Cabinet Construction     Cabinet Dimension - North America Framed     Cabinet Dimension - European Frameless

RTA off the shelf European Frameless Cabinets

American Cherry Chocolate Shaker,  Antique Almond,  Bamboo Scotch Shaker, Birch White Shaker, Cerise Shaker, Cherry Walnut, Golden Honey,  Merlot Birch, Russian Birch Shaker

RTA off the shelf North American Framed Cabinets

American Cherry Shaker,  American Oak, Bamboo Shaker,  Beech Cathedral,  Beech Square,  Canyon Glaze,  Cherry Mahogany,  Chocolate,  Coffee Bean,  Ginger/Coffee Glaze,  Maple Arch,  Maple Shaker, Maple Shaker White,  Redwood Arch,  Walnut

Custom RTA Cabinets (can be framed or frameless)

Antique White, Antique Almond, Bamboo Green Slab, Bamboo Green Shaker,  Bamboo Natural Slab,  Bamboo Natural Shaker, Bamboo Scotch Slab, Bamboo Scotch Shaker, Cherry Mahogany, Cherry Walnut, Chocolate, Coffee Bean, Ginger/CoffeeGlaze, Maple Wide Shaker, Merlot Birch, Onyx Black, Tuscany White, White Shaker

North America Framed vs. European Frameless Cabinets

The standard cabinets used in North America are known as framed cabinets. The name derives from a frame that is placed around the front of the cabinet opening, and is used to secure the door to the cabinet. Since this frame is visible on the outside, it is called the face frame, and is usually made of the same wood species as the cabinet doors. At Domain Cabinets Direct, all our face frames use 3/4'' thick wood that matches the solid wood door panels. The face frame is usually 1- 11/2'' wide, and gives the cabinet extra strength from cracking or sagging. Even though vertical stiles are no longer used, the face frame still reduces the size of the cabinet opening slightly when compared to the frameless Euro style.

The frameless or European style cabinet lacks a face frame by design. Because the doors are attached directly to the edges of the cabinet box, they are sized so that they conceal a significant portion of the edge of the cabinet box opening. Frameless cabinets are slightly easier to get into because there are no rails or stiles to interfere with access to the interior. The clean look of frameless cabinets has a more contemporary look.

At Domain Cabinets Direct, we use solid wood doors for both our North American framed cabinet lines and European frameless cabinet lines. Because of this, the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom will be similar, no matter what style you choose. The differences are subtle and it is largely a matter of preference. Below are some things to consider before choosing your cabinets:

 

 

Ceiling Height:

For our Euro Frameless lines, the standard wall cabinets have heights of 33", or 39", except for Merlot Birch which is 28'', 34'' or 39''.  Their relative floor-to-top-of-cabinet heights are 81'', 87'' or 93''. (Euro Frameless Cabinet Dimensions). For our North American framed lines, the standard wall cabinets have heights of 30'', 36'' or 42''.  Their relative floor-to-top-of-cabinet heights are 84'', 90'' or 96''. (North America Face Frame Cabinet Dimensions). Depending on your preference, you may choose different crown moldings or valances to enhance the look of your kitchen. Crown moldings or valances will add 1 5/8'' - 4'' to the total height, so it's very important to double-check all dimensions against your kitchen ceiling height before you select your cabinets.

                       Cost:

Frameless Euro cabinets are generally less expensive than framed.  Although both framed and frameless cabinets use the same materials, frameless cabinets use less and thus the cost is a bit lower.

          

           Quality:

Both styles have no difference in quality.

            Door to Door Space:

If you are looking for a clean, contemporary look, choose frameless Euro cabinets because they have less space between the doors from cabinet to cabinet. Framed cabinets have more exposed wood and their look is more in keeping with North American traditions and style.

 

            Installation:

Framed cabinets have rigid front frames as well as recessed end panels. This makes them easier to install than frameless cabinets.

            Ease of Cleaning:

Frameless Euro cabinets are easier to clean and maintain than their framed counterparts because the lack of a face frame facilitates wiping or dusting the interior.