When guiding clients through cabinet choices, recommending frameless construction that uses a universal box gives them a choice that includes both design and function. While homeowners typically zero in on style and color, it’s your job to tell them that the method used to build the cabinets affects everything—from layout flexibility and storage capacity to durability and long-term satisfaction.
In this article we’re going to look at how frameless cabinetry is built using a universal box and why it’s an excellent choice for kitchen remodel projects, in terms of practicality, style options and cost.
Frameless Cabinet Construction
Frameless cabinets are popular among homeowners who want a contemporary or minimalist kitchen design.
This construction method is often referred to as “full access” cabinetry because without a face frame, there’s more usable interior space. In addition, when there’s no vertical center rail, it’s much easier to access cabinet contents.
Another benefit: With no horizontal or vertical frame in the way, shelves and drawers can extend farther, maximizing storage.
The Universal Box in Frameless Cabinets
Most imported frameless cabinets use what is called a universal box as the fundamental component of their frameless product line. Universal box refers to a standardized cabinet box that is used with different style fronts.
It’s called a “box” because it is just that: a box with no face frame, no predetermined top or bottom for doors, and no fixed hinging.
And it’s called “universal” because it allows for unlimited fronts without having to stock different color boxes. It’s important that there be no color difference between the front and the box because of the tight reveals in frameless cabinetry. Any difference would be seen immediately.
Further, the universal box is
- Often predrilled on all sides
- Reversible, meaning it can be rotated or flipped based on layout
- Compatible with either left- or right-swing doors
- Able to be used across multiple cabinet types with only minor modifications – it can be used for base, wall or vanity cabinets.
The box (or carcass, as it can be called) sides, bottoms and backs are imported, then assembled at the cabinet manufacturing facility. Then doors, drawer fronts, and panels are applied to create the finished look.
It’s easy to see that by using the universal box, importers can pass on significant cost savings to you and your clients. They can stock the components and offer virtually any door /drawer style.
US Cabinet Depot offers a full catalog of frameless cabinets, their AltaEuro Series. This company stocks their AltoEuro fronts which allows them to be more flexible with inventory.
Doors, Drawer Fronts and Panels Get Applied to the Universal Box
Doors, drawer fronts and panels get used to customize the cabinets and bring them to life. The options for colors and textures are many and varied.
Alvic is a supplier of doors, drawer fronts and panels that many manufacturers of frameless cabinets purchase to complete their products. Solid colors, wood textures, faux stone looks and metallics are available both in panels and in finished doors.
To get finished ends on a universal box, a 3/4″ panel from a supplier, such as Alvic, gets applied to the sides of the cabinet. Most dealers buying imported frameless accept this as the norm.
Once you’ve selected the finish, there’s the Alvic finishes to further customize your design:
- ZÉNIT offers Supermatt with a soft touch, anti-fingerprint finish. In addition, it is highly resistant to scratching and abrasion.
- LUXE is a high gloss lacquered surface that creates a mirror effect. It’s scratch resistant, stain resistant, easy to clean, and anti-bacterial.
- SYNCRON offers a natural-looking textured surface.
Another Supplier of Components for Frameless Cabinets Universal Box
PremierEurocase also supplies components to manufacturers of frameless cabinets. Their product catalog is extensive and includes panels, 3/4″ doors and matching 3- or 5-piece drawer fronts in each of the six different coatings they offer. A world of color and texture options is available to your clients.
Each link below takes you to the collection for the various finishes and available door styles.
Fenix. Available in 12 different finish colors on 7 different door styles. Distinguishing characteristics of Fenix doors and drawer fronts:
- Matte surface
- Soft to the touch
- Anti-fingerprint
- Superficial scratches can be “healed”
UltraMatte. 16 colors on 9 different door styles. Distinguishing characteristics of UltraMatte doors and drawer fronts:
- Smooth and soft to the touch
- Top coat is scratch resistant
- Color richness
- Won’t fade from sun’s UV rays
- Anti-Fingerprint
Roucke Melamine. 23 colors on 11 different doors. Distinguishing characteristics of Roucke Melamine doors and drawer fronts:
- Real wood appearance
- Durable
- Two texture options: (1) deep texture with linear grain and (2) medium texture with a brushed pattern
- Cross Edge duel edgebanding creates an authentic wood look
Reflekt High Gloss Acrylic. 22 colors on 8 different doors. Distinguishing characteristics of Reflekt High Gloss Acrylic doors and drawer fronts:
- scratch resistant
- rich colors, including metallics and bright colors like red, coral, orange, yellow and more
- durable
Ion decorative high-gloss film that looks like brushed metal. 6 finishes on 2 different doors. Distinguishing characteristics of Ion doors and drawer fronts:
- vivid color
- 80% gloss sheen
- No polishing or curing time after the protective peel coat is removed
Is the Universal Box truly “Universal”? Do All Frameless Manufacturers Use It?
Primary Kitchen in Denver, Colorado represents the upper end of frameless cabinet manufacturers.
They don’t purchase components from companies like Alvic or Premier Eurocase. They make their own.
Further, they don’t use the universal box or use the 3/4″ panels as finished sides. Their finished ends are integrated as the side of the cabinet.They use cross edge dual edgebanding on the face of the carcass and on the door to ensure a seamless match.
Conclusion
With cabinetry representing the largest investment in a kitchen remodel, frameless construction deserves a close look—for its influence on layout, installation and long-term performance. Further, the universal box construction makes it possible for you to offer your clients attractive cost savings. The choice of frameless cabinets influences space planning, installation, accessibility, and available design options—making it an impactful decision in the entire remodel project.
