---
title: "What Is Face frame? Cabinet Glossary | Innovation Cabinetry"
description: "A face frame is a wood frame fixed across the front of a cabinet box, and the doors and drawers attach to it instead of to the box sides."
url: https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/face-frame
publisher: Innovation Cabinetry
phone: +1-888-206-1088
find_a_dealer: https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/find-dealer
---

Construction

# Face frame

A face frame is a wood frame fixed across the front of a cabinet box, and the doors and drawers attach to it instead of to the box sides.

A face frame is a set of wood rails and stiles glued to the front edge of the box. Hinges mount on the frame. This is the traditional American way to build a cabinet.

The frame adds strength to the front of the box. It also narrows the opening, because the frame sits in front of the shelves and drawers. Doors can sit partly on the frame ([partial overlay](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/partial-overlay)), cover it ([full overlay](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/full-overlay)), or sit inside it.

The collections on this site, EliteCraft, Urban and Maverick Garageworx, are described by the brand as frameless, so they do not use a face frame. Use this entry to compare styles when you shop. The [frameless vs face frame guide](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/guides/frameless-vs-face-frame-cabinets) sets the two side by side. When you are ready to see samples, [find a dealer](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/find-dealer).

[Related pageFrameless vs face frame cabinets](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/guides/frameless-vs-face-frame-cabinets)

## Related terms

-   [Frameless cabinet](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/frameless)
-   [Partial overlay](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/partial-overlay)
-   [Full overlay](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/full-overlay)
-   [Inset door](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/glossary/inset)

![Whisper Blue Urban shaker kitchen with an island and stools](https://innovationcabinetry.multisites.ai/_astro/ub-whisper-blue-gallery-image-1980x1080-1.4YXlLAS7_Z1qUWbv.webp)

## See it in your own space

Dealers near you design, quote and install Innovation Cabinetry. Send your ZIP code and the team matches you with one.