In-frame Kitchens in Chester. What Are the Pros and Cons of in-frame Kitchens?

Since you arrived on this page, you are probably looking for in-frame kitchens in Chester. If that’s the case, don’t go anywhere. In this article, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of in-frame kitchens to help you choose which type of kitchen design best suits you.

The advantages of in-frame kitchens

There is no doubt that in-frame kitchens come with some clear advantages over other styles of kitchen cabinetry. These include:

  • They look nicer – No matter what your kitchen style, it must be said that in-frame cabinets will give your kitchen a more elegant look. It will also look better for longer, as the edges of the cabinet doors have a lower chance of succumbing to wear and tear. This brings us nicely to the next point.
  • They are longer lasting – You might think that in-frame cabinets are intended for traditional kitchen designs. Still, due to their durability, modern kitchen styles are now starting to use in-frame cabinets too.
  • Superior craftsmanship – The cabinet doors need to be made to the exact size to fit the frame perfectly. This attention to detail means you are getting quality crafted cabinetry.
  • The doors are less likely to sag – Because they use exposed hinges for the cabinet doors, they are hung onto the solid wood frame. This means they are less likely to sag as time goes on. 

The disadvantages of in-frame kitchens

Although in-frame kitchens offer some definite plus points, there are a few minor downsides. For example:

  • Higher price tag – In-frame kitchens require additional materials for the frames, and extra time is needed to make them. As a result, an in-frame kitchen will likely cost you about 15-30% more than a frameless kitchen.
  • Slightly less space – The frame around the opening of the drawer means that the drawer is approximately 40mm narrower. The frame also slightly reduces the opening clearance, giving you a bit less room for getting items in and out of the cabinets. However, these differences in size are only minor.
  • A bit more awkward to clean – Because you need to dust in and around the frames of the cabinets, this makes them a little bit more awkward to clean. Again, it is only a minor issue, though.
  • They need to be custom-made – To be honest, this could be considered either an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. But the downside is that in-frame cabinets need to be fitted by a reputable kitchen specialist. There is just no room for making mistakes when putting together an in-frame kitchen.
  • They will occasionally need resetting – Over time, wear and tear, moisture, and subtle movements, will require your cabinets to be readjusted by a qualified carpenter. On the plus side, once this has been done, your in-frame kitchen cabinets will return to their good-as-new state.

For in-frame kitchens in Chester, look no further than Mayfair Kitchens. Our professional design team are here to help you through every step of planning your new dream kitchen. Visit our Chester showroom or contact us to begin the process today.

In-frame Kitchens in Wirral. What Are In-frame Kitchens?

Are you looking for in-frame kitchens in Wirral? If so, you have landed on the right website. Here we will look into what in-frame kitchens are and how they differ from frameless kitchens. Whether you decide that an in-frame kitchen is right for you or that a frameless kitchen would suit you better, we can provide it all. 

What is an in-frame kitchen?

Known in the United States as inset kitchens, in-frame kitchens are designed with cabinet doors inset within a frame made of wood. Not only is this frame style a visual feature, but it also provides strength to the front of the cabinet. The distinctive look of an in-frame kitchen brings to mind images of time-honoured craftsmanship and is built to stand the test of time.

The history of in-frame kitchens

For a long time, the in-frame method of having a cabinet door fitted perfectly to a wooden carcass was the primary technique used when making most cabinet furniture items. However, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that custom-fitted kitchens with in-frame cabinets began to become popular with homeowners. 

Later, after World War 2, advances in high-pressure laminate technology allowed manufacturers to reduce their costs by making kitchens without frames. The almost endless design possibilities which then followed led to in-frame kitchens being regarded as somewhat old-fashioned and something you would only have in country-style or traditional shaker kitchens.

But fashions often come full circle, don’t they? These days, durability and longevity are important factors when fitting out something as important as a kitchen. Additionally, many people are fond of the traditional look, as it can give a retro feel to an otherwise modern home. As a result, in-frame kitchens with custom-fitted doors have become popular again due to the fine craftsmanship they represent and the distinctive appearance they give to the kitchen.

How frameless and frame kitchen cabinets differ

At the heart of a frameless kitchen cabinet is a carcass made from plywood, chipboard, or particleboard. The edge of the cabinet is concealed by laminating the edge of the carcass with edge banding, and the doors are directly attached to the cabinet’s carcass.

The absence of a frame significantly reduces the cost because less wood is used. This means that frameless kitchens have become a popular choice for those with lower budgets looking for a more affordable kitchen.

In contrast, the cabinets of framed kitchens have a frame fitted to the carcass, and then the door of the cabinet gets fitted to the frame. These doors can sit on top of the face of the frame, with the frame either entirely or partially covered over. Alternatively, as with in-frame kitchens, the doors can be fitted within the frame.

If you are looking for in-frame kitchens in Wirral, look no further than Mayfair Kitchens. With showrooms in Wirral and Chester and with over 30 years of experience designing kitchens for many happy customers, we can surely design an in-frame kitchen to fit perfectly into your home. So visit our Wirral showroom or contact us to begin the process today.