Kitchen Cabinet Terminology Guide
When you’re shopping for cabinets for your Florida home, it can be overwhelming to understand the kitchen cabinet terminology and know exactly what you need for your replacements. It’s likely that throughout your kitchen cabinet research, you have come across the unique terminology that defines kitchen parts and kitchen cabinet parts. While these terms may be hard to understand, you don’t need to start looking through the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Our kitchen cabinet terminology experts have put together the most used terms that may be important for you to know while making the final decision for your kitchen.
Kitchen Cabinet Terminology You Should Know
Some of the most common kitchen cabinet terminology that you’ll come across when shopping for new cabinets include:
Base Cabinets
Base Cabinets – Cabinets that sit on the floor and support countertops, commonly used for storage and appliances.
Example: “We opted for deep drawers in the base cabinets for better organization.”
Beadboard Paneling
Beadboard Paneling – A decorative, grooved panel style often used on cabinet doors for a cottage or farmhouse look.
Example: “We added beadboard paneling to the island cabinets for a charming, rustic touch.”
Butt Doors
Butt Doors – Two cabinet doors that meet in the middle without a center divider, providing a wider opening.
Example: “The pantry cabinet had butt doors, allowing for easy access to large items.”
Cabinet Box
Cabinet Box – The main structure of the cabinet that holds the shelves, drawers, and doors. It remains in place during refacing.
Example: “Since the cabinet boxes were still in great condition, we decided to reface instead of replacing them.”
Cabinet Doors
Cabinet Doors – The hinged panels that cover the cabinet openings and contribute significantly to the kitchen’s style.
Example: “We chose shaker-style cabinet doors for a timeless yet modern touch.”
Cabinet Overlay
Cabinet Overlay – The amount of door and drawer front coverage over the cabinet frame, which can be full, partial, or inset.
Example: “A full overlay cabinet creates a seamless look by covering almost the entire frame.”
Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet Refacing – The process of updating cabinets by replacing doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet structure.
Example: “Cabinet refacing transformed our kitchen without the expense of a full renovation.”
Crown Molding
Crown Molding – A decorative trim added to the top of cabinets to create a polished and elegant look.
Example: “Installing crown molding made our kitchen feel more custom and high-end.”
Dovetail Joints
Dovetail Joints – A high-quality construction method for drawer boxes where interlocking wedge-shaped cuts create a strong bond.
Example: “The dovetail joints on the drawers ensure long-lasting durability.”
Drawer Fronts
Drawer Fronts – The decorative front panels of drawers that match or complement the cabinet doors.
Example: “Replacing the drawer fronts gave the kitchen an entirely new look without changing the structure.”
End Panels
End Panels – The decorative or functional panels on the exposed sides of cabinet boxes, often updated during refacing.
Example: “Matching end panels helped create a cohesive look in our refaced kitchen.”
Face Frame
Face Frame – A wooden frame attached to the front of a cabinet box, providing structural support and a surface for mounting doors and drawers.
Example: “The new cabinet doors were installed directly onto the existing face frame.”
Flat Panel Doors
Flat Panel Doors – Cabinet doors with a smooth, recessed center for a minimalist and modern look.
Example: “Flat panel doors create a clean and contemporary kitchen design.”
Frameless Cabinets
Frameless Cabinets – A cabinet design that lacks a face frame, creating a seamless, modern look with doors mounted directly onto the cabinet box.
Example: “Frameless cabinets offer a sleek aesthetic that works well in contemporary kitchens.”
Full-Extension Drawers
Full-Extension Drawers – Drawers that slide out completely, allowing full access to stored items.
Example: “Full-extension drawers make it easy to reach everything, even in the back.”
Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-Front Cabinets – Upper cabinets with glass panels instead of solid doors, often used for display purposes.
Example: “Glass-front cabinets made our kitchen feel more spacious and elegant.”
Glaze Finish
Glaze Finish – A decorative finishing technique that enhances the details of cabinet doors with a subtle contrast.
Example: “The glaze finish highlighted the intricate grooves in our cabinet doors beautifully.”
Inset Cabinets
Inset Cabinets – A cabinet style where doors and drawer fronts sit flush inside the face frame rather than on top of it.
Example: “Inset cabinets provide a classic, high-end appearance with precise craftsmanship.”
Inset Lighting
Inset Lighting – Small built-in lights added under cabinets or inside glass-front cabinets for additional illumination.
Example: “Inset lighting under our cabinets created a warm, inviting glow in the kitchen.”
Lazy Susan
Lazy Susan – A rotating, circular shelf placed in corner cabinets to improve accessibility.
Example: “A Lazy Susan in the corner cabinet makes it easy to reach spices and condiments.”
Open Shelving
Open Shelving – Replacing upper cabinets with exposed shelves for a more open and airy kitchen design.
Example: “We installed open shelving to showcase our dishes and decorative pieces.”
Raised Panel Doors
Raised Panel Doors – Cabinet doors with a center panel that is slightly elevated, adding depth and dimension.
Example: “Raised panel doors gave our kitchen a traditional, elegant feel.”
Roll-Out Shelves
Roll-Out Shelves – Pull-out shelves inside cabinets that improve access to stored items.
Example: “We added roll-out shelves to make it easier to reach pots and pans.”
Shaker Style
Shaker Style – A popular cabinet door design featuring a five-piece construction with a recessed center panel.
Example: “Shaker-style cabinets are timeless and pair well with both modern and traditional kitchens.”
Soft-Close Hinges
Soft-Close Hinges – Hinges that prevent cabinet doors from slamming shut by slowing their closing motion.
Example: “Upgrading to soft-close hinges eliminated the noise of cabinets shutting too hard.”
Thermofoil
Thermofoil – A durable, heat-sealed plastic coating applied to MDF cabinet doors for a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
Example: “Thermofoil cabinets are a great option for a low-maintenance, budget-friendly kitchen update.”
Toe Kick
Toe Kick – The recessed area at the bottom of base cabinets that provides space for feet when standing close to the counter.
Example: “A sleek toe kick molding added a finished look to our kitchen cabinetry.”
Undermount Slides
Undermount Slides – Drawer slides mounted beneath the drawer, providing a cleaner look and smoother operation.
Example: “Undermount slides keep the hardware hidden while allowing for soft-close functionality.”
Veneer
Veneer – A thin layer of real wood or laminate applied to cabinet surfaces during refacing to achieve a new look.
Example: “We used a wood veneer to give our cabinets the appearance of solid oak.”
Wall Cabinets
Wall Cabinets – Cabinets mounted on the wall above countertops are often used for storing dishes and pantry items.
Example: “Glass-paneled wall cabinets added an open and airy feel to our kitchen.”
In addition, as you continue shopping around for the best kitchen cabinets for your home, you will also come across many cabinet accessories. Some of the terms you may come across while looking for the best accessories include:
- Adjustable shelves – In adjustable-shelf cabinets, you have the option to move the shelves to a location that better suits your needs.
- Fixed shelves – Many cabinets contain shelves to provide layers to store your items. In fixed-shelf cabinets, the shelves are built into the cabinet during the construction process.
- Concealed/Exposed hinges – With many cabinets, you’ll be able to select whether you desire a concealed or exposed hinge. This will allow you to decide whether or not you want to see the hinge connecting the door to the cabinet box.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation and Refacing Services Near Tampa, Orlando, and Ft Myers
Whether you want to transform the appearance of your kitchen, make it more functional, or both, Morgan Kitchens can help by refacing your kitchen cabinets. We’ll gladly schedule a complimentary in-home consultation at a date and time of your choosing. During this appointment, we’ll take a look at your existing cabinets and sit down with you to discuss your goals for the project and any concerns you might have.
