Kitchen Decision Guides & Glossary

### What is In-Frame Cabinetry? In traditional British cabinetry (exemplified by Plain English, deVOL, and specialist bespoke workshops), doors and drawer fronts sit inside a solid hardwood front frame. The frame is glued and mortised directly onto the front of the carcass. **Key Advantages:** * **Structural Longevity:** The hardwood frame reinforces the carcass against racking or twisting over decades. * **Hinge Reliability:** Traditional butt hinges are screwed into solid timber, eliminating the risk of screws pulling out of chipboard. * **Repainting Capability:** Solid timber doors can be re-sanded and hand-painted every 8–10 years, dramatically extending the life of the kitchen. **The Trade-Offs:** * Internal drawer width is reduced by 30mm–40mm to accommodate the frame. * Significant bench-making labor adds approximately 35–50% to cabinetry manufacturing costs. --- ### What is Lay-On (Frameless / Full Overlay)? In modern European kitchens (prominent in German brands like Schüller, Bulthaup, and SieMatic), doors sit over the front edge of the carcass, completely concealing the carcass edges. **Key Advantages:** * **Maximum Internal Volume:** Without a front frame, every millimeter of internal cabinet width is usable. * **Contemporary Lines:** Clean, uninterrupted slab surfaces ideal for minimalist or handleless aesthetics. * **Precision Adjustment:** Three-way concealed Euro-hinges allow quick alignment on site. **The Trade-Offs:** * Relies heavily on the squareness of the carcass; moisture ingress in inferior chipboard can cause irreversible door sagging.