Overlay vs. Inset Cabinet Doors
An overlay cabinet door sits in front of the cabinet opening and extends beyond its edges. The amount that the door extends past the opening is the overlay. Because of this, an overlay door will normally be larger than the opening it covers.
An inset cabinet door fits inside the cabinet opening instead. A small gap, sometimes called a reveal, is left around the door so it can open and close without rubbing against the cabinet frame. This means the finished inset door must be slightly smaller than the opening.
Why Accurate Cabinet Measurements Matter
Cabinet openings are not always perfectly square or exactly the size they appear to be. This is especially common with older cabinets, handmade cabinetry, or cabinets that have shifted slightly over time. Measuring the opening in several places can help identify differences before a door is cut or ordered.
For replacement doors, don't assume that two openings that look identical actually have identical dimensions. Measuring each opening individually can prevent an expensive mistake, particularly when ordering custom-made doors.
Double Cabinet Doors
When two doors share one opening, the space between the doors also affects their finished width. A small center gap allows the doors to operate independently and provides a consistent appearance when they are closed. The desired center gap should therefore be decided before determining the final size of each door.