Ask WWGOA: Framed Cabinets vs. European Style – Which to Build?

By Reader Submitted

ask WWGO text with a man posing

Question:

I have just watched your third video. Now I would like some comments on the pros and cons of framed cabinets vs. the European style (non-framed) ones. How do I decide which to build?

Submitted by warrenh

Answer:

The main difference is appearance. My opinion is that face frame cabinets use less material, take more time to build, and are much more forgiving when installing doors and drawers, since tolerances and margins are less critical.

Frame-less cabinets are easier to build, since the construction is more standardized. Tolerances are much tighter and require precise matching, but the drawer slides and hinges are adjustable, which makes aligning parts easier.

I started my career building face frame cabinets, but now I only build frame-less. I don’t think you can make a decision on which is right for you without having tried both styles.

Bruce


Do you have a question for WWGOA? Ask us on Facebook or email editor@wwgoa.com. Note: questions may be edited for clarity and relevance.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
500 characters remaining

3 Responses to “Ask WWGOA: Framed Cabinets vs. European Style – Which to Build?”

  1. Sergio Federico Canseco

    Framed cabinets are cute, frameless cabinets are insipid.

  2. Scott Frederick

    I want to make a frame for shiplap what is the easiest way to do this

  3. Wayne

    I started making frameless cabinets but later changed to face-frame. Isn't face-frame cabinets stronger?