One of the most crucial choices you'll make when designing the ideal kitchen for your house is the kind of cabinetry. In-frame kitchens and standard kitchens are the two most prevalent options in the UK. Every style has advantages and special qualities of its own, but how do they differ from one another and which one is best for your house?
We'll go over all of the main distinctions between standard kitchens and in-frame kitchens in this extensive guide, including design, construction, durability, and price. You will have a thorough understanding of both possibilities by the end of this essay, enabling you to make an informed choice that fits your budget, lifestyle, and taste in design.
1. What is an In-Frame Kitchen?
An in-frame kitchen is a particular style of cabinetry where the drawers and doors are set inside, as opposed to on top of, a wooden frame that is fastened to the front of the cabinet box. The traditional and custom style is achieved by having the frame visible around the edges of the doors and drawers.
This kitchen design is generally connected to upscale, handcrafted kitchens and has its origins in traditional British cabinets. To ensure that the doors and drawers fit precisely within the frame and give the kitchen a smart and attractive appearance, in-frame kitchens require meticulous craftsmanship.
Key Features of an In-Frame Kitchen:
- Visible Frame: The kitchen appears more classic and structured because to the cabinet's visible frames surrounding each door and drawer.
- Bespoke Craftsmanship: Because in-frame kitchens demand a higher degree of precision and craftsmanship, they are frequently linked to luxury.
- Durability: In-frame kitchens are incredibly long-lasting and sturdy because the frame gives the cabinet doors and drawers extra strength.
- Customisable Design: In-frame kitchens are a popular option for bespoke kitchen designs since they can be entirely customised in terms of materials, finishes, and hardware.
2. What is a Standard Kitchen?
The more prevalent kind of cabinetry seen in most homes is the conventional kitchen, sometimes referred to as a lay-on or frameless kitchen. The entire cabinet structure in a typical kitchen is covered by the doors and drawers, which are placed directly onto the front of the cabinet box. The doors have a smooth and seamless appearance since there is no visible frame surrounding the edges of the doors.
Because of its easier construction, standard kitchens are usually more economical than in-frame kitchens. They come in a variety of styles, from conventional to ultra-modern.
Key Features of a Standard Kitchen:
- No Frame: The cabinet box is completely covered by the doors and drawers, giving the appearance of a seamless, smooth surface.
- Affordably priced: Compared to in-frame kitchens, standard kitchens are typically less expensive since they require less exacting craftsmanship.
- Modern Aesthetic: The frameless, streamlined design is especially well-liked in modern, minimalist kitchens because it provides a tidy, efficient look.
- Broad Variety of Styles: Standard kitchens are a flexible option for any home because they are available in an array of styles, materials, and finishes.
3. Construction and Durability: How Do They Compare?
The construction of in-frame and conventional kitchens differs significantly, and this has an effect on how long-lasting each kitchen is.
3.1 In-Frame Kitchen Construction
A sturdy wooden frame that is fastened to the front of the cabinet box is the design element of in-frame kitchens. After that, the doors and drawers are installed within of this frame, which offers more solidity and support. Although this construction process takes longer and needs more accuracy, the finished kitchen seems sturdy and substantial.
Because of the frame, in-frame kitchens are especially robust. Because of the frame, the doors won't droop over time and will stay precisely aligned and functioning for many years. This is one of the reasons in-frame kitchens are frequently seen in upscale residences, where durability and quality are valued highly.
3.2 Standard Kitchen Construction
In contrast, standard kitchens are built without a frame. All of the cabinet box's structure is covered by the cabinet doors and drawers, which are merely fixed onto its front. Because of their simpler design and lower labor requirements, standard kitchens are typically less expensive than in-frame kitchens.
Standard kitchens lack the same level of support as in-frame kitchens, yet still being sturdy. A basic kitchen's doors may eventually sag or become misaligned, especially if they are used regularly or were built with inferior materials.
4. Design Flexibility: Which Offers More Options?
While standard and in-frame kitchens both provide a variety of design options, they vary in terms of aesthetic alternatives and degree of customisation.
4.1 In-Frame Kitchen Design
Classic and traditional styles are frequently linked with in-frame kitchen designs. The cabinetry has a unique appearance due to the visible frame, which looks well in places that embrace a more timeless design, such as rural kitchens and historical homes. With the correct selection of materials, finishes, and hardware, in-frame kitchens can be made to fit more modern styles.
The ability to customise in-frame kitchens is one of their key benefits. As they are typically custom-made, you have a large selection of materials, colours, and detailing to choose from. A kitchen that is in-frame gives you the opportunity to design a space that expresses your unique taste, whether that is through hand-painted finishes in striking colours or the coziness of natural wood.
4.2 Standard Kitchen Design
Standard kitchens may be constructed to fit almost any style, from ultra-modern to classic, and are highly versatile. Standard kitchens offer a smooth and clean appearance since the doors and drawers fill the full cabinet box; this is why they are so popular in modern homes.
While standard kitchens can be customised to some extent, in-frame kitchens typically allow for a greater degree of personalisation. Standard kitchens, however, can nevertheless provide a chic and useful solution for any house because to the large range of materials, colours, and finishes that are available.
Standard kitchens are frequently the favored option for homeowners looking for a minimalist or modern aesthetic because they don't have a visible frame, which gives them a smooth, streamlined appearance that blends in seamlessly with modern design elements.
5. Cost Comparison: Which is More Budget-Friendly?
For homeowners, the cost of a kitchen is always a major factor. The cost of in-frame versus regular kitchens differs greatly, with in-frame kitchens usually costing more because of their bespoke design and construction.
5.1 In-Frame Kitchen Costs
Because they require a lot of labor and usually employ high-quality materials, in-frame kitchens are seen as a luxury alternative. The entire cost is increased by the fine craftsmanship needed to produce the visible frame and guarantee the alignment of the doors and drawers. Furthermore, as in-frame kitchens are frequently made to order, you might also need to account for the price of personalised finishes and specialized design services.
An in-frame kitchen can range in price from £20,000 to £50,000 or more on average, depending on the size, kind of material, and degree of customisation. Because of this, installing an in-frame kitchen is a luxury purchase that will probably increase the value of your house significantly.
5.2 Standard Kitchen Costs
Standard kitchens are typically more affordable since they need less time and complexity to construct. Standard kitchen units that are mass-produced come in a variety of price ranges, ranging from low-cost flat-pack solutions to high-end and luxury models.
In the UK, the price of a conventional kitchen can range from £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the equipment, finishes, and materials you select. Even while there are high-end standard kitchens available, because of the variations in construction and craftsmanship, they are probably still more cheap than a comparable in-frame kitchen.
6. Practicality and Maintenance: Which is Easier to Live With?
While both standard and in-frame kitchens are intended to be useful and practical, they provide slightly different experiences in terms of upkeep and daily use.
6.1 In-Frame Kitchen Practicality
Because of its sturdy design, in-frame kitchens are incredibly useful and enduring. Even after years of use, the frame's additional reinforcement helps the doors and drawers stay precisely aligned. The openings are somewhat smaller than in a typical kitchen, though, because the doors are set inside the frame. This implies that in an in-frame kitchen, the amount of storage space within the cabinets can be slightly less.
An in-frame kitchen is easy to maintain, but because the cabinetry is handmade, it could need extra attention to keep it looking its best. In an in-frame kitchen, for instance, painted finishes could require periodic touch-ups over time, particularly in high-traffic areas like the sink or oven.
6.2 Standard Kitchen Practicality
Standard kitchens are made to be efficient and simple to use. The absence of a frame allows for the cabinet doors and drawers to be somewhat enlarged, maximizing the amount of storage space within each unit. This is especially useful in tiny kitchens where every square inch matters.
Standard kitchens usually require less maintenance than other types. Because of the frameless, flat design, there are less crevices and nooks where dirt and dust can collect, which makes cleaning easier. Furthermore, as standard kitchens are frequently mass-produced, finding new doors or replacement parts will be simpler if you ever need to make repairs.
7. Which One is Right for You: In-Frame or Standard Kitchen?
The decision between an in-frame kitchen and a conventional kitchen ultimately boils down to your lifestyle, financial constraints, and personal tastes. Every alternative has specific benefits of its own, so you should think about what is most essential to you.
7.1 Choose an In-Frame Kitchen If:
- You're looking for an opulent, custom kitchen made with premium components and workmanship.
- You like a conventional, timeless style that exudes elegance.
- You're ready to shell out a substantial amount of money for a kitchen that will improve your house's worth and last for decades.
- You value the exquisite features and many customisation possibilities that come with custom-made cabinets.
7.2 Choose a Standard Kitchen If:
- You want a kitchen that is more reasonably priced without sacrificing design or utility.
- Your preference is for a seamless, frameless style that is modern or minimalist.
- You want a kitchen with plenty of storage and ease of upkeep.
- Even though you have a limited budget, you nevertheless wish to have a beautiful kitchen.
Conclusion
Selecting between an in-frame kitchen and a conventional kitchen is a crucial choice that will affect your home's appearance and usability. In-frame kitchens are the best option for anyone looking to invest in a luxurious kitchen that will last a lifetime since they provide a classic, custom design with remarkable durability. Standard kitchens, on the other hand, offer a more affordable choice with clean, contemporary design and less maintenance.
You can choose the ideal kitchen style with confidence if you take your demands, budget, and design preferences into account. You can create a place that's ideal for cooking, entertaining, and enjoying life at home whether you choose the modern appeal of a standard kitchen or the classic elegance of an in-frame kitchen.
For more information about Bryan Turner Kitchen Furniture and accessories, give us a call at 01953 660762 and speak to a member of our expert team today or Email us at enquiries@bryanturnerkitchens.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
