Most Popular Types of Kitchen Cabinets

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen cabinets are a majority of what establishes your kitchen design style. For example, they define a contemporary kitchen from a transitional or farmhouse. Then there’s the other major aspect of kitchen cabinets: functionality. They provide storage, organization, and visual appeal to any kitchen. There are several different types of kitchen cabinets available that will meet both your tastes for interior design and functionality. 

Let’s take a look at the most popular types of cabinet construction to get an idea for all the various options available. We won’t go much into the various within these common types of construction, but just know, within each of these main categories there are several popular stock or simi-custom cabinets that are available for each. 

 

Framed Cabinets

The most basic type of kitchen cabinet is the framed cabinet. This type of cabinet has a face frame that typically wraps around the entire cabinet box. This gives the cabinet an overall solid look and feel. Framed cabinets are usually made of solid wood and may be painted or stained in a variety of colors. Framed cabinets are often used in traditional kitchen designs. 

 

Overlay Cabinets

Full overlay cabinets have a face frame that is slightly larger than the cabinet box. This gives the cabinet a more modern and contemporary look. Full overlay cabinets are typically made of particle board and laminate, and they may also be painted or stained. 

Inset Cabinets

In contrast to overlay cabinets, inset cabinets have a face frame that is slightly smaller than the cabinet box, leaving a small gap between the cabinet and face frame. This type of cabinet gives a cleaner and more streamlined look. Inset cabinets are typically made of wood and can also be painted or stained. 

 

Frameless Cabinets

Frameless cabinets do not have a face frame and instead have a full-length door that wraps around the entire cabinet box. Frameless cabinets are often used in modern and contemporary kitchen designs. They are typically made of particle board and laminate and may also be painted or stained. No matter which type of kitchen cabinet you choose, it is important to make sure that it is properly installed and sealed. This will ensure that your cabinets will last for many years to come. Selecting the right type of cabinet for your kitchen is key to creating a stylish and practical space.

Custom Cabinets

When you require just the right cabinet to either fit a certain design style or space then a custom cabinet is the way to go. However, you can expect custom cabinetry to cost a bit more than the other types of cabinets we listed above. Custom cabinets can be constructed with any of the structures or materials of the previously mentioned cabinets. So, if you have a unique kitchen or bathroom layout custom cabinets offer more flexibility.

Keep in mind though, there are simi-custom cabinetry that don’t require a cabinet maker to construct them from the ground floor up.  Meaning you can obtain a cabinet that looks like an expensive custom cabinet but in fact is a simi-custom cabinet which can save upwards of 40% on cost while still getting the exact cabinet you desired. It’s best to get some ideas online for various types of simi-custom or even stock cabinetry before meeting with a kitchen designer or visiting a cabinet showroom. Afterall, there’s no sense in purchasing custom cabinets when a stock or simi-custom cabinet will fit the bill.