Difference in Standard Overlay and Full Overlay Cabinets

There are several choices to consider when a homebuyer is choosing options for their home, one of which is kitchen and bath cabinets. A homebuyer can choose from different styles, colors and wood types. An additional option that homebuyers must also consider is whether they want standard overlay or full overlay cabinets. Often times, a homebuyer has not considered this option and may not understand the difference

Standard overlay cabinets (also called traditional overlay) tend to be less expensive and do not require hardware (however hardware is used more function ability and decoration) because there is enough finger space on the side of the cabinet door or drawer face. They also have more exposed face frame, with at least 1 ¼ inches on all sides of the doors and drawers.

Full overlay cabinets give cabinets a more custom look. They require cabinet hardware because there is only ¼ inch of space between doors and drawers, which can make them difficult to open without hardware. Double door cabinets with full overlay come with an additional benefit. They do not have a vertical face frame stile between the two doors, which allows homeowners to store larger items in the cabinet without having to work around the center stile needed in a standard overlay cabinet. Full overlay cabinets do come with an additional charge.

European style or full access also called frameless cabinets are always absolute full overlay.  The cabinet’s box (carcass) has no face frame.  It means the hinges are attached directly to the cabinet box instead of being attached to the face frame.  The Euro cabinet is not a bad idea or inferior in any way as long as the correct hinges are used and the box is ¾” thick instead ½” thick as is the case with Standard and Full overlay cabinets.