Introduction
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or building a new one from scratch, installing cabinets is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Not only do cabinets heavily influence the look and feel of your kitchen, but they also provide essential storage space for all your cooking tools, dishes, and pantry items. When researching cabinet options, you’ll inevitably come across terms like “lined cabinets” and “full overlay cabinets.” But do you really need to line cabinets?
Lined cabinets refer to cabinet boxes with an interior lining, typically 1/4″ thick plywood or hardboard. The lining covers the inside edges and sides of the cabinet box, creating a more finished interior appearance. Unlined or frameless cabinets have exposed edges and sides made of the cabinet box material.
Below, we’ll go over the pros and cons of lined vs unlined cabinets to help you decide what works best for your kitchen and budget. We’ll also provide tips on how to finish unlined cabinet interiors for a more custom look. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about lined and unlined do you need to line cabinets!
What are the Benefits of Lined Cabinets?
There are a few key benefits that lined cabinets offer:
A More Finished, Built-In Look
The main advantage of lined cabinets is aesthetics. The interior lining gives the inside of the cabinet a more finished, built-in look. Unlined cabinets have exposed cabinet box edges and sides, which some homeowners find unsightly. The plywood or hardboard lining creates a cleaner, more seamless interior appearance.
Increased Structural Strength
The interior lining adds rigidity and durability to the cabinet box. Plywood edging helps reduce warping while also protecting corners and edges from dings and wear. This makes lined cabinets a bit sturdier than unlined versions.
Easier to Clean and Maintain
Lined cabinets are typically easier to clean and maintain over time. The smooth lining wipes down easily and prevents crumbs, spills, and grease from getting trapped in cracks or corners. Unlined cabinets with exposed edges tend to collect more grime.
Hides Imperfections Better
The lining can also conceal imperfections, repairs, or shoddy construction more easily. If the cabinet box material has flaws, gaps, or nail holes, the lining hides these issues for a more flawless interior finish.
When are Lined Cabinets Recommended?
Here are some of the situations where lined cabinets are highly recommended:
- Traditional style kitchens – Lined cabinets complement traditional kitchen designs like Shaker, Craftsman, and Farmhouse styles. The lining creates a classic built-in look.
- High-end custom kitchens – Custom cabinetry shops often line their cabinet boxes by default to ensure a clean, flawless interior. Lining adds an extra layer of fit and finish.
- Cabinets with interior lighting – If installing interior lighting in cabinets, lining hides wires and creates a brighter, glowier effect inside the cabinet.
- Glass-front cabinet doors – The lining provides an attractive backdrop when using glass cabinet doors. It allows less visibility of interior cabinet clutter.
- Tall pantries and utility cabinets – Lining helps make deep pantries and utility cabinets easier to clean. It alsominimizes dust and grime collection in harder to reach areas.
What are the Downsides of Lined Cabinets?
While lined cabinets have some notable advantages, there are a few potential downsides as well:
Added Cost
Lined cabinets typically cost $100-$300 more per cabinet than unlined versions. This can add a significant amount to your total kitchen cabinet spend. If on a tight budget, unlined cabinets provide cost savings.
Less Interior Cabinet Space
The interior lining decreases usable space inside cabinets by 1/4″ or more all the way around. This slightly reduces storage capacity. However, the difference is fairly minimal.
Potential for Delamination
In rare cases, the lining can delaminate or peel away from the cabinet box over time. Moisture damage or improper construction may cause this issue.
Hard to Make Repairs
Fixing dents, scratches, or other damage on lined cabinets is trickier. The lining must be removed to access the actual cabinet box and make repairs.
Key Differences Between Lined and Unlined Cabinets
To recap, here are the major differences between lined and unlined do you need to line cabinets:
| Lined Cabinets | Unlined Cabinets |
|-|-|
| Plywood or hardboard lining on interior sides | No lining, exposed cabinet box edges |
| More finished, built-in look | Industrial, utilitarian look |
| Increased structural strength | Adequate strength from cabinet box |
| Easier to clean and maintain | Tend to show more wear and tear |
| Hides flaws and imperfections | Shows interior flaws and defects |
| Costs $100-$300 more per cabinet | Less expensive option |
| Slightly less interior space | Maximizes interior storage space |
Should You Line Your Cabinets?
Whether it’s worth lining your cabinets depends on your kitchen design, budget, and how much you value the pros that interior lining offers.
Here are some quick tips to help you decide:
Consider lining cabinets if:
- You want a flawless, high-end interior finish
- Choosing a traditional kitchen design
- Using glass-front cabinet doors
- You don’t mind the added cost
Unlined cabinets work well if:
- You have a tight kitchen remodel budget
- Prefer a more industrial, utilitarian look
- Want to maximize interior storage space
- Comfortable finishing the interiors yourself
In general, lining cabinets is recommended for most homeowners who want an upscale, built-in appearance. But unlined cabinets are a great money-saving option if you’re comfortable finishing the interiors or prefer an industrial style.
How to Finish Unlined Cabinet Interiors
If going with unlined cabinets, you have a few options for finishing the interiors:
Apply Edge Banding
Iron-on veneer edge banding can be applied to all exposed plywood edges. This adheres a thin wood or pvc strip over the plywood edge for a finished appearance. It’s an inexpensive way to finish cabinet interiors.
Stain or Paint the Interior
Staining or painting the cabinet box interior will also create a more polished look. Make sure to prep and clean surfaces first. Spray paint works best for easy application inside cabinets.
Add Removable Liners
Consider removable liners made of thin plywood or hardboard. DIY or custom-cut liners slip into the cabinet box to disguise edges when needed, but can be removed for cleaning.
Install Wood Trim Pieces
Gluing thin strips of wood trim over the plywood edges also finishes them smoothly. This takes more time and skill but creates a built-in look.
Frequently Asked Questions About do you need to line cabinets:
Do all custom cabinets come lined?
No, not all custom cabinetry comes with standard lining. Many smaller custom shops produce unlined cabinets to save on costs. Be sure to specify if you want lined cabinets when getting quotes and designing your custom kitchen.
Should you line just upper or lower cabinets?
It’s recommended to line both upper and lower cabinets for the most seamless look. If you want to save money, you could line visible areas like sink bases and leave interiors of uppers unlined. But the interiors will look mismatched.
Is there an easy way to line cabinets yourself?
Lining cabinets from scratch is tricky for DIYers. The easiest option is using pre-cut iron-on edge banding mentioned above. For a built-in look, you’ll need carpentry skills to precisely cut and install plywood or hardboard lining inside cabinets.
What thickness plywood should be used to line cabinets?
1/4″ plywood is the standard thickness used for lining cabinets. 5mm plywood can also be used. Thicker plywood takes up too much interior space. Avoid using luan or thin paneling that can warp.
Should you still use premium cabinets if not lining them?
Yes, opt for well-built cabinets even if not lining them. Good plywood construction and sturdy face frames will ensure cabinets last long-term. Look for furniture-grade plywood and all-wood cabinet boxes for strength.
Conclusion
While lined cabinets come with a higher price tag, they offer an upscale, flawless interior appearance that many homeowners find worth the extra investment. Lining creates a seamless, built-in look and adds structural strength.
However, unlined cabinets provide cost savings for tighter kitchen budgets. Putting in the work to finish their interiors can result in a great finished product. Consider your design style, budget, and willingness to finish cabinet interiors when deciding between lined vs. unlined do you need to line cabinets.
Do You Need to Line Cabinets?
Pros and Cons of Lined vs. Unlined Cabinets
When choosing new kitchen cabinets, one decision you’ll come across is whether to get lined or unlined cabinet boxes. What exactly is the difference, and how do you know which is the better choice? We’ll break down the pros and cons of lined and unlined cabinetry to help make your decision easier.
Lined Cabinet Pros
- Smoother, more finished interior appearance
- Hides flaws and imperfections in materials
- Increased rigidity and durability
- Easier to clean and maintain
- Recommended for glass cabinet doors
Lined Cabinet Cons
- Added cost of $100-$300 per cabinet
- Marginally less interior storage space
- Nearly impossible for DIYers to line cabinets
- Difficult to make repairs if needed
Unlined Cabinet Pros
- Less expensive cabinet option, cost savings
- Maximize interior storage capacity
- Allow an industrial, utilitarian aesthetic
- Easy for DIYers to finish themselves
Unlined Cabinet Cons
- Exposed cabinet box edges look unfinished
- Shows flaws in materials and construction
- Not as structurally rigid, less durable
- Harder to clean and keep maintained
- Avoid if using glass doors
Making the Decision Between Lined vs. Unlined Cabinets
When deciding between lined vs. unlined cabinets, first consider your budget. Lined cabinets come at a premium price, so unlined makes more sense for tighter budgets.
You’ll also want to factor in your kitchen’s overall design aesthetic. Lined cabinets pair best with contemporary, transitional, or traditional kitchen styles. Unlined works well for modern and industrial styles.
Look at your cabinet door style too. Unlined cabinets look fine with solid wood or opaque cabinet door fronts. But glass door fronts show the unfinished interiors, so lined is recommended.
Finally, assess your willingness to do some DIY finishing work. Unlined cabinets require some extra labor to achieve a built-in look. If you don’t mind taking on those extras steps, unlined cabinets can provide the same finished effect for less cost.
How to Finish Unlined Cabinets for a Built-In Look
If you opt for money-saving unlined cabinets, you’ll need to take steps to finish the interiors. Here are some of the most popular options:
Install Edge Banding
Thin plywood edge banding adheres over cabinet edges for a smooth finish. Available in various wood veneers.
Stain or Paint Interiors
Stain or cabinet-paint sprayed inside cabinets gives a polished look. White is ideal for a bright interior.
Use Removable Interior Liners
DIY or custom-cut hardboard liners slip inside the cabinet box when needed. Can be removed for cleaning.
Apply Wood Trim Pieces
Glue thin strips of wood veneer over cabinet edges. Most work, but gives a built-in appearance.
Add Contact Paper or Shelf Liner
Adhesive-backed contact paper or removable shelf liner hides imperfections. Quick and easy for DIY.
With a bit of extra finishing work, unlined cabinets can turn out looking just as high-end as pricier lined versions. Consider your design, budget and DIY skills when deciding between the two cabinet options.
FAQs About Lined vs. Unlined Cabinets
Do all custom cabinets come with lining?
Not always. Many smaller custom shops make unlined cabinets to save on production costs. If you want lining, request it when getting quotes.
Should you only line the lower or uppers?
For consistent aesthetics, it’s best to line both upper and lower cabinets. If needed, you could line just lower cabinets that get used more often.
Is there an easy way to line cabinets on your own?
Lining cabinet interiors from scratch is quite difficult for DIYers. Edge banding, trim pieces or liners are easier options for finishing the interiors.
What thickness plywood should you use?
1/4″ is the standard lining thickness. It adds a finished look without taking up too much interior space. 5mm plywood can also work.
Can you add lining to pre-built cabinets?
It’s extremely challenging. The lining must be precision-cut to fit each cabinet’s interior dimensions. Easier to finish edges using edge banding or other methods.
Conclusion
While lined cabinets come with a higher price tag, they offer an upscale, flawless interior appearance that many homeowners find worth the extra investment. Lining creates a seamless, built-in look and adds structural strength.
However, unlined cabinets provide cost savings for tighter kitchen budgets. Putting in the work to finish their interiors can result in a great finished product. Consider your design style, budget, and willingness to finish cabinet interiors when deciding between lined vs. do you need to line cabinets.
How to Finish Unlined Cabinet Interiors Like a Pro
So you’ve chosen unlined cabinets to save money on your kitchen remodel. Now it’s time to tackle finishing those interior surfaces so they look polished and complete. Don’t worry – with some basic DIY skills, you can finish unlined cabinets to look seamlessly built-in and custom.
Follow these pro tips for achieving perfectly finished cabinet interiors:
Prep the Surfaces
First, prepare the plywood edges and sides for finishing by:
- Lightly sanding to smooth any rough areas
- Wiping away dust with a dry cloth
- Applying wood filler to any holes or imperfections
Proper prep ensures your finishing method will adhere correctly.
Apply Edge Banding
One of the quickest and easiest ways to finish plywood edges is by applying iron-on edge banding. Simply select veneer edge banding in your preferred finish and wood tone.
Cut banding strips to fit each cabinet edge, then apply with an iron set to medium heat. Trim excess banding using a utility knife. When done properly, edge banding appears seamless.
Stain the Interiors
Another foolproof finishing technique is staining the cabinet interiors. Opt for a gel stain, using either a wood tone matching your doors or a deep espresso shade for contrast.
Use a small foam roller or brush to apply stain evenly on all interior plywood edges and sides. Wipe any drips immediately with a rag. Allow to dry fully before installing cabinets.
Add Contact Paper or Shelf Liner
For a quick fix, apply contact paper or removable vinyl shelf liner to all interior surfaces. The adhesive backing adheres smoothly to disguise imperfections.
Measure and custom-cut pieces to fit using an X-Acto knife. Carefully apply, smoothing out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Remove and replace occasionally to clean.
Install Removable Interior Liners
Another option is using removable cabinet liners made of 1/4″ hardboard or plywood. DIY or have a carpenter custom cut panels to precisely fit your cabinet dimensions.
To install, simply slide liners into cabinets and secure in each corner with finishing nails. Remove periodically for easy cleaning.
Apply Wood Trim Pieces
Attaching thin wood trim over cabinet edges gives a true built-in look. Measure and cut pieces of quarter-round or square trim to fit your cabinets.
Pre-stain or paint trim to match your interior finish. then securely glue and nail into place on cabinet edges. Allow time to set before use.
With a little effort, unlined cabinets can be finished to look just as high-end as pricier lined cabinetry. Use these pro tips to choose the right method for your skill level and design.
FAQs About Finishing Unlined Cabinets:
What’s the easiest DIY method?
Self-adhesive edge banding is the fastest and easiest finishing method for most DIYers. Simply iron on pre-cut strips to conceal plywood edges smoothly.
Should you finish just interiors or exteriors too?
Focus on finishing all interior plywood surfaces first if on a budget. If desired, you can also apply edge banding to exterior cabinet sides for a fully wrapped finish.
Can you change the finish later?
Absolutely. Finishes like contact paper, liners, and trim pieces can be removed and replaced whenever you want to change the interior appearance.
Should cabinets be installed before finishing?
It’s best to finish cabinets before installing them. It allows full access to all interior surfaces for easier finishing.
How long does edge banding last?
When properly applied, quality edge banding should last many years without peeling or damage. Heat-activated banding creates the strongest, longest-lasting bond.
Finishing the interiors of unlined cabinets allows you to save money without sacrificing beauty or quality. Follow these tips to achieve perfect hidden finishes worthy of any luxury kitchen.
Do You Need to Line Cabinets? Considerations and Alternatives
When shopping for new kitchen cabinets, you’ll come across the option of lined vs. unlined cabinet boxes. Lined cabinets have a smooth interior finish, while unlined boxes expose raw edges. Should you invest in lined cabinets or opt to save with unlined? Here’s an overview of key factors to consider when making this decision: