When shopping for cabinets for your kitchen, you'll find there are two types of cabinetry frames: face framed and frameless (box). In the past, most cabinets were constructed with a face-framed approach but newer designs lend themselves toward simpler frameless methods. Both applications now offer endless styles and design. Stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets designs are available in both framed and frameless construction.

Framed. 

In face frame cabinetry, a 1.5-inch to 2-inch border or frame is constructed to hide the edge of the cabinet box. The face frame adds strength and sturdiness. With face frame construction, the cabinet door is attached to the frame's side. Doors can be mounted to the inside of the frame, creating a uniform, flush-mounted look or to the front of the frame, leaving a reveal (partial overlay). Few cabinets are made of solid wood and framed cabinets typically have a box made from wood substrates, such as plywood, particleboard or medium density fiberboard (MDF).

Frameless/Box.

In frameless construction (also known as euro), there's no face frame and the cabinet doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet box. Doors typically cover the entire cavity and box, which is called a full-overlay. Because they don't require a frame, frameless cabinets feature full access, allowing maximum use of space. Cabinets and drawers are slightly larger than those constructed with face frames. Most frameless cabinets are composed of manufactured wood products, such as plywood, structural particleboard or MDF and edged with a laminate or wood veneer.