What is it about inframe kitchens that makes them so irresistible? They’re timeless, yes, beautifully made and built to last, but they also come with a premium price tag. So, are they worth the splurge, or just nice to look at?
To find out, we spoke to cabinet makers and kitchen designers to break it all down. From how inframe kitchens are built to when they make sense (and when they don’t), consider this your go-to guide for weighing up kitchen ideas and deciding whether this classic, detail-led style is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
What is an inframe kitchen?
“An in-frame kitchen is exactly what it sounds like,” says Will Frankling, co-founder of Kitchen Makeovers. “The cupboard door sits inside a visible wooden frame attached to the front of the cabinet, rather than sitting on top of the cabinet box, which is called a ‘lay-on’ door.”
He explains that this feature is what sets inframe kitchens apart from most modern kitchen design. “In a standard modern kitchen, the doors cover the entire front of the unit. In an in-frame kitchen, you see that 20–30mm border of the frame around the door. It’s a very traditional, joinery-led construction method.”
"It’s a great classic look, which really shows off the skill of your cabinet makers," adds Mike Biddulph, founder of Goldfinch Furniture. While inframe kitchens are often associated with traditional interiors, Mike points out that the construction itself is not tied to one aesthetic. “Traditionally it’s been paired with a Shaker kitchen solid timber door for a country kitchen look, but it looks fab with sleek one-piece doors for a more modern feel.”
At their core, inframe kitchens are defined less by decorative details and more by their construction. With the frame left on show and the doors fitted with precision, the structure becomes part of the design itself – a subtle but important distinction from standard kitchens, where everything is designed to disappear.
Mike Biddulph is the founder of Goldfinch Furniture, where he combines bespoke kitchen craftsmanship with social purpose – training young apprentices and championing ethical, made-in-Britain design.
Will Frankling co-founded Kitchen Makeovers in 2018. With over 30 locations across the UK, their kitchen makeover service is a cost-effective, sustainable solution providing a quick and efficient way to update the heart of your home.
Are inframe kitchens more expensive?
“Yes, inframe kitchens are usually more expensive,” says Helen Lord, founder of Rehome. “You’re paying for extra material in the framing, more labour in the build, and a higher level of precision in the fitting. The tolerances are tighter, and that detail takes time, both in the workshop and on site.”
That extra time and care is reflected in how inframe kitchens are made, particularly when the frame itself is part of the finished design. “To make the frames beautiful enough to be seen all the time, they can cost a little more, due to both the materials and the time required,” explains Mike Biddulph.
Mike also adds that there are ways to control kitchen installation costs without abandoning the inframe look altogether: “One option to keep the price down would be to have your cabinetry and frames made from birch plywood, with exposed laminations on the edges," he says. "It’s a slightly more industrial look, but it can really work.”
In practice, the higher cost of an inframe kitchen comes down to visible craftsmanship. With tighter tolerances and no structure hidden behind doors, both the making and fitting take longer, and that precision is what ultimately drives the price.
Helen is the founder of UKE Home Solutions Ltd (formerly Used Kitchen Exchange) and Rehome.co.uk; Supporting the KBB industry, Developers, Interior Designers and homeowners with closed-loop thinking and sustainable solutions for pre-owned interiors, excess and discontinued stock as well as ethical dismantle and removal.
When is an inframe kitchen the best choice?
“If you are looking for a traditional, fitted furniture look, then an inframe kitchen is perfect,” says Helen Lord. “It gives the feel that it has been there for years.”
That sense of permanence is why inframe kitchens are often associated with period homes, farmhouse kitchens and cottage kitchens – but Helen is quick to point out that they aren’t limited to traditional settings. “They’re equally at home in a modern property if you want a more classic, high-end feel,” she explains. “You can paint kitchen cabinets, go for a wooden finish, or mix materials for a more bespoke look.”
Durability also plays a big part in the appeal of these kitchens. “Because of the level of craftsmanship, materials used and door thickness, they tend to be more robust,” Helen adds. “They also offer longevity – colours and kitchen door handles can be changed over time to refresh the look, which gives them a longer life in your home.”
For Mike Biddulph, practicality is just as important as aesthetics. “Inframe kitchens can really take a beating,” he says. “The parts of a kitchen most susceptible to damage are the corners and edges, and with an inframe kitchen the frame protects those areas far better than a standard door edge.”
Taken together, an inframe kitchen is at its best when you’re planning for the long term – whether that’s creating a sense of heritage, adding character to a modern space, or investing in a kitchen designed to last and evolve over time.
When might an inframe kitchen not be the right choice?
For all their craftsmanship and charm, inframe kitchens aren’t always the easiest option, and that’s worth knowing upfront. One of the biggest factors is how precise they need to be. “With an inframe kitchen, there is nowhere to hide badly fitted cabinets,” cautions Mike Biddulph. “Everything has to be right and square, or the gaps around your doors and drawer fronts will be very apparent.”
Because of that, inframe kitchens tend to be less forgiving in homes with uneven walls or floors, or in projects where time or budget doesn’t allow for careful preparation and skilled kitchen fitting. They reward patience and planning rather than quick turnarounds.
There are also a few everyday considerations to factor in. “The frame reduces the opening slightly,” explains Helen Lord, “so to maximise kitchen storage it’s best to incorporate deep drawers, pantry units and pull-out cupboards, especially for bigger items.” In small kitchens, where every centimetre counts, that reduction can make a noticeable difference.
Details like hinges can also affect how the kitchen feels to live with. “Traditional in-frame kitchens usually use butt hinges, which means you don’t get the built-in soft-close feel that comes with standard concealed hinges,” Helen notes. Over time, she adds, doors may need the occasional adjustment or easing, particularly with painted finishes and in high-use areas.
All of this means an inframe kitchen isn’t always the best choice if you’re working to a tight budget, need results quickly, or want a low-maintenance, ultra-minimal look where everything disappears. In those situations, a standard kitchen or even a mock inframe design can offer a more practical and stress-free alternative.
Installation and finishes need to be considered
If you’ve decided an inframe kitchen is right for you, how it’s installed is just as important as how it looks on paper.
“A quality professional installation is important because the fitting tolerances are tighter,” says Helen Lord. “The doors need to sit neatly within the frame without catching, and that relies on everything being square, level and properly aligned.”
Unlike standard kitchens, where small imperfections can be hidden, inframe kitchens reward careful, considered fitting. Taking the time to prepare walls and floors properly, adjust doors and drawers, and ensure consistent gaps all makes a visible difference to the finished result.
The finish is equally important. “Your paint finish is worth thinking about,” Helen adds. “All that detail can show up runs or heavy edges if the preparation isn’t right. The right primer and paint system can make a big difference to durability.”
FAQs
Can you retrofit an inframe kitchen?
Retrofitting a true inframe kitchen is rarely straightforward. “If you’re looking for a makeover on existing units, true in-frame is difficult to retrofit because your current cabinets likely don’t have the frame,” explains Will Frankling, co-founder of Kitchen Makeovers.
That said, there are alternatives. “A smart compromise is a ‘mock in-frame’ door,” Will adds. “This is a single door routed to look like it has a frame, giving you the style for a fraction of the cost.”
Do inframe kitchens add value to a home?
While resale value always depends on the wider property market, inframe kitchens are widely seen as a worthwhile investment. “A good in-frame kitchen should be viewed as an investment,” says Helen Lord, founder of Rehome. “It will retain its value well and, should you choose to replace it, it would have a higher resale value than many other kitchen styles.”
Their appeal lies in a combination of longevity, adaptability and aesthetics. Well-made inframe kitchens tend to age gracefully, which makes them attractive to future buyers and more sustainable over the long term.
If you’re considering an inframe or bespoke kitchen, kitchen design apps can be a helpful first step to visualise layouts and styles. Just keep in mind they’re a planning tool, not a replacement for professional design or precise installation.
