Inset cabinets are HOT right now!

What does inset mean exactly and why is it so popular? Well inset kitchen cabinets very literally mean the door in built inside (or inset) into the cabinet frame. This is rather than the door being applied on top of the frame or 'overlay'.

Inset kitchen cabinets are available in a variety of finishes and styles, just as overlay cabinets are. Although they are beautiful, there are a few things to consider when selecting inset cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Is your house well climate controlled? Since wood naturally expands and contracts with the seasons, this can be an important consideration. A climate controlled environment with low humidity is the best location to use inset kitchen cabinets to prevent wood swelling which could cause the door to rub on the frame.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Are you up to the task of adjusting your doors as needed? This goes hand in hand with the above mentioned discussion of a climate controlled environment. Inevitably, some wood expansion is bound to happen. When it does, this may require you to adjust your cabinet doors slightly to prevent rubbing. This is very simple to do on a concealed hinge as a few minor twists of a screw and the hinges are built to adjust the door in 3 different directions.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Do you prefer exposed hinges or concealed soft-close hinges? Both options have their benefits. The concealed hinge offers more adjustability and the soft-close (or kid- friendly-anti-slam) feature and, of course, is not visible while the doors are closed. They do, however, take up more space within the cabinet. While the exposed finial hinges are available in a wide variety of finishes and add a ton of character to your space, but are not adjustable or available with the soft-close feature.

To bead or not to bead?

A beaded faceframe adds even more detail to an inst cabinet. This is really all personal preference as it does not effect the integrity of the cabinet whatsoever. It is one more area to clean and it may look better with some door styles than others.

Flush frame Rocheport inset door on Lyptus

with Slate and a Chocolate Glaze by StarMark

Beaded frame Knottingham inset door on Rustic Alder

with a Natural stain and Chocolate Glaze by StarMark

Even though inset cabinets may be a bit high maintenance, they can make a huge statement and be a beautiful focal point. They offer a more refined 'furniture' like finish to your space and can make it feel more custom since inset cabinets are built to fit your unique space perfectly.

We offer multiple custom cabinet lines that offer inset cabinetry, so if this is something you're interested, please speak with a Click Cabinets representative for more details.