Cabinet Construction Styles: In-Frame vs Overlay

Before you dive into choosing colours, door styles and finishes, there's one fundamental decision that will shape the entire feel, quality and longevity of your project... cabinet construction style...

When most people begin planning a new kitchen, wardrobe or media wall, they naturally gravitate towards the visible design elements – shaker doors, slab fronts, painted finishes or beautiful timber veneers. While these aesthetic choices are undoubtedly important, they come later in the design journey.

The first decision you should make is one that many homeowners don't even realise exists, how your cabinetry is constructed.

Whether you're designing a bespoke kitchen, utility room, media wall or fitted storage, the cabinet construction method forms the foundation of your furniture. It influences not only the overall aesthetic but also durability, craftsmanship, storage capacity and, ultimately, budget.

The two most popular construction styles are Full Overlay and In-Frame (also known as Inset). At Oak & Green, we regularly craft both, tailoring each project to suit the architecture of the home and the lifestyle of our clients, lets explore the two...

Full Overlay Cabinetry

Full overlay is the cabinet style found in the majority of contemporary kitchens and is probably the construction method you're most familiar with.

Full Overlay Cabinet Door

With an overlay cabinet, the doors are mounted directly onto the front of the cabinet carcass, covering almost all of it when closed. The result is clean, uninterrupted lines with minimal gaps between doors and fully concealed hinges.

This construction style is incredibly versatile and lends itself to many design styles, it can appeal to all budgets dependant on details and final selections.

The Benefits of Full Overlay

• Contemporary, streamlined aesthetic

• Maximises internal storage space

• Concealed hinges for a clean finish

• More cost-effective than traditional in-frame construction

• Suitable for both painted and timber veneer finishes

  
  

Although the doors define the visible style, the quality of the c

abinet carcass is equally important.

Cabinets are generally constructed using 18-20mm high-density MDF or premium plywood, providing exceptional rigidity and longevity. Depending on the design, the carcasses can be veneered, painted or colour matched internally to complement the finished furniture.

It's worth noting that not all cabinetry is built to the same standard. Many mass-produced kitchens use 15-16mm cabinet boards, which can compromise rigidity and become a limiting factor when specifying heavier worktops such as granite, quartzite or natural stone.

A stronger cabinet construction provides better long-term stability and is an essential consideration for premium work surfaces.

In-Frame Cabinetry

If overlay cabinetry is admired for its simplicity, in-frame cabinetry is celebrated for its craftsmanship.

Widely regarded as the hallmark of traditional cabinet making, an in-frame kitchen is built around a solid face frame fixed to the front of each cabinet. The doors are then carefully fitted within this frame, creating precise shadow gaps and exceptional detailing.

Traditionally associated with classic country homes and period properties, today's bespoke in-frame kitchens have evolved considerably. With refined proportions, contemporary colours and minimalist hardware, they can look just as striking in modern homes as they do in Georgian farmhouses.

Crafted to Last

A genuine in-frame kitchen is built differently.

Cabinets are typically manufactured from 18-20mm solid timber, birch plywood or high-density engineered board, with a substantial face frame measuring approximately 20-24mm. Doors are generally crafted from 20-23mm solid timber or veneered plywood, sitting perfectly within the surrounding frame.

The frame itself strengthens the cabinet, supports the hinges and provides outstanding structural integrity.

Because the doors sit inside the frame, there is a slight reduction in usable internal space compared to overlay cabinetry. In reality, the difference is minimal, and for most homeowners, it's a small compromise in exchange for the quality, precision and timeless character that in-frame furniture delivers.

Unlike mass-produced cabinetry, a true in-frame kitchen requires skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Every door must be individually fitted, making it a feature that simply cannot be replicated on a production line.

Which Style is Right for You?

Choosing between overlay and in-frame cabinetry isn't about one being better than the other—it's about selecting the construction method that best suits your home, lifestyle and investment.

Full Overlay is often the ideal choice if you're looking for:

• A contemporary or minimalist aesthetic

• Maximum internal storage

• Excellent value without compromising quality

• A renovation with a carefully managed budget

  
  

In-Frame is perfectly suited to homeowners who:

• Are investing in their long-term family home

• Own a period or character property

• Appreciate traditional craftsmanship

• Want truly bespoke furniture built to last for generations

  
  

Both construction styles can produce exceptional kitchens when designed and built correctly. The key is understanding how each complements your home and your aspirations for the space.

Thinking About a Bespoke Kitchen?

At Oak & Green, every project begins with understanding how you live before we discuss finishes, colours or door styles. Whether you're drawn to the clean simplicity of overlay cabinetry or the timeless craftsmanship of an in-frame kitchen, we'll guide you through every decision to ensure your furniture is beautiful, practical and built to last.

If you'd like to learn more about cabinet construction or discuss your own project, we'd be delighted to help.

Next up: Door Styles Explained – Shaker, Slim Shaker, Slab and More.