Overlay
Overlay is the amount a cabinet door covers (overlaps) the face frame opening. A standard amount covers approximately ½ inch of the frame on each side, leaving visible frame strips between doors. Full overlay, by contrast, covers nearly the entire face frame, showing only thin reveals between doors for a more contemporary, seamless appearance. This choice significantly affects the kitchen's visual style.
Specifying this for a job? Captivating Pro members buy at 20–40% off retail and get cut sheets before rough-in.
In practice
Overlay determines how much cabinet face shows around the doors: full overlay reads modern and seamless, partial overlay shows frame between doors, and inset sets doors flush inside the frame.
Common questions
What does cabinet overlay mean?
How far the door covers the cabinet face or frame — full overlay covers nearly all of it, partial leaves visible frame, and inset doors sit inside the frame entirely.
What is the most popular overlay?
Full overlay dominates current kitchens — larger doors, minimal visible frame, and a cleaner look at a lower cost than inset.
