Whether you are building your first home or remodeling your existing one, it is important to consider the options available for shaker kitchen cabinets. Some of these options include frameless or full overlay designs, colors, and construction methods.
- Face frame
Unlike frameless cabinets, face frame cabinets have a frame covering the cabinet’s plywood edges. This provides a sturdier look and adds strength to the front of the cabinet. These cabinets are traditionally built and are available in many designs.
Face frame cabinets are available in full overlay and partial overlay styles. The amount of overlay you select depends on the width of the face frame. A full overlay door is about 1/8″ or less wide than the face frame. Typical face frame cabinets are approximately 1-1/2 inches thick.
The face frame of shaker kitchen cabinets comprises vertical stiles and horizontal rails. Shaker styles are usually three inches wide, and the top horizontal rail is three inches wide. Some cabinetmakers will add a half-inch to the rail width.
- Frameless
Frameless shaker kitchen cabinets are more contemporary and sleek than framed cabinets. They are also much more affordable. You can choose from various cabinet styles, including a wood-grained laminate slab door or a painted Shaker door.
Frameless cabinets are perfect for contemporary kitchens. They provide a clean look that goes with any decor. They can be incorporated into any kitchen style, including modern, traditional, and even transitional designs.
The best part about frameless cabinets is that you have full access to the cabinet’s interior. This means you can pull out shelves and use the full interior space for larger roll-out shelf accessories. You also don’t have to worry about fidgeting with knobs or handles. You can also choose a different finish later.
- Full overlay
Whether you’re planning to build a new home or update an existing kitchen, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between partial overlay and full overlay cabinet doors. Full overlay doors are less expensive than inset and have a clean, continuous look that can be incorporated into various designs.
The difference between partial and full overlay cabinets is that full overlay doors cover the cabinet box frame. Full overlay doors can be used with framed or frameless cabinet boxes, depending on the style you want. Framed cabinets will have a solid wood face frame, while frameless boxes have no box to cover.
Partial overlay doors are more affordable than the full overlay, but they can leave a gap between doors. The gap is usually around 1/8″ or less, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your tastes.
- Colors available
Whether you are refacing or constructing your new kitchen, there are several colors to choose from. You can choose from light shades or dark hues to add sophistication to your kitchen. However, when you decide on your cabinet color, it is also important to consider how it will affect the rest of the room.
White is one of the most popular colors for Shaker kitchen cabinets, but there are many other choices. White can make a room appear larger and serve as a great backdrop for centerpieces. If you want your kitchen to feel more modern, you may want to try a black cabinet. The dark hue will prevent your cabinet from showing dirt and grime and add sophistication to your kitchen.
- Construction methods
Generally, Shaker kitchen cabinets are made from pine, maple, or birch. They feature four raised pieces, including a recessed center panel. They can also be categorized by using mid-rails or muntins. The standard Shaker cabinet has stiles and rails that are between two and three and a half inches wide. The recessed panel is usually 1/4 inch deep. They can also be called skinny Shaker cabinets.
Another way to get a shaker look is to use frameless cabinets. They have clean lines, making them ideal for modern kitchens. They can be manufactured from solid wood or plywood. They are usually fitted with butt hinges. They are available in a variety of contemporary designs. They can also be made of MDF.