When planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, the terminology can feel overwhelming. Designers, contractors, and cabinet specialists often use words that sound unfamiliar, but knowing these terms can help you feel more confident in every step of the process.
This complete Cabinetry Glossary from Cabinet Depot breaks down the most important terms you’ll encounter when selecting cabinets, doors, finishes, and accessories. Whether you’re updating a single room or remodeling your entire home, this guide is your go-to reference.
Cabinet Types
Base Cabinets
Base cabinets rest on the floor and form the foundation of most kitchens and bathrooms. They support countertops, sinks, and cooktops while providing essential storage. Common widths and depths are available, but base cabinets can also be customized.
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets, also called uppers, are mounted above countertops. They store everyday items like dishes, glassware, or pantry goods. Heights and depths vary, making them adaptable to different layouts and ceiling heights.
Tall Cabinets
Sometimes called pantry cabinets, these extend from floor to ceiling for maximum storage. They’re often used for food storage, broom closets, or built-in appliances like ovens.
Cabinet Construction
Face Frame vs. Frameless
- Face Frame: A wooden frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. Doors and drawers mount to this frame, creating a traditional look.
- Frameless: Also known as European-style, frameless cabinets don’t use a face frame. Doors attach directly to the box for a modern, streamlined design.
Cabinet Box
The cabinet box (carcass) is the structure that holds shelves, drawers, and doors. It’s typically made of plywood, MDF, or particleboard. The strength of the box is critical to the cabinet’s durability.
Drawer Boxes
The drawer box is the inner structure that holds items. High-quality boxes feature dovetail joints and full-extension slides for strength and accessibility.
Cabinet Materials
Plywood
A premium option made from layers of wood veneer glued in alternating directions. Strong, durable, and resistant to warping.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
An engineered product made from wood fibers and resin. Smooth and stable, MDF is ideal for painted finishes but less water-resistant than plywood.
Particleboard
Made from compressed wood chips and resin. Cost-effective but less durable, often used in budget or RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets.
Solid Wood
Natural hardwoods like maple, oak, or cherry used for doors, frames, and decorative panels. Beautiful and strong, though prone to natural expansion with humidity.
Veneer
Thin slices of real wood applied over a base material. Provides the look of solid wood at a more affordable price point.
Door Styles
Shaker
Five-piece doors with a recessed center panel. Timeless and versatile, fitting both modern and traditional designs.
Flat Panel (Slab)
Smooth, unadorned doors with a clean, minimalist appearance. Perfect for contemporary spaces.
Raised Panel
Doors with an elevated center panel, adding depth and detail. Often seen in classic or traditional kitchens.
Inset
Doors set inside the cabinet frame, creating a flush, furniture-like look. Popular in high-end designs.
Beadboard
Featuring vertical grooves for texture, beadboard doors bring farmhouse, cottage, or coastal charm.
Finishes
Painted
Provides a smooth, colorful surface. White and neutral paints are timeless, but bold shades like navy or forest green are increasingly popular.
Stained
Enhances the natural beauty of wood grain, available in light to dark tones depending on the style.
Glazed
A translucent coating applied over paint or stain to highlight details and edges. Adds depth and dimension.
Distressed
Creates an intentionally aged appearance, often used in rustic or farmhouse kitchens.
Matte vs. High-Gloss
- Matte: Subtle and soft, hiding fingerprints well.
- Gloss: Shiny and reflective, perfect for sleek modern spaces.
Laminate & Thermofoil
Durable synthetic finishes available in many colors and patterns. Cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Hardware
Knobs
Small, single-screw handles typically used for cabinet doors or smaller drawers. Available in countless designs and finishes.
Pulls (Handles)
Larger hardware pieces attached with two screws, often used for drawers. Long bar pulls are common in contemporary kitchens.
Hinges
- Concealed (European): Hidden from view.
- Exposed: Visible, adding decorative detail.
- Soft-Close: Designed to close quietly without slamming.
Drawer Slides
Tracks that allow drawers to open and close. Options include side-mount, undermount, full-extension, and soft-close.
Accessories
Lazy Susan
Rotating shelving system that makes corner cabinets more functional.
Pull-Out Trash
Hidden bins that slide out on tracks, keeping waste out of sight.
Spice Racks
Specialized storage for spices, available as pull-outs, drawer inserts, or door-mounted racks.
Roll-Out Shelves
Shelves that pull forward, making it easier to reach items at the back of deep cabinets.
Toe-Kick Drawers
Storage built into the recessed base beneath lower cabinets—ideal for slim items like baking sheets.
Decorative Details
- Crown Molding: Adds elegance to the top of wall cabinets.
- Light Rails: Trim pieces that conceal under-cabinet lighting.
- Corbels: Ornamental brackets that provide style and support.
- End Panels: Decorative coverings for exposed cabinet sides.
Why Cabinet Terminology Matters
Understanding cabinetry terminology isn’t just about speaking the language of designers—it helps you:
- Compare options with confidence.
- Understand price differences between materials and finishes.
- Choose the right combination of durability, function, and style.
- Create a kitchen or bathroom that truly fits your lifestyle.
At Cabinet Depot, we believe knowledge is power. That’s why we created this glossary as a resource for homeowners who want to make informed decisions about their remodel.
Cabinets are one of the most important investments in your home, both in terms of function and design. Knowing the difference between framed and frameless, MDF and plywood, or shaker and raised panel helps you feel confident throughout the remodeling process.
Cabinet Depot is here to guide you through every choice, from materials to hardware, so you can enjoy cabinetry that’s built to last and styled to impress.
Visit the Cabinet Depot Showroom today to explore cabinets, finishes, and accessories in person. Our experienced team will help you transform your vision into a kitchen or bathroom you’ll love for years to come.