Full Overlay vs Inset vs Partial Overlay Cabinets
When you shop for cabinets you'll run into three terms that describe how the door sits on the cabinet: full overlay, partial overlay, and inset. It sounds technical, but it's really about the look and the price. This guide explains the difference in plain terms and helps you choose.
The Three Door Styles, Explained
| Style | How the door sits | Look & cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full overlay | Door covers almost the entire face; thin gaps | Modern, seamless — mid cost |
| Partial overlay | Door covers part of the frame; frame shows between doors | Traditional — lowest cost |
| Inset | Door sits flush inside the frame | Highest-end, furniture-like — most expensive |
Full Overlay: The Modern Standard
On a full-overlay cabinet the door covers nearly the whole face frame, leaving only a slim reveal between doors. This gives a clean, contemporary, near-seamless look and is the most popular choice today. It maximizes the door size and hides most of the frame. All CNT shaker cabinets are full overlay.
Partial Overlay: The Budget Traditional Look
Partial (or "standard") overlay leaves a visible band of face frame between doors and drawers. It's the most economical and reads more traditional. You'll see it most in builder-grade and older kitchens. It's perfectly functional, just less contemporary.
Inset: The Furniture-Grade Look
On inset cabinets the door sits inside the frame, flush with the face — like fine furniture. It's the most refined and the most expensive, because it demands tighter tolerances and more material. Stunning, but a premium.
How Our Cabinets Are Built
Every CNT cabinet is a full-overlay shaker door on a plywood box with a solid wood face frame, dovetail drawers, and soft-close hardware standard. Browse all finishes in the shaker collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between full overlay and inset cabinets?
Full-overlay doors sit on top of the frame and cover most of it; inset doors sit flush inside the frame. Inset is more expensive and furniture-like.
Which overlay is most popular?
Full overlay — it gives a clean, modern, near-seamless look and is the current standard.
Is partial overlay cheaper?
Yes, partial overlay is the most economical, but it shows more frame and reads more traditional.
What overlay are CNT cabinets?
All CNT shaker cabinets are full overlay.
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