Inset vs. Overlay Cabinets: What's The Difference?

When you purchase replacement cabinet doors, there are a lot of factors to consider, like what size you need, what style you like, and what kind of finish you want. As you weigh your options, be sure to compare inset vs. overlay cabinets. There are subtle but significant differences between the two that you need to consider before replacing the cabinet doors in your kitchen, bathroom, or office.

What are Inset Cabinet Doors?

As the name would imply, inset cabinet doors are set inside the cabinet's frame. That means when you shut the door, it sits flush with the frame. When the door is closed, the only thing sticking out is the cabinet door hardware, and the hinges can be on the outside or the inside. This design provides a sleek, unique, and luxurious look.

Depending on how many doors you want to replace, you will likely spend much more money on inset doors. Even if your budget is limitless, you may struggle to find a professional who is available and capable of hanging the doors without harsh gaps or improper alignment. As a result, you may wait longer and spend more, but it may be worth it for the smooth appearance.

Pros of Inset Doors

Homeowners and designers choose inset cabinet doors because they offer a clean, sleek look. Modern homes often incorporate these streamlined and stylish doors. The pros of inset doors are:

• They provide a unique and classy look
• The tucked-away doors create cleaner lines

Cons of Inset Doors

There are a few downsides to inset doors. Since they have to fit precisely inside the cabinet frame, they are harder to make, take longer to complete, and typically cost 15-30% more than the alternatives. Many outlets that sell cabinet doors do not sell inset options because they take so much careful customization.

Plus, if the doors are thrown out of perfect alignment (something that happens inevitably with regular use), they will begin to show gaps between the doors and frames.

Altogether, the cons of inset doors are:

• The gaps between the doors and the frame can become obvious and unsightly over time
• They are more expensive and may require different hardware
• An inset construction reduces the storage space inside the cabinet
• Humidity can warp the wood and affect the appearance or function

Paint, Installation, and Photo Cred: Dwell Custom Cabinetry

What are Overlay Cabinet Doors?

Overlay cabinets are much more common – you probably have them in your kitchen right now. Overlay cabinet doors lay over the face of the cabinet frame, essentially sitting on top of the cabinet frame.

Compared to inset doors, overlay doors are often preferable in terms of price and performance. Gapping not a problem since the door transitions into the frame rather than inside it. These doors are also less likely to get misaligned since they don’t have to sit precisely inside the cabinet frame.

Full-Overlay Doors vs. Partial-Overlay Doors

Full-overlay doors cover up the entirety of the cabinet frame, which means that they almost meet edge to edge and cover the frame completely when all the doors are closed. The appearance is very similar to inset cabinet doors and creates the same clean, continuous look.

Partial-overlay doors, also known as half-overlay doors, only cover up part of the frame, so when all the doors are closed, you can see the individual doors sitting on top of the frame underneath. Many people prefer how partial-overlay doors give their cabinets depth and dynamism instead of a uniform appearance when deciding between full overlay vs. half overlay cabinet doors.

Full-Overly Painted Cabinet Doors Photo cred: Dwell Custom Cabinetry

Pros of Full Overlay Doors

Since overlay doors are more common, they offer lots of styles and consistent performance at a lower price. It doesn’t take too much experience, or expertise, to hang these doors yourself. If this sounds appealing, you only need to decide between full overlay doors vs. partial overlay doors.

The pros of full overlay doors are:

• They require less precision compared to inset doors
• Gapping and misalignment are not as large of an issue

Cons of Full-Overlay Doors

Full-overlay doors do not offer many drawbacks, but they can provide a few inconveniences. The cons of full overlay doors are:

• They require more precision to stay aligned than partial overlay doors
• Their close alignment makes them more susceptible to wear and tear
• You need hardware to open and close the doors since they are so close together

Partial-Overlay Cabinet Doors Photo cred: Cabinetdoors.com Customer

Pros of Partial-Overlay Doors

Ultimately, partial overlay doors are such a common style for a reason. These doors are practical and easy to install, making them a go-to for a building project or refresh. The pros of partial overlay doors are:

• The design is most conducive to natural warping or expansion of the wood
• There is more margin for error during installation
• They are the most affordable out of each option
• You can easily open and close them without hardware

Cons of Partial Overlay Doors

Partial-overlay doors do not offer many downsides, but there are a few points you should consider if you are leaning toward this option. The cons of partial overlay doors are:

• The vertical frame makes less storage space than in full overlay doors
• They are a more dated, less modern look
• They are more common and less unique if you want your home to stand out

Which is Better Inset or Overlay Cabinet Doors?

The type of replacement cabinet doors you choose is entirely up to you. Ultimately, the decision depends on a few key factors, like how much you want to spend, if you are worried about ease of installation, and which look you like best. Altogether, each style of door offers its own pros and cons. Be sure to keep all of them in mind as you’re debating inset vs. overlay cabinets.

Whether partial or full, overlay doors require less precision and are a little more homeowner friendly than inset doors. It’s relatively easy and affordable to produce high-quality overlay doors in any style. As a result, homeowners can expect to receive their doors faster, pay less, and find more companies to order from. Meanwhile, inset doors provide a sharp, unique design style that is refreshing to the eyes.

Many homeowners want to make a big impact on a small budget. If that is your priority, the inset cabinet vs. overlay cabinet debate is settled – go with overlay. However, if you want a clean design not found in most homes, and you are not worried about price, inset is your choice. Remember, price and performance matter just as much as style. We highly recommend consulting with an experienced cabinet company if you do decide that Inset is the right choice for you!

Order Doors You Love

With over 40 years of experience making custom-sized cabinet doors, we understand what works for homeowners. In the decision of inset vs. overlay cabinets, we’ve found that overlay doors are the most common and are easier to measure for. Overlay doors offer everything people want in replacement cabinet doors without the time and expertise of inset doors.

For more information about choosing the right cabinet doors for your home or how to order, contact us today—we are happy to help.