Cabinetry Vocabulary

Among the many decisions homeowners face during a remodeling process is the selection of cabinetry—and it’s a big one. Not only is it big in the financial sense, but you are going to look at this cabinetry every single day for a very long time—you really want to choose something you are going to love.

One of the biggest barriers to overcome is understanding the vocabulary of cabinetry. Manufacturers use a lot of ‘lingo’ that can make the process overwhelming, especially for first-time renovators. By becoming fluent in the language of cabinetry, homeowners can better understand their options to make an informed decision.
Wood
There is a lot to know about wood, and when it comes to cabinetry you’ll hear a lot about wood species, as well as wood grain. Wood species is pretty simple—it’s the type of wood, hard or soft, of which a cabinet is made. Wood grain is the visible pattern in the wood after it is cut; wood grain is visual, but can also affect texture as well.
A veneer refers to a thin layer of high-quality, solid wood that is used to front a cabinet made of a less expensive material.

Framed vs. Frameless
One of the most often-asked questions in the cabinetry selection process is, “What’s the difference between framed and frameless cabinetry?” Framed cabinetry includes—not surprisingly—a frame; a ¾” solid wood frame, which provides a visual frame as well as structural integrity to the design.
Frameless cabinetry eliminates the frame for a cleaner, more modern look, and also works well for kitchens with a transitional style.

Custom vs. Stock Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry is designed and built to specification for the kitchen (or other space) in which it will be installed. Stock cabinetry is pre-fabricated, and usually come with fewer options (like sizes and colors) and standard dimensions, which limit design potential.

Finishing Touches
Finishing touches can encompass issues both practical and aesthetic. Consider, for example, drawer and cabinet pulls. You will want to choose a color and finish that match your overall design, but don’t forget about function. Test different shapes and sizes to see if they have the potential to pinch fingers.
Stain and paint are also aesthetic choices with a practical component. Stains enhance the color and grain of a natural wood finish, and also provide some protection. Painted finishes are also popular, especially light colors to brighten the room, but do have a few problems, including showing wear and damage, as well as fingerprints and smudges.
Moldings are another consideration. A light rail is a handy little bottom molding, attached to the bottom of wall cabinets underneath doors, which is often used to hide under-cabinet lighting. On the other hand, crown molding is a decorative molding that is often used to transition between cabinets and walls or ceilings.

Need a more thorough tutorial in cabinetry vocabulary? Our team can take you through, from A to Z—stop in to see us at Cabinets & Designs today!