Cabinets determine so much about your kitchen, from its looks and mood to its efficiency and ease of use. RTA cabinets (Ready-to-Assemble) have become popular because of the sheer variety available: there’s something for everyone, and it’s likely to be in stock. You already have a lot of choices about color, style, and layout for your cabinets, but let’s take a closer look at one aspect of these decisions: frameless versus framed RTA cabinets.
A Quick Introduction to RTA Cabinets
RTA cabinets come in a flat pack and are assembled on-site, whether by hired help or the homeowner themselves. This way of doing things has a lot of benefits, especially if you are looking to save some money or enjoy a good DIY project. It means you get to be a part of creating your kitchen, which can be really rewarding. But for many people the most important benefits of choosing RTA cabinets are the savings. The cabinets themselves cost less than pre-assembled because there are no included labor charges for assembly, and they also cost much less to ship.
Besides being more affordable, you’ll often find a much bigger selection of cabinet styles and colors available in the RTA format, because they’re easier to store and keep in stock than pre-assembled cabinets. Between lower costs and a larger selection, without any loss in quality (RTA cabinet kits are the exact same cabinets as the ones you buy assembled, just without the pre-assembly), it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.
What are Framed RTA Cabinets?
Framed cabinets have been around the longest, so they’re familiar to most people. They have a classic look and feel that many homeowners love. Understanding their structure and how they work will help you decide if they fit your kitchen's needs and your personal style.
Framed cabinets have a solid wood border, or face frame, attached to the front of the cabinet box. The door is often smaller than the dimensions of the cabinet face so this face frame is visible around the door. This frame acts like a sturdy support system, making the whole cabinet more stable and strong. The cabinet doors and drawers then attach to this face frame. This design helps spread out the weight evenly and makes it less likely for the cabinet to warp or twist over time. Because the face frame adds so much strength, the actual cabinet box can be made with materials that are a bit thinner without losing stability. Framed cabinets are sometimes called “American-style” cabinets.
How Framed RTA Cabinets Look
Framed cabinets give off a more traditional and classic vibe. The face frame itself adds depth and a bit of detail to the cabinet's appearance. Since the face frame is solid hardwood just like the doors and drawer fronts, it’s finished with a stain or paint just like the rest of the cabinet and will be styled in a way that matches the cabinet door’s design, even if that just means a smooth surface. You can consider the face frame “the front” of the cabinet that isn’t part of the door or drawers. The doors and drawers stick out just a bit from the face frame, creating a layered look. This is also the style you’d choose if you want to show off some nice hinges, perhaps some that match the drawer pulls and other hardware you choose.
Storage Space in Framed RTA Cabinets
Because of the face frame, framed cabinets do have a little bit less storage space on the inside compared to frameless cabinets. The frame takes up some room around the opening, which can make it a bit trickier to fit in really large dishes or kitchen gadgets, but only the largest ones are likely to have this problem. Even with this slight reduction, framed cabinets still provide a good amount of storage for everyday kitchen items and most people won’t notice a difference. If you do need more storage, you can always add things like open shelving, pull-out pantry units, or even a freestanding hutch to keep your kitchen organized.
The Cost of Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets tend to be less expensive than frameless cabinets. This often comes down to the materials used and how they’re built. Since the face frame adds a lot of strength, the main cabinet box can sometimes be made with slightly thinner materials, which can lower the overall cost and weight. This doesn’t mean a loss in quality, either, as this material will usually be high-quality plywood which is incredibly tough. The way framed cabinets are constructed can also be a bit simpler, which also helps keep prices down. However, just like with anything, the final price can change a lot depending on the quality of the materials you pick, any special features or custom changes you want, and whether you are buying them RTA or already put together.
What are Frameless RTA Cabinets?
Frameless cabinets are a more contemporary style that has become very popular in recent years, especially for those who want a sleek and smooth look in their kitchen. They offer a different kind of aesthetic and do have benefits of their own when compared to framed cabinets.
Frameless cabinets, also known as “European-style” cabinets, are built without the front face frame. Instead, the cabinet doors and drawers attach directly to the cabinet box. The cabinet box itself is typically made from thicker materials to add strength and durability that would otherwise be added by the absent face frame. This design also means any damage that occurs to the front of the cabinet is more likely to happen to a more easily replaced door or drawer than to a face frame, which being attached to the cabinet would be harder to replace.
How Frameless RTA Cabinets Look
Frameless cabinets give a kitchen a seamless, up-to-date, and almost professional look. Because there is no face frame, the doors completely cover the cabinet opening, and the hinges are hidden from view. Drawers are also the full width of the cabinet with no frame or background space around them. This creates a smooth, unbroken surface across your cabinets, giving a very clean and uncluttered appearance. This minimalist style is a big hit in many high-end kitchens and city apartments where people want a simple, uncluttered, and contemporary feel. If you are aiming for a really clean and uniform look, frameless cabinets might be exactly what you need.
Storage Space in Frameless RTA Cabinets
One of the best things about frameless cabinets is that they offer more storage space inside. Since there is no face frame blocking the opening, you get full, unobstructed access to the entire inside of the cabinet. This means you have more room to store larger items like big serving platters, tall pots, or even small kitchen appliances that might not fit easily in a framed cabinet. The absence of a center piece of wood (called a center stile, between double doors in framed cabinet designs) also makes it easier to slide things in and out, making the space much more usable and efficient. If maximizing every bit of storage is important to you, frameless cabinets are a strong contender.
The Cost of Frameless Cabinets
Frameless cabinets can sometimes be more expensive than framed ones. This is mainly because they need thicker materials for the cabinet box to make sure they are stable and strong without a face frame. The cost can also change a lot based on where you live, the specific brand or cabinet line you choose, and whether you buy them RTA or pre-assembled. Even with the potentially higher cost, many people find the extra storage space and the cutting-edge look to be worth the investment.
How to Install Frameless and Framed RTA Cabinets
Both frameless and framed RTA cabinets are designed to be assembled by you, but there are some small differences in the installation process that are worth knowing about. Thinking about these details can help you choose the type that best matches your comfort level with DIY projects.
Installing Frameless Cabinets
Putting together frameless cabinets can sometimes be a bit more challenging when it comes to the installation part. Since there is no face frame to act as an extra support or guide, you need to be very precise when leveling and attaching them to the wall. Each cabinet needs to be perfectly square and plum on its own because there is no rigid frame connecting them to help them line up. However, once frameless cabinets are properly installed and secured, they are just as sturdy and reliable as framed cabinets. It might just take a bit more care during the initial setup.
Installing Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets are generally seen as easier to install. The face frame on the front of each cabinet provides a solid, flat surface that makes it simpler to line up and secure the cabinets to each other and to the wall. This added support from the frame helps keep the cabinets square during installation, which can be very helpful for DIYers. The frame also gives you a bit more “wiggle room” for minor adjustments during the installation process, making it a smoother experience for many people.
Are Frameless or Framed RTA Cabinets Better for Your Home?
Your choice between frameless or framed RTA cabinets comes down to a few things: your budget, your DIY capabilities, and the desired look of your home.
RTA cabinets are more budget-friendly than custom-built ones, but there can still be price differences between framed and frameless options, and especially between different materials. Figure out your comfortable spending limit, and then look for cabinets that fit within that range while still offering the quality and style you want. Remember, a good kitchen is an investment. Solid maple and plywood are going to serve you much better than cheap materials like laminate, and those cheaper materials won’t build equity in your home.
Consider what your dream kitchen would look like. Do you prefer a classic, warm, and detailed kitchen, or do you want something sleek, current, and minimal? The choice between framed and frameless has a big effect on this look. Also, think about the specific door style, like the timeless Shaker, and the finish color. These choices will set the tone for your entire kitchen space, so take your time and pick something you truly love.
If you’d like some help deciding or additional resources to design your kitchen, we have several published blog articles on the topic as well as a dedicated Kitchen Design Help page. You can also contact us and we’ll be pleased to help you every step of the way.
