Important Cabinetry Terms

Below are some terms to help you out when talking with your cabinet builder.

Box – The actual carcass of your cabinets. It can vary in quality and finish.

Face Frames – Face frames attach to the front of boxes. The cabinet doors attach to these face frames. Frameless cabinets will have nothing more than edge banding (a thin veneer) on the front of your boxes.

Doors & Drawer Fronts – Covering all or most of the openings in your cabinetry, these are the main visible aspect of the cabinets.

Toe Kicks – The space under the cabinet that allows room for your toes as you stand at the cabinets. There are different styles. A toe kick gives angled corners to the toe kick to allow you to easily sweep underneath them.

Hinges & Slides – The necessary hardware used to operate your doors and drawers. These can greatly affect the quality of your cabinets.

Knobs & Pulls – Doorknobs and drawer pulls can be vastly important not only to the look of the cabinet but to their functionality. They may be an extra cost or included in the cabinet bid.

Finish – The coatings that protect your investment. Much like the paint on your car, finishes give style and protection. Stain, paint, and top coats should all be considered.