Last year, home extensions and improvements in the US jumped over 50%. Ready to jump on that bandwagon? If so, your kitchen is likely on the refresh list!

If you're looking for budget-friendly, high-quality materials, RTA cabinets are a great option. Still, there are a lot of decisions to make with a kitchen remodel. Few are as important as your cabinets.

Chances are, you're deciding between two main types of kitchen cabinets. Keep reading to find out more about framed cabinets and frameless cabinets.

RTA Cabinets

RTA (ready to assemble) cabinets are popular with handy remodelers. They're budget-friendly and can be installed with basic power tools.

If you order RTA cabinets, they'll arrive in separate pieces. Some RTA cabinet companies offer installation services. Hiring out RTA cabinets installation will hike the price by about 25%.

If you're already convinced RTA cabinets are right for your kitchen to remodel, you have to decide on a style. Should you get frameless cabinets or framed cabinets? And what's the difference between the two anyway?

The number of cabinet choices in a kitchen remodel can feel overwhelming. Understanding the differences between the two main types of kitchen cabinets is a great place to start.

Framed Cabinets

Sometimes called American Cabinets, framed cabinets (as the name implies) add a frame to the cabinet face. The face (or front) of each cabinet is attached to the cabinet itself. The frame is then laid over the cabinet face.

Each framed cabinet needs to have a center stile between the cabinet doors. Center stiles can also act as a support for countertops. Framed cabinets incorporate a center stile function with framed cabinet fashion.

Framed cabinet boxes are usually made from engineered wood. The cabinet face and frame are made from a variety of different materials, including hardwood.

Because their style doesn't cover the entire cabinet box, you can see cabinet trim. Some people prefer this look for the heart of their home.

Why Choose Framed Cabinets?

If you're looking for a truly American look, choose framed cabinets. Whether your style is traditional or farmhouse fresh, framed cabinets will fit right in. The color or stain is fully customizable to almost any design or taste.

Framed RTA cabinets come in trendy blue or gray tones. Traditionalists will love Charlton or Newport styles. Don't forget about shaker and dovetail styles that accentuate clean lines and brighten the space.

On a tight budget? Framed RTA cabinets cost an average of $1,000 less than their frameless counterparts. Cost depends on several factors, including materials and size. Framed RTA cabinets can cost as little as $5,000 or as much as $20,000.

Framed Cabinet Cons

Framed cabinets take up a little more space than frameless cabinets. This is because of their need for a center stile. The door design itself also creates a little less space inside the cabinet than frameless cabinets have.

If you're worried about installation time, framed cabinets may not be the best fit for you. Due to the extra steps involved to create their design, they take longer to install.

Once you install framed cabinets, it's difficult to alter their design. If you think you'll want to tweak your cabinets in the future, a framed design may not be the best call.

Frameless Cabinets

Frameless cabinets are just what they sound like. They have a one-piece cabinet face attached to the cabinet box.

Cabinet boxes are fully covered by frameless cabinet doors. This creates a more minimalist or European look than framed cabinets.

Why Choose Frameless Cabinets?

Frameless cabinets are a great way to maximize your kitchen cabinet space. Since they don't require a center style, there's more room behind those frameless doors for all your kitchen dishes and gadgets.

Frameless cabinets create a clean, minimalist look. RTA frameless cabinets are available in contemporary white or grey. For those who prefer a darker tone, walnut shaker or cherry are also available. Because they aren't as popular as framed cabinets, style selection may be a bit more limited.

Frameless cabinets are easier to change or alter at a later date. Because cabinet faces are made of one piece, it isn't as difficult to change up their design down the road.

Frameless Cabinet Cons

Frameless cabinets are usually more expensive than framed cabinets. The only support for each frame is its cabinet box. As a result, the box and the frame need to be made of higher quality materials.

Materials that warp easily or don't stand up to daily use can cause doors to sag. The average cost of framed cabinets is anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000. You can expect to pay about $1,000 more for frameless cabinets than framed cabinets.

Frameless cabinets don't take as long to install, but the angles need to be exact. Uneven walls make installation difficult and can cause structural problems once the frameless cabinets are up.

Find The Best Cabinets For Your Space

Framed cabinets are an American design and are very common in many US homes. Framed cabinets are less expensive than frameless cabinets. They take a little longer to install, but their design makes it easier to place them on uneven walls.

Frameless cabinets are perfect for those who want clean lines and sleek design. They're a little more expensive than framed cabinets but won't take as long to install. Frameless cabinets are an efficient use of space and have to be made of high-quality materials.

If you're planning new construction or home remodel, let the pros at Nuform Cabinetry help you. We have a wide variety of framed and frameless RTA cabinets. We offer a free 3D design tool and price matching.

Not exactly sure how to assemble and install RTA cabinets? No problem! We include guides to help you with the process. Contact us today and let us help you make your dream kitchen a reality.