In the world of kitchen design, it’s difficult to think of a more essential element than cabinets. Cabinets are the foundation of a kitchen and take a major space in the room. So, they must look good and blend well with the overall color scheme and décor style.
There are mainly two cabinet styles, and homeowners must choose the one that goes well with their overall kitchen design. To make a choice easy for homeowners, in this guide, find out the difference between inset vs overlay cabinets.
Both these types of cabinets can be used in kitchen islands, and countertops installed on them can create an amazing kitchen design.
To learn more about how to pair your inset or overlay cabinets with the latest black countertop designs, feel free to visit the Caesarstone website.
Without any further ado, let’s dive deeper into the inset vs overlay cabinets to help homeowners make the best choice for their kitchen.
Inset cabinets — what are they and why are they useful?
When closed, an inset cabinet is one that is flush with the frame. The entire frame is visible, and inset cabinets provide a sleek, modern appearance. Because everything needs to be absolutely plumb, these take longer to install than other cabinet doors.
These cabinets need a handle or push system to open because the doors and drawers are all flushes with the frame. However, according to one’s style and preferences, one can select between exposed or concealed hinges when it comes to hinges. A soft close mechanism will be possible with a hidden hinge.
Inset cabinets can prove to be a great addition to any home. Whether homeowners want a modern finish for their kitchen or a complete makeover, inset cabinets are sure to fit their budget and requirements. With plenty of options and customization, inset cabinets are the style for modern kitchens and interiors.
Overlay cabinets — what are they and why are they growing in popularity?
Doors and drawers that entirely enclose the cabinetry front provide a streamlined aesthetic. Additionally, since the doors don’t close into the cabinet as inset ones do, there is an additional inch of space within the cabinets when using this type. On frameless construction, when baseboard-covered legs support cabinets, a full overlay is typical.
On overlay cabinets, the doors are located outside of the cabinet frame. On overlay cabinets, homeowners can use hidden or visible hinges; however, if they choose to use entire overlay doors, they must use hidden hinges.
The complete overlay cabinets offer a streamlined look to any kitchen and are less expensive than inset cabinets. In addition, as the doors cover the complete face rather than in frame, there is more space for large kitchen items.
Inset cabinets vs full overlay cabinets — what are the pros and cons of each option?
For best visual appeal and convenience, homeowners can select inset or overlay cabinets.
Choosing the ideal one for a kitchen is a personal choice, although there are many differences between inset cabinets vs overlay cabinets.
Appearance
Inset cabinets offer a more conventional appearance with cleaner lines when compared to overlay cabinets. Full overlay cabinets appear identical to inset cabinets, and any gaps caused by the expansion and contraction of wood are less obvious.
Cost of installation
The cost of inset cabinets and their installation is higher due to the craftsmanship and time required in their making. In the case of overlay cabinets, the installation is easy and requires less skill, which lowers the cost of making and installing. Overlay cabinets are great alternatives to inset cabinetry for homeowners with a low budget.
The majority of manufacturers charge more when creating inset cabinets. This can cost anywhere between 15 and 25 percent more than a typical full overlay kitchen cabinet. Lead times are yet another. An inset cabinet takes a higher level of craftsmanship, and the lead times are typically a little bit longer than those typically supplied.
Options and customizations
When comparing the benefits and cons of frameless cabinets or determining whether to add face frame cabinets, homeowners should be prepared to pay more for inset cabinets.
With inset cabinets, homeowners can use either visible or hidden hinges; with full overlay, they must use hidden hinges. However, only partial overlay cabinets can do without knobs and pull since they are so easy to open without them. Both models can be customized with hardware.
Storage Space
Cabinets with inset doors offer the least amount of storage space, making it occasionally difficult to store heavier goods. However, because they completely enclose the cabinet front, they offer the flat front that inset cabinets require.
On the other hand, because they are not mounted inside the cabinet frame, the overlays provide the most storage for items like pots and pans. Additionally, full overlay double doors have more storage space and are easier to access because they don’t have a vertical stile on the face frame.
Maintenance
To ensure the inset cabinets continue to open and close properly over time, they can also need maintenance and modifications. For example, the doors and drawers can occasionally move slightly, leaving gaps or rubbing against the frame due to humidity fluctuations or simple wear and tear over time. Therefore, they require high maintenance, and the cost is higher than overlay cabinets.
In the case of overlay cabinets, the corners of doors and drawers are completely exposed to the outer environment and can be more easily rounded or nicked. Therefore, the maintenance is low, and the cost of maintenance is less in the case of overlay cabinets.
Inset vs overlay cabinets in the kitchen — Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the cabinets for a kitchen, there is no right or wrong option. Homeowners can simply choose between inset vs overlay cabinets. While both the styles offer different storage and design, homeowners can choose any of them based on their interests and preference.
An inset and full overlay cabinets are stunning options to offer a makeover to any kitchen. Homeowners should choose onset or full overlay, considering both advantages and disadvantages before buying.
