When building or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, you’ll need to decide between European (frameless) and face frame cabinets. Each has a distinct construction style, aesthetic, and functional advantage.  Let’s break down the differences to help you choose the right fit for your space.

What Are Face Frame Cabinets?

Face frame cabinets are a traditional American cabinet style that includes a frame, typically made of hardwood, attached to the front of the cabinet box. This border measures one and a half inches wide. The cabinet door or drawer front attaches to this frame. 

This style provides a sturdier front structure, which helps keep the cabinet square, which is especially helpful for older homes with uneven walls. You can choose from an inset, partial, or full overlay, which determines how much the frame is covered by the door or drawer front. These cabinets are generally more affordable than European-style cabinets. 

Pros

Durability and Strength — Face frame cabinets have a robust construction with the frame providing additional support to prevent racking. 

Versatile Options — You can choose from a great variety of cabinet styles and finishes. 

Easy Installation — These cabinets are typically easier to install, especially for those with less experience. 

Cons 

Reduced Interior Storage — The face frame takes up space, resulting in slightly less usable storage compared to frameless cabinets. 

Limited Style Options — The traditional style of these cabinets may not suit modern or minimalist design aesthetics. 

Reduced Accessibility — The lip of the face frame can make it more difficult to access items in the back of the cabinet and make it harder to fit large items. 

Overcrowding — The boxy constriction may also make your kitchen look overcrowded or jam-packed. 

What Are European (Frameless) Cabinets?

The European cabinet style (also known as frameless) eliminates the face frame. Instead, it has a full overlay, which means the doors and drawers attach directly to the cabinet box. These flat-panel doors are known as “slabs.” 

These cabinets have clean lines and flush-mount doors that provide a modern appearance. The full-access cabinetry has no center stile or frame in the way, wider drawer boxes, and easier access. 

Pros 

Storage Efficiency — The frameless construction of European cabinets provides about 10% more storage capacity than face-frame cabinets, allowing you to easily store bigger and taller items. 

Sleek and Modern Appearance — The clean lines and seamless look of frameless cabinets are great for contemporary, minimalist, and modern spaces. The sleek look also makes these cabinets easier to clean. 

Increased Accessibility — Full-overlay doors and drawers provide easier access to items stored in the back of the cabinets, making them more functional than face frame cabinets. 

Durable Construction — European cabinets are built with robust materials and hardware, making them very durable and reducing the chance of racking. 

Cons

Higher Cost — European cabinets generally cost more than face frame cabinets because they use premium materials and construction techniques and require more lumber to support the lack of frame. 

Limited Customization — European cabinets don’t have as many customization options as face frame cabinets. They also tend to clash in traditional kitchen designs and may look outdated. 

Potential for Wear and Tear — Because the edges of the doors and drawer extend to the edge of the cabinet box, they may receive more scratches and chips. They also have the risk of falling off the wall if attached to uneven walls. 

Aesthetic Differences

Face Frame — Face frame cabinets work best in traditional, farmhouse, or transitional styled homes.

Frameless (European) — European cabinets work ideally in modern, contemporary, or Scandinavian interiors.

Construction & Cost

Frameless Cabinets — These cabinets tend to be faster and less expensive to produce due to fewer materials and simpler construction. You may be able to install these cabinets yourself.

Face Frame Cabinets —  These cabinets may cost more due to additional materials and more intricate construction. However, you have more room for custom styling. These cabinets typically need professional installation. 

Which Should You Choose?

Choose face frame cabinets if you prefer a more traditional look, need custom styling, have uneven walls, or are on a budget.

Choose frameless cabinets if you want a sleek, modern look and need to maximize storage and accessibility. These cabinets work well for big families.

Which Cabinet Style do You Prefer? 

Do you lean toward the clean lines and modern aesthetic of European cabinets or the classic charm of face frame construction? Whichever you prefer, understanding the pros and cons of each cabinet style will help you make a confident and informed decision. Your lifestyle, design taste, and storage needs should be the main influences.