Walk through any of our recent kitchen projects in Durham, Chapel Hill, or Hillsborough and you’ll notice a common thread: sleek frameless cabinets that maximize every square inch of storage. According to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, frameless construction has jumped from niche status a decade ago to 25% of all cabinets sold by KCMA members today—and the share keeps climbing.
Below, we explain what makes frameless cabinets different, why Prince & Sons often specifies the Bishop Cabinets frameless line, and how our design-build process overcomes common pitfalls so you enjoy a flawless, contemporary kitchen.
Traditional American cabinets have a ¾-inch face frame that sits on the front of the cabinet box and supports doors and hinges. Frameless (sometimes called “full-access” or “European”) cabinets eliminate the face frame; doors hinge directly to the box. The result is a clean, flush look with ultra-tight reveals—and some significant functional upsides.
| Benefit | Why It Matters in Your Kitchen |
| More usable space | No frame means wider openings and deeper drawers, perfect for stock pots, air-fryers, or bulk pantry bins. |
| Design flexibility | Frameless excels at modern, slab-front aesthetics but also handles shaker doors for a “transitional” vibe. Mixed finishes and two-tone islands line up beautifully. |
| Easier cleaning | Smooth interiors and the absence of tiny frame crevices cut down on dust traps; many Bishop finishes include anti-bacterial properties for a healthier kitchen. |
| Full visibility & accessibility | With no face frame to snag dishes, you’ll grab roasting pans or china platters without awkward angles. |
| Better for small spaces | Condo galley or bungalow kitchenette? Frameless cabinets reclaim every millimeter, making tight layouts feel bigger. |
| Future-proof styling | Minimal, continuous lines pair well with quartz waterfalls, flush appliances, and the integrated lighting our clients love. |
Not all frameless boxes are created equal. Some manufacturers save money with ⅝-inch sides and flimsy backs, leading to racking or hinge failure. Bishop uses ¾-inch plywood or engineered wood sides and ½-inch backs, all KCMA-certified for strength—so durability isn’t a trade-off.
Additional perks:
Frameless cabinetry demands tight tolerances and laser-level installation; there’s no face frame to hide mistakes. Here’s how we ensure showroom-worthy results:
The payoff is a faster, cleaner kitchen remodel and cabinet doors that glide in perfect harmony for decades.
Frameless systems can challenge truly traditional aesthetics (think beaded-inset colonial) and require skilled installers. But with Prince & Sons managing design and construction—and Bishop’s robust box specs—the usual cons disappear. You simply get more storage, sleeker lines, and a kitchen that feels custom-tailored to how you cook and entertain.
Curious how frameless cabinets might look in your home? Visit our Durham showroom to experience full-height pantry pull-outs, hidden recycling centers, and touch-latch slab doors in action. Bring measurements or inspiration photos, and we’ll show you how Bishop’s frameless collection can elevate your next kitchen remodel.
Ready to talk design? Call 919-383-0888 or request a consultation online through our online intake form. Let’s build a kitchen that’s as smart and spacious as it is stunning.