Face-Frame or Frameless (also know as European or Euro Box) what is the difference? Face-Frame cabinets feature a solid-wood frame on the front of the cabinet box, or carcass. On face frame cabinets the hinges attach to the door and the frame. Additionally you will have choices on how much the door covers the frame, called overaly. The basic choices are traditional overlay (1″ of frame showing at the sides) and “full” overlay with a range of exposure up to completely covering the face frame. In terms of style the larger the overlay the more contemporary the look.

Frameless construction has no face frame around the box. The doors fully cover the exposed cabinet sides. Hinges attach to doors and side (or end) panels of the carcass. Euro cabinets generally are more modern in appearance.

Both construction methods have advantages and disadvantages. There is no clear cut “better way” to build a cabinet box and your desired finished look maybe the ultimate decision maker on which style to purchase.