Inset vs. Overlay Cabinets: What’s the Difference?

Why This Choice Matters

Inset and overlay refer to how cabinet doors sit on the cabinet box, not the door style itself. This decision affects the overall look of your cabinetry, usable storage space, installation complexity, and cost. Understanding the difference early helps ensure your cabinetry aligns with both your design vision and long-term expectations.

Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinets have doors that sit flush inside the cabinet frame, creating a refined, furniture-like appearance.

What to expect:

• Clean, tailored look

• Visible cabinet frame (called a reveal)

• Requires precise craftsmanship

• Slightly less interior storage

  
  

Design notes: Even spacing around inset doors is intentional and part of the design. Minor seasonal movement is normal and expected.

Best for: Traditional, transitional, and custom homes where detail and craftsmanship are a priority.

Overlay Cabinets

Overlay cabinets have doors that sit on top of the cabinet frame, covering most or all of it.

What to expect:

• Seamless, streamlined appearance

• Maximizes interior storage

• More forgiving installation

• Typically more cost-effective

  
  

Design notes: Overlay cabinets offer flexibility and a clean aesthetic. The amount of visible frame depends on whether the cabinet is full or partial overlay.

Best for: Modern, transitional, and function-driven designs.

Full Overlay vs. Partial Overlay

Overlay cabinets are commonly broken down into two styles:

• Full Overlay: Minimal frame visible, clean and contemporary

• Partial Overlay: More frame exposed, slightly more traditional

  
  

Both perform well, the difference is primarily visual.

Cost & Construction Considerations

• Inset cabinets generally cost more due to tighter tolerances and labor-intensive installation

• Overlay cabinets are more forgiving and typically more budget-friendly

• Wood movement is more noticeable with inset doors and should be expected

  
  

Neither option is inherently better, it’s about choosing the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

Consider:

• Do you prefer a tailored, furniture-like look or a seamless modern one?

• Is maximizing storage a priority?

• Are you comfortable with visible reveals and natural wood movement?

  
  

These answers usually make the decision clear.

Our Approach at 1836 Construction Co.

At 1836 Construction Co., we guide homeowners through inset vs. overlay decisions early in the design process to ensure expectations around appearance, performance, and cost are aligned before cabinetry is ordered. Clear decisions upfront lead to smoother builds and better outcomes.