Kitchen Cabinets Terms

Kitchen Cabinet Terms: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the world of kitchen cabinets can feel overwhelming with the sheer volume of terminology. This guide provides a clear explanation of common kitchen cabinet terms to empower homeowners during the selection and installation process.

Cabinet Construction

Face Frame:

The visible frame attached to the front of the cabinet box, providing structural support and a decorative element. *

Frameless (European-style):

Cabinets lacking a face frame, offering a contemporary look and maximizing interior storage space. *

Cabinet Box:

The main structure of the cabinet, typically constructed from plywood or particleboard, housing shelves and drawers. *

Toe Kick:

The recessed area at the bottom of the cabinet, allowing comfortable standing while working at the countertop.

Door Styles

Shaker:

A simple, versatile door style featuring a recessed panel within a frame. *

Raised Panel:

A door style with a center panel raised above the surrounding frame, adding a traditional or ornate touch. *

Flat Panel (Slab):

A sleek, minimalist door style with a smooth, uninterrupted surface. *

Inset:

A door style where the door fits within the cabinet frame opening, creating a flush, integrated look.

Drawer Styles

Dovetail Joint:

A strong, interlocking woodworking joint commonly used in drawer construction for durability. *

Soft-Close:

A hardware feature that gently pulls drawers closed, preventing slamming and extending hardware life. *

Full-Extension Glides:

Drawer hardware allowing the drawer to pull completely out of the cabinet, providing full access to contents. *

Undermount Glides:

Drawer hardware mounted beneath the drawer, offering a cleaner look and smoother operation.

Hardware

Knobs:

Round or decorative handles used to open doors and drawers. *

Pulls:

Handles attached with two screws, providing a comfortable grip for opening doors and drawers. *

Hinges:

Metal pieces that connect the door to the cabinet frame, enabling opening and closing. *

Soft-Close Hinges:

Hinges incorporating a dampening mechanism, allowing doors to close softly and quietly.

Materials

Solid Wood:

Cabinets crafted from hardwood lumber, offering durability and a natural aesthetic. *

Plywood:

An engineered wood product made from thin layers of wood veneer, offering stability and resistance to warping. *

Particleboard:

An engineered wood product made from wood chips and resin, providing a cost-effective option. *

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF):

An engineered wood product made from wood fibers and resin, offering a smooth surface ideal for painting. *

Thermofoil:

A thin vinyl coating applied to MDF or particleboard, creating a durable, moisture-resistant surface. *

Laminate:

A thin layer of plastic or paper bonded to a substrate, available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Finishes

Stain:

A finish that penetrates the wood, enhancing its natural grain and color. *

Paint:

A surface coating that provides color and protection to the cabinets. *

Glaze:

A translucent or semi-transparent finish applied over a base coat to add depth and dimension. *

Lacquer:

A durable, clear finish that provides a high-gloss sheen.

Layout and Design

Base Cabinets:

Floor-standing cabinets that provide the foundation of the kitchen layout. *

Wall Cabinets:

Cabinets mounted to the wall, providing upper storage space. *

Tall Cabinets (Pantry Cabinets):

Cabinets extending from floor to ceiling, maximizing vertical storage. *

Island:

A freestanding cabinet unit typically situated in the center of the kitchen, providing additional workspace and storage. *

Peninsula:

A cabinet unit attached to a wall or other cabinets, extending into the kitchen space. *

Corner Cabinets:

Cabinets designed to fit into corner spaces, maximizing storage in challenging areas. *

Blind Corner Cabinets:

Corner cabinets with limited accessibility due to the cabinet construction.

Measurements and Specifications

Standard Sizes:

Common cabinet dimensions based on industry standards. *

Custom Sizes:

Cabinets built to specific, non-standard measurements. *

Overlay:

The amount the cabinet door overlaps the cabinet frame. Full overlay completely covers the frame. *

Reveal:

The exposed portion of the cabinet frame between adjacent doors or drawers.

Installation

Stock Cabinets:

Pre-manufactured cabinets available in standard sizes, offering a cost-effective option. *

Semi-Custom Cabinets:

Cabinets offering a wider range of styles, finishes, and modifications compared to stock cabinets. *

Custom Cabinets:

Cabinets built to exact specifications, offering the greatest flexibility in design and functionality. *

Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets:

Cabinets shipped unassembled, requiring assembly before installation. Understanding these key terms will enable homeowners to communicate effectively with designers and contractors, ultimately resulting in a successful kitchen renovation project.