Your Guide to Custom Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinetry

Custom cabinetry–there are times when I say those two words and clients often cringe and automatically think dollar signs. But custom cabinetry lets you use every inch of your space efficiently, with designs tailored to your space and lifestyle. It also gives you full control over finishes, proportions, and details that might otherwise feel off in a prefabricated option.

To better understand why custom cabinetry is worth the investment, let’s take a look at the elements that make up every cabinet…

Building the Box

In kitchen cabinetry design, you will often hear the word "box." This is basically the structure of your cabinet. The carpenter will start with a box construction before applying the doors and finishes. The construction or structure of your cabinet box is imperative to the longevity of your cabinetry.

3/4" plywood is used to construct a well made box (all sides) and is considered higher quality. A particle board box, and in some cases with a 1/4" back is lower quality. This type of cabinet box will start to lose its strength and is more prone to water damage.

Framing Your Cabinets

Before finishing the cabinet box, there is the decision to be made on the type of frame–Frameless or Framed. A face frame is applied to the box, creating a border on the front of the box. This is a traditional American-style construction.

Frameless, also known as full-access cabinets, skips the face frame and uses a thicker cabinet box for stability. This type of cabinet is typically used in a more modern/contemporary style.

Choosing Your Door Style 

Finally, the last decision to be made for the construction of your cabinet is the type of door application: Overlay, Semi-Overlay, or Inset. Semi-Overlay and Overlay are made like their descriptions – the door will overlay the frame of the box, either fully or semi. 

In an inset construction, the door will be inset into the frame, exposing the frame of the box. Before factories and mass production, cabinetry was built by hand — and inset doors were the standard. Typically, you will see inset cabinetry in older homes from the early 1900s or for someone wanting that classic traditional style.

Choosing between framed and frameless cabinets — and the door style — really comes down to the style of your home, how you use your space, and the level of craftsmanship you’re looking for. Framed inset cabinets offer timeless beauty and fine detail. Frameless full-overlay designs bring a clean, European-inspired edge. 

For more insight, read How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take? 

Key Takeaways for Understanding Custom Cabinetry

• Unlike prefabricated options, custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets are designed to fit your exact layout, lifestyle, and storage needs.

• Custom cabinets provide strength and durability, while prefabricated cabinets are more prone to damage over time.

• Framed cabinets offer traditional American craftsmanship, while frameless (full-access) cabinetry delivers a sleek, modern, European look.

• From classic inset doors to overlay and semi-overlay options, your choice influences both style and function in your kitchen or bathroom design.

• Custom cabinetry adds value to your home by combining durability, timeless beauty, and tailored design that prefab cabinets can’t match.

There’s no one-size-fits-all — which is exactly why custom cabinetry can be such a smart, lasting investment. If you’re ready to explore custom cabinetry options for your home, we’d love to help. Reach out today to start designing your dream kitchen. 

Until next time,
Trisha

Meet The Designer 

Trisha Davis Designs is a full-service interior design studio serving the Chicago area, founded and led by principal designer Trisha Davis.

With an extensive education in interior design and over 25 years of hands-on experience, Trisha has built a diverse career working on residential and commercial projects across the country. At Trisha Davis Designs, we believe that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting an environment that enhances your lifestyle, reflects your personality, and stands the test of time.