Overlay vs Inset

Definition

Overlay doors sit on the face of the cabinet and grow by the overlay on each edge (½ in / 13 mm is a common full overlay). Inset doors sit inside the opening and shrink by the reveal or gap. A pair splits the remaining width after one centre gap. Rails run between the stiles, so rail length is door width minus two stile widths (no tenon extra in that number).

Calculators that use this

• Fine woodworking & cabinetry

  Cabinet Door Sizing Calculator

  Size overlay or inset cabinet doors and rail/stile cut lengths from the opening, overlay or gap, and stile width.

• Fine woodworking & cabinetry

  Shelf Sag (Load Bearing) Calculator

  Estimate shelf deflection from span, thickness, depth, material and load, and check a simple L/360 stiffness rule.