The width of the face frame commonly used in cabinet construction, particularly when discussing door overlay styles like full overlay, is 1.5 inches.
Cabinet face frames provide structure and a mounting surface for doors and drawers. The width of this frame determines how the cabinet doors, especially full overlay doors, sit on the cabinet front.
Understanding Full Overlay on a Face Frame
As per the reference provided, a standard face frame width discussed in the context of different overlay types is 1.5 inches.
- A Full Overlay cabinet door is designed to cover most of this face frame.
- Specifically, a full overlay door will overlay that 1.5” face frame by 1.25”.
- This leaves a small gap, or "reveal," of only ¼” visible on the sides (stiles) and bottom (rail) of the frame around the door.
This minimal reveal gives cabinets a sleek, modern, and nearly frameless look while still utilizing the structural benefits of a face frame.
Overlay Types and Face Frames
Here's a quick comparison based on common face frame sizes:
| Overlay Type | Face Frame Width | Door Overlays Frame By | Reveal on Frame (Sides/Bottom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Overlay | 1.5 inches | 3/8 inches | 1-1/8 inches |
| Full Overlay | 1.5 inches | 1.25 inches | ¼ inches |
Note: While 1.5" is a common width, face frames can vary depending on the cabinet manufacturer or custom build.
Practical Considerations
When planning for full overlay cabinets:
- Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements of door and drawer front sizes are critical to achieve the correct ¼” reveal.
- Hinge Selection: Specific full overlay hinges are required to mount the doors and allow them to cover the 1.5" frame by the desired 1.25".
- Cabinet Construction: Ensure the cabinet box construction supports mounting a face frame securely.
Understanding the relationship between the door overlay and the face frame width, such as the 1.25” overlay on a 1.5” face frame for full overlay doors (resulting in a ¼” reveal), is essential for proper cabinet design and installation.
