COMMON CABINET TERMS
Base cabinet, dovetail, face frame, and stile. These are words we use every day, but we realize that to most of our clients, they may seem like a foreign language. For us working in the woodshop, these are simply terms we use to describe how we build those fantastic custom cabinets, but since they can feel a little overwhelming the first time around, we thought we would break down some of the most common phrases and explain what they mean. Product education is vital to us because we want you to be familiar with the how and why of our process.
Base cabinet
These are the cabinets that sit on the floor. They form the foundation or base of the project and are where the countertop, sink, and main appliances go. The standard height is 35 to 36 inches, including the countertop, and approximately 24 inches deep, but these measurements can vary since we are a custom cabinet shop.
Wall Cabinet
This term is more obvious since they are mounted to the wall. Sizes can vary with these cabinets based on their purpose and the place they are placed next to. For instance, those above the hood will differ in depth and width from those above the base cabinets.
Toe Kick
A portion of the base cabinets will have a recessed area along the bottom of the base cabinets, known as a toe kick. This gives your feet room when standing in front of the cabinets. It is considered an essential element for cabinet design since it allows you to stand closer to the countertop. It is usually about 3 inches deep and about three and a half high.
Inset Cabinets
Inset cabinetry is where the doors and drawers fit neatly inside the cabinet frame, creating minimal spacing between the cabinet components. The entire cabinet frame can be seen, and hardware is needed to open and close the doors. This is a popular door style for many of our clients.
Frameless Cabinets
These cabinets are the easiest to access because the cabinet frame is eliminated, meaning there is no frame seen like there is with the inset. The front of the cabinet box is formed by the edges of the top, bottom, and side panels. It is considered a bit more of a modern style and is also a popular option with homeowners. See an example here.
Glaze
This refers to a coating applied over the cabinet stain or paint that enhances or changes the color of the base coat. It is also a beautiful way to highlight intricate cabinet architectural designs, such as moldings or corners.
Rail
The horizontal pieces of a face frame or door frame and are paired with stiles for a complete cabinet frame.
Stile
The vertical pieces of a face frame or door frame (in contrast to the “rails,” which are the horizontal members of the frame). They are combined with the rails to create a complete cabinet frame.
Dovetail drawer
Joints that hold the sides of the drawer together with interlocking “tails” on one side and “pins” on the other are the origin of the dovetail term. The result is a strong joint and highly resistant to being pulled apart. They are also considered a mark of high craftsmanship due to their durability to your cabinets.
Drawer front
This is the panel attached to the front of a drawer box. It is the visible front part of the drawer that the handle is attached to. On some cabinet drawers, the drawer face is the front part of the drawer box.
Concealed hinge
Of course, this term means that you cannot see the hinge, but they are placed inside the surface of the cabinet door. This option is a great choice as it gives the space a clean, flawless look and feel.
Now you know
Being familiar with a few terms can help you during your design meeting and help you better understand the options available and what will work best for your particular style and needs. See our full list of terms here. We love working with our clients to create a design that is what they envisioned, which is why we believe it is essential to take the time to go over every detail, including product education. We are more than just a custom cabinet company. We are family-owned, which means you will receive the same care we give to our loved ones. Contact us today, and let’s get started planning that project.
