the difference, click here or here.

[blame]

i prefer faceframed over frameless for strength and appeal

but in a modern kitchens the frameless would have better appeal

blame

[JimD]

I normally use frameless due to more space plus better use of materials. Factories use face frame because they want to use thin particle board sides. I use 3/4 plywood which does not need a face frame for strength. Leaving the face frame off means I have to use a piece of scrap wood of the same species to hide the plywood edge but that is less work than making a face frame.

If you like the look of a face frame then that is plenty good enough reason to use it.

Jim

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Q: Which do your *prefer*?
I *prefer* face frame and voted as such.

However, as with everything, it depends upon the application. Poll should likely be limited to first two options if you want to know which people prefer.