Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 10 hours ago
Building cabinets, whether for the shop or the kitchen, involves a couple of different construction methods. The more traditional method is called full frame, or face frame, while the newer, more economical approach—think IKEA—is known as frameless. Frameless cabinets focus on simplicity as well as giving you more space.
But simplicity and a little extra space comes at a risk. Frameless cabinets rely on their strength and rigidity from the back panel and joints—and a lot of times butt joints are held solely with fasteners. It works, but these cabinets can be less durable if loaded down or for frequent movement.
Full frame cabinets, on the other hand, combine the back panel, joints, and a sturdy frame for more strength. This is especially important when storing heavy items like ceramic plates or woodworking tools. The face frame also keeps everything stable if you’re using castors on the base, making it much better for movement across the shop floor.
Lastly, frameless cabinets are great if you’re working with solid wood for that clean, modern look, but they can become a headache when using MDF or plywood as you’ll need to add a veneer to hide the exposed edges of the material, adding extra steps and costs.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.
Building cabinets, whether for the shop or the kitchen, involves a couple of different construction methods. The more traditional method is called full frame, or face frame, while the newer, more economical approach—think IKEA—is known as frameless. Frameless cabinets focus on simplicity as well as giving you more space.
But simplicity and a little extra space comes at a risk. Frameless cabinets rely on their strength and rigidity from the back panel and joints—and a lot of times butt joints are held solely with fasteners. It works, but these cabinets can be less durable if loaded down or for frequent movement.
Full frame cabinets, on the other hand, combine the back panel, joints, and a sturdy frame for more strength. This is especially important when storing heavy items like ceramic plates or woodworking tools. The face frame also keeps everything stable if you’re using castors on the base, making it much better for movement across the shop floor.
Lastly, frameless cabinets are great if you’re working with solid wood for that clean, modern look, but they can become a headache when using MDF or plywood as you’ll need to add a veneer to hide the exposed edges of the material, adding extra steps and costs.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.
