Overlay vs. Inset Cabinets: Helping Your Clients Pick

Picking the right kitchen cabinetry is one of the most important decisions homeowners make. It impacts a kitchen’s style, functionality, and budget. Inset and overlay cabinets are two of the most popular choices. Understanding the subtle differences is key to guiding clients toward a choice that aligns with their vision and needs. 

What Are Inset Cabinets?  

Inset cabinet doors and drawer fronts sit flush in the cabinet frame. They offer a furniture-like look. This style is known for its classic, custom appearance and accounts for 10-30% of new kitchen builds. At ROC Cabinetry, you’ll find premium inset construction in Origami White, Truffle Brown, and Hazelnut Oak. 

What Are Overlay Cabinets? 

Overlay cabinet doors and drawer fronts lie on top of the cabinet frame. This is the most common cabinet style, used in 70-90% of kitchen remodels. It's versatile and can be used for a range of styles. ROC Cabinetry has a variety of overlay styles in the Shaker Series, Escada Series, Classic Series, and Newton Series with a range of stylish finishes. 

Significant Differences to Ponder 

• Style: Inset cabinetry creates a clean, seamless, and elegant look with its recessed doors and drawers, while overlay cabinets create a layered effect. 

• Price: Inset cabinets are generally more expensive because the precision and craftsmanship required in their manufacturing demand more skill and time. Overlay cabinets are typically more budget friendly. 

• Craftsmanship: Inset cabinets demand a higher level of craftsmanship and premium joinery techniques. Overlay cabinets also offer excellent durability and construction quality, but with a more forgiving fit. 

• Storage Space: Inset cabinets have slightly less interior storage space because the door and drawer fronts are set within the frame's opening. Overlay cabinets maximize interior space since the doors and drawers sit on the outside. 

How to Help Clients Choose  

To help clients make an informed decision, contemplate these factors: 

1. Budget: Clients on a budget will find overlay cabinets to be an excellent, high-quality option. For those with more to spend seeking a timeless, elegant aesthetic, inset cabinets are a significant investment. 

1. Style: If the client is aiming for a classic or traditional, furniture-like kitchen, recommend inset cabinets. For a transitional or modern style, overlay cabinets offer great versatility. 

1. Timeline & Availability: The precision required for inset cabinetry typically means longer lead times. However, this is where ROC Cabinetry shines. 

The ROC Cabinetry Advantage for Dealers 

When it comes to inset cabinetry, ROC Cabinetry has a unique advantage. While Inset is typically considered a high-end line with long lead times, our Inset Series is both competitively priced and has a fast lead time. 

Once a dealer account is approved, you can log in anytime to view our real-time inventory and place orders. This allows for speedy delivery to your customers, a key advantage over other companies where inset cabinetry is usually only available as a custom order with extended wait times. 

Dealer Tip: Always show clients physical samples side by side! Seeing and feeling the differences in construction firsthand is unmatched. 

Inset vs. Overlay Cabinets Chart 

Partner with ROC Cabinetry to offer your clients the best of both worlds!