What is the difference between overlay and face frame cabinets?

• <div><p>Overlay refers to the cabinet’s door style, while face frame refers to how the cabinet’s box is constructed. Overlay cabinets can either be full overlay—meaning the doors and drawers completely cover the fronts of the cabinets—or partial overlay, which means a portion of the face frame stays visible when the cabinets are shut. Partial overlay doors can only be used on face frame cabinets. Full overlay doors can be used on either face frame or frameless cabinets.</p></div>

Why are they called cupboards?

• <div><p>The term cupboards began in the Middle Ages to describe pieces of furniture that had open shelves and were used to display cups and plates. Today, they’re used less for display and more for concealed storage of a wide variety of items, from special occasion dishware to bedding or other linens.</p></div>

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Q: How long do cabinets last?

• <div><p>Cabinets should last about <b>20 years</b>. Of course, the total lifespan of your cabinet depends on the wear and tear it&rsquo;s put through&mdash;the more use and handling, the faster it's prone to needing repair. When looking at your cabinets, look for the following to determine if they need to be repaired or replaced:</p><ul><li><p>Scratches or dents </p></li><li><p>Water damage</p></li><li><p>Unpleasant smells </p></li><li><p>Outdated cabinetry</p></li><li><p>Continuous dirty or dingy look </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What is a standard size cabinet handle?

• <div><p>Standard cabinet handles are anywhere between 4 inches and 7 inches. A safe bet is choosing a drawer or cabinet handle that is about one-third of the drawer or cabinet door, leaving one-third of space on each side of the handle.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between overlay and face frame cabinets?

• <div><p>Overlay refers to the cabinet&rsquo;s door style, while face frame refers to how the cabinet&rsquo;s box is constructed. Overlay cabinets can either be full overlay&mdash;meaning the doors and drawers completely cover the fronts of the cabinets&mdash;or partial overlay, which means a portion of the face frame stays visible when the cabinets are shut. Partial overlay doors can only be used on face frame cabinets. Full overlay doors can be used on either face frame or frameless cabinets.</p></div>

Q: What can I do to level my cabinet bases if the floor isn’t level?

• <div><p>Using a shim or another type of self-leveling feet on the bottom edge of your cabinet bases will help to level them out if you&rsquo;re installing them on a less-than-level surface. To make this process easier, you can add your shims before attaching the bases to your cabinets while they&rsquo;re still light and easy to move around.</p></div>

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Last update on November 22, 2025

Reviewed in August 2015
On-time arrival, right to work, well mannered. Clean up could have been better, however, they did try. But could have been better.
Nu-Life Cabinets
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Reviewed in April 2012
Everything was great. They were so helpful and worked hard to get the project done under budget. They do everything they say they will do, and more! If you love quality and great service, then there is no better place! They don't give you a cookie cutter design. they bring you something that...
WOODHARBOR DOORS & CABINETRY
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Reviewed in September 2013
I remodeled my kitchen and wanted an island. Before I had about 3' of counterspace. Ron and his wife came and measured, gave me an estimate and then it was only between 3-4 weeks and my cabinets were ready. I live in an old Victorian that was built in 1881, therefore I had little to no...
R W MILLER CUSTOM CABINETS
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Reviewed in November 2014
Ray's staff was very nice to work with. Overall I'm very pleased with the project. They were short a handle for one of the cabinets and it took a long time to get one.
Nu-Life Cabinets
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Reviewed in May 2012
Mr Spurgin was consistently professional, inquisitive, and courteous. He was sure to let me know that he wanted this project to reflect what I wanted it to be. At the same time, he was willing to offer suggestions or advice if I seemed hesitant in not knowing what I might want. The work was...
Home Improvement 4 Less
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Cabinets Installation

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Bergen Homes Co.

Bergen Homes Co.

Inspiring Interiors

Inspiring Interiors

myhometutions

myhometutions

J Display Case

J Display Case

Timberline Design

Timberline Design

1st Construction

1st Construction

Midwest Solid Surface & Custom Cabinetry

Midwest Solid Surface & Custom Cabinetry

Wooden Ways

Wooden Ways

Wood Barn Designs

Wood Barn Designs

Cabinets Floors & More

Cabinets Floors & More

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