How does cabinet construction (face frame vs frameless) affect hinge selection?

• A. It does not affect hinge type
• B. Only butt hinges are used in both
• C. Hinges are always the same regardless
• D. Frameless typically uses concealed European hinges; Face frame often uses overlay or inset hinges

Answer: (D)

Hinge selection follows how the cabinet is built and how the door sits relative to the opening. In frameless cabinets there’s no front frame to attach a hinge to, so hinges are mounted inside the cabinet and on the door edge, typically using concealed European hinges. These hinges are adjustable in multiple directions and disappear from view when closed, which fits the clean look of frameless construction.

In face frame cabinets, the door mounts to a visible frame around the opening. The door can either overlay the frame or be set flush inside it, and the hinges are chosen to suit that arrangement. Overlay hinges attach so the door covers part of the frame, while inset hinges allow the door to sit inside the frame. The frame provides the mounting surface and determines how the door moves and lines up, so the hinge style must match whether you’re overlaying or inset.

That’s why the typical description is that frameless uses concealed European hinges, while face frame cabinets use overlay or inset hinges.