Inset, Full Overlay, and Standard Overlay Explained

Inset cabinet doors sit flush inside the face frame. Full overlay doors cover almost the entire face frame, leaving only about 1/4 inch exposed. Standard overlay doors leave about a 1 inch reveal of the face frame around each door. Inset usually costs more because each door has to be carefully fit to its opening.

Why this matters

The way a cabinet door sits on the face frame is one of the biggest decisions you will make for the look of your cabinetry. It changes the style, the price, and how the room feels.

Inset Cabinets

Inset doors and drawer fronts sit inside the face frame, flush with the front of the cabinet. The frame shows around every door and drawer.

Beaded Inset

Beaded inset is the same idea as inset, with a small decorative bead routed into the face frame around each opening. It adds a refined, traditional detail.

Full Overlay Cabinets

Full overlay doors and drawer fronts cover the face frame almost completely. Only about 1/4 inch of the frame shows between doors.

Standard Overlay Cabinets

Standard overlay doors leave about a 1 inch reveal of the face frame around each door.

Types of Cabinets

Quick Comparison

Inset

Highest detail, highest price, classic look.

Full Overlay

Modern look, balanced price, maximum door size.

Standard Overlay

Traditional look, most budget-friendly.

How to choose

If you want the most detailed, traditional look and the budget allows, inset is hard to beat. If you want a modern, clean look or you are watching the budget more closely, full overlay is a strong choice. If you want a classic look at the most accessible price, standard overlay does the job well. Our designers will walk you through the trade-offs based on your style, your space, and your budget.

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