Face Frame Cabinetry

Face Frame Cabinets in Kitchen

Cabinetry with mix of glass and solid doors

Face Frame Cabinets with exposed hinges

Face frame cabinets around refrigerator

Cabinet boxes before face framing

Face frames added to boxes

Face frame and beaded board applied to inside 

Rob adding the hinges to the doors

Several months ago we decided to construct the kitchen and bathroom cabinetry using a traditional method of cabinet design called face framing.  This method has been used in North America for a long time and it is often seen in older homes.  By contrast, European style (or frameless cabinetry) became popular after WWII in Europe during post war reconstruction.   In frameless cabinetry construction, the hinges are concealed and the door or drawer covers most of the interior frame.  At the time, it was considered an advance in cabinet design because hardware had improved and materials had greatly advanced, allowing for the doors and drawers to be supported by the cabinet box, not the hardwood frame attached to the front.   While frameless cabinetry is streamlined and elegant, face framed cabinetry seemed more appropriate for our turn of the century home. 

The construction of our cabinetry was a multi-step process and more labor intensive than the frameless option.  First, we ordered standard size cabinet boxes from a manufacturer in Grand Junction, CO.   Then, Joel's carpenters constructed the face frames for each box and also lined many of the upper boxes with traditional beaded board.  Some boxes were divided into drawers, while others were designated as cabinets with doors.  This was the point in the design process where we truly got to customize our space and get the storage that we needed for our lifestyle.  The next step was to carefully measure all of the openings to allow for the flush inset drawer or cabinet door.  This was critical step because there is a small gap around every opening that gives it a uniform appearance and allows for very little error.  Next, the doors and drawer fronts were ordered locally, along with the interior drawers and drawer hardware.  Custom shelves were made on site for the upper cabinets.  All the doors and drawers were then sprayed with Benjamin Moore's Lancaster White paint and sealed with a clear coat of lacquer.   Next, the doors were mounted with exposed hinges, glass was inserted in some doors and the door and the drawer knobs (small round knobs in oil rubbed bronze and a few traditional latches for the upper cabinets) were attached.   Joel added magnets to all of the doors so that they would have a solid connection with the face frame.    Now that the cabinets are finished, it seems like the right choice for our 110-year-old home.