Overlay vs. Inset Cabinetry - Which is right for you?

James Wheeler
Oct 22
2 min read

One of the first decisions you make regarding cabinet style when designing your kitchen is whether you want inset or overlay cabinetry.

Let's talk about it.

There isn't one style better than the other, just two different looks.

Let's dive into the difference in Inset and Overlay cabinetry.

Overlay Cabinetry

Overlay cabinets are constructed so that the cabinet doors and drawer fronts sit on the face frame.

Overlay cabinets can be partial, or full overlay.

Shown in the picture are our standard cabinets, which are a partial 1/2" overlay, meaning the doors and drawer fronts sit on the face frame 1/2" on all sides.

Full overlay leaves a smaller reveal between doors and drawer fronts, creating a look more similar to inset, and comes with similar pros and cons to inset.

We'll break down the pros and cons of both.

Pros of partial overlay cabinets

More budget friendly
Less finicky and easily adjustable by homeowner if need be
face frame wear is covered by doors and drawer fronts

Cons of partial overlay cabinets

Doors and drawer fronts, due to exposed corners, are more susceptible to damage.
May not be considered as high end as inset, though in our opinion, they can easily be made to look just as high end.

Pros of full overlay cabinets

Offers a more sleek and modern look
Easier to adjust than inset

Cons of full overlay cabinets

More expensive than partial overlay
Can easily be misaligned due to the smaller gap between doors and drawer fronts
Not as timeless as partial overlay or inset

If you're looking for a no fuss, budget friendly option, overlay may be the choice for you.

Inset Cabinetry

Inset cabinetry is made so that the doors and drawer front sit inside of the face frame.

Inset cabinetry, which became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, is still highly sought after for its sophisticated and timeless look.

Inset cabinetry provides a lot of charm and elegance, being made popular in the European era.

Pros and cons of inset cabinets

Pros of inset cabinets

Offer a more elevated look
Increased resale value
Door and drawer front corners are more protected from damage.

Cons of inset cabinets

Typically costs 20-30% more than overlay cabinets.
Harder to adjust and may need to be adjusted more often to keep aligned in the opening.
If storing weight in drawers unevenly, your drawer front could easily be visibly misaligned in the opening due to the small margin for error.
Show more wear on the face frames due to a lack of coverage from doors and drawer fronts.

While inset cabinetry is typically considered more high-end and offers a elegant look,

if you're a perfectionist, these may not be the cabinets for you.

So what style is best for you?

The choice is yours, but we're here to assist you in exploring your options.

We can discuss budget, functionality, and even combine different styles throughout your home.

The great thing about custom cabinetry is the freedom it offers you in making these decisions!

We hope this was helpful in explaining the differences in styles.