Millwork Matters: Understanding Cabinet Construction

At Plank & Pine, we talk a lot about millwork—and with good reason. Cabinetry isn’t just storage; it’s the backbone of your home’s design language. When you step into a space with well-designed, well-built millwork, you feel it immediately. It anchors the home, adds character, and—let’s be honest—is usually one of the biggest investments in any renovation or new build.

The reality is, cabinetry today isn’t always made with the same level of craftsmanship it once was. We’ve entered a world where fast and cheap often dominate the market, and the difference shows in both quality and longevity.

So, what should you know about cabinetry before you start choosing colours and finishes? We always point clients to two very important details: style and material.

Cabinet Styles

There are three main cabinetry styles that dominate: inset, full overlay, and partial overlay. Each has its own strengths, considerations, and price point—and understanding the differences is key before making such a major investment.

New Beginnings Project: Inset Cabinetry

Inset Cabinets (Framed Cabinets)

Inset cabinetry is our go-to for a reason. In this style, doors and drawers sit perfectly flush within a solid wood frame, creating a tailored, timeless look that instantly elevates a space. It’s the style you’ll often see us using the most, and for good reason—it requires an incredible level of precision and craftsmanship. Each cabinet box must be rigid and perfectly square, which results in more stability and resistance to warping or sagging over time. In other words: these cabinets are built to last.

Critics of inset cabinetry point to two potential drawbacks. First, some will argue that doors can swell or stick with humidity changes. While true in theory, in practice this is rare—and when it does happen, it’s an easy fix with a quick adjustment. The second argument is about storage: because of the frame, you technically lose a small amount of drawer space.

Our perspective? That’s a design planning issue, not a cabinet flaw. If you take the time to map out your kitchen properly—taking stock of your needs, your cooking habits, and where everything belongs—drawer and door placement becomes intentional, not an afterthought. Done right, inset cabinetry is not only elegant but also endlessly functional.

Easy Breezy Project: Full Overlay Cabinetry

Full Overlay Cabinets (Frameless Cabinets)

Full overlay—or frameless—cabinets are a strong contender, especially for those drawn to a modern, streamlined aesthetic. With no face frame, the cabinet doors and drawer fronts cover the entire box, resulting in clean lines and maximum use of interior space. 

On the plus side, full overlay cabinets offer more usable storage than inset and are generally less expensive. However, they do require a level of precision in installation—any gaps between doors are glaringly obvious. And because there’s no frame, these cabinets can be less sturdy and more prone to hinge issues over time, particularly if paired with budget materials like MDF, melamine, or particleboard. When built with higher-quality materials, they can be a beautiful option—but they don’t typically offer the same longevity as inset cabinetry.

Winter River House: Partial Overlay Cabinetry

Partial Overlay Cabinets (Framed Cabinets)

Partial overlay cabinetry is the most budget-friendly option of the three. In this style, the cabinet doors rest on top of the face frame, leaving part of the frame exposed. This allows for more flexibility during installation, which makes them easier (and less costly) to construct and fit.

While some consider partial overlay “dated” compared to the sleeker full overlay style, we don’t see it that way. It really depends on the look and feel you’re after. Partial overlay tends to lean more traditional, but when paired with the right design elements, it can still feel fresh and inviting. Importantly, the face frame adds structure, giving these cabinets an edge over frameless in terms of long-term durability and stability. For homeowners who value a more classic aesthetic and want to maximize value without sacrificing function, partial overlay is a smart choice.

Winter River House: Partial Overlay Cabinetry

Cabinet Material Options

The second key detail to understand when it comes to cabinetry is the material it’s built from. You’ll hear a handful of terms thrown around—solid wood, plywood, MDF, melamine, and particleboard—and while they all technically “work” in cabinet construction, each comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. Knowing what they’re made of, and how they’ll perform over time, will help you make smarter decisions.

Solid Wood Plywood MDF

Solid Wood Cabinets

Solid wood is still considered the gold standard in cabinetry, particularly for doors, drawer fronts, and face frames. It’s durable, repairable, and has a natural beauty that only gets better with age. The grain, character, and warmth of real wood add depth that engineered products simply can’t replicate, especially if you are staining. However, wood is a living material—it can expand and contract with humidity changes—which is why precise construction is so critical.

That said, for many homeowners, the price point—and even the availability—of all solid wood construction just isn’t feasible. The good news is, there are smart ways to incorporate solid wood that still strengthen and extend the life of your cabinetry. For example, we often build cabinet doors and drawer fronts with solid wood frames paired with an MDF centre panel when working in a shaker profile.

This hybrid approach has real advantages: the solid wood frames are less prone to expansion and contraction than full solid wood construction, while the MDF centre panel adds stability and provides a smooth, consistent surface for paint. Another bonus? Solid wood frames hold screws and hardware far better than budget alternatives like MDF, making them more durable in the long run.

Plywood Cabinets

When it comes to cabinet boxes, high-quality plywood is one of the best materials you can choose. Built by layering thin sheets of wood veneer with the grain running in alternating directions, plywood is exceptionally strong and far more resistant to warping than other engineered options. It holds screws and fasteners securely, which means hinges, slides, and hardware stay put over time—an important advantage in kitchens where heavy use can otherwise lead to sagging or loosening.

That said, not all plywood is created equal. To ensure longevity, look for multi-ply construction with tight, even layers and minimal voids. The better the quality, the stronger and more stable your cabinetry will be for years to come.

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) Cabinets

MDF is an engineered material made by breaking down wood fibers and binding them together with resins under heat and pressure. The result is a dense, smooth, and uniform surface that’s excellent for painted cabinetry, since it won’t show wood grain or knots through the finish. This makes MDF a popular choice for shaker-style doors (as we previously mentioned) or decorative panels where a flawless painted look is the goal.

However, MDF comes with limitations. It’s not as resistant to moisture as plywood, which means it can swell or deteriorate if exposed to water. For that reason, we typically avoid using MDF in areas prone to spills or humidity—such as sink bases, bathrooms, or as material for cabinet boxes. With proper sealing and finishing, MDF can perform well, but it doesn’t offer the same long-term durability as solid wood or plywood.

By The Bay Project: Inset Cabinetry

When It Comes to Cabinets, Materials Matter

The value of great millwork shouldn't be overlooked, especially when you're creating cabinets you'll love for a long time. At Plank & Pine, we believe it’s time to return to cabinetry that prioritizes quality materials, thoughtful construction, and attention to detail—rather than the fast, cheap options that dominate today’s market.

Cabinets are one of the most important features of a home, and they deserve to be built to last. If you’re planning a project and want cabinetry that combines beauty, function, and durability, let’s chat!