• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
Phone: 704-434-0823
Walker Woodworking
  • Home
  • About
    • About Walker Woodworking
    • Why Custom Cabinetry?
    • Proven Sustainability
    • Product Specifications
  • Gallery
    • Project Portfolio’s
    • Browse By Room
  • Door Styles
    • Slab Door Styles
    • Flat Panel Door Styles
    • Contemporary Slab Door Styles
    • Raised & Beaded Panel Door Styles
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Dealer
    • Warranty Request
      • Appliance Panel Replacement Request
    • Careers
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Consumer Information

COMMON CABINET TERMS

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on Reddit

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. 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 for these cabinets can vary depending on their purpose and the space they are placed in. 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, known as a toe kick. This gives your feet room when standing in front of the cabinets. It is considered an essential element of cabinet design, as it allows you to stand closer to the countertop. It is usually about 3 inches deep and 3.5 inches high.

Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinetry features doors and drawers that fit neatly within the cabinet frame, creating minimal spacing between the cabinet components. The entire cabinet frame is visible, and hardware is required 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, resulting in a frameless design, unlike the inset. The edges of the top, bottom, and side panels form the front of the cabinet box. It is considered a more modern style and is also a popular option with homeowners.

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 architectural details of cabinets, such as moldings or corners.

beverage center with lighting

Rail

The horizontal pieces of a face frame or door frame 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 that is highly resistant to being pulled apart. They are also considered a mark of high craftsmanship due to their durability for your cabinets.

brown island drawers

Drawer Front

This is the panel attached to the front of a drawer box. It is the visible front part of the drawer to which the handle is attached. On some cabinet drawers, the drawer face is the front part of the drawer box.

Concealed Hinge

Of course, this means you cannot see the hinges, but they are placed inside the cabinet door. This option is an excellent choice as it gives the space a clean, flawless look and feel.

Now You Know

Being familiar with a few cabinet 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. We love working with our clients to create a design that meets their vision, 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.

byStacey Walker/onSeptember 21, 2021/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inConsumer Information
blue and white laundry roomWalker Woodworking
Design Notes

An Efficient Laundry Room

While the laundry room is not the most visited room in the house, it certainly plays a vital role in keeping the home clean and neat for everyone who lives there. Though no one enjoys the task of sorting, washing, and drying laundry, it is a necessary chore, and with the average family of four doing up to ten loads of laundry a week, it is safe to say that this space should be well-designed.

Read more
June 7, 2018/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton
https://walkerwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-laundry-room-folding-area-hanging-rod-Farrow-Ball-paint-Railings-Marion-Door-blue-cabinets.jpg 1280 1920 Jan Blanton https://cdh.yzp.mybluehost.me/website_6ae8f126/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-WW-Stacked-PNG.png Jan Blanton2018-06-07 16:07:132026-01-28 15:50:26An Efficient Laundry Room
entertainment center with a fireplace and living roomWalker Woodworking
Design Notes

Transforming your Basement

Finishing a basement or renovating it completely can also increase the value of your home. There is also the possibility of gaining additional income by renting out the basement.

Read more
May 21, 2018/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker
https://walkerwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Basement-living-room-entertainment-room-custom-fireplace-second-living-room.jpg 1280 1707 Stacey Walker https://cdh.yzp.mybluehost.me/website_6ae8f126/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-WW-Stacked-PNG.png Stacey Walker2018-05-21 19:53:332026-01-28 15:48:20Transforming your Basement
Consumer Information

3 Reasons To Drive To Shelby

Many of our clients live an hour or more away in the Charlotte metro area. This usually leads people to ask, “Why should I drive to Shelby when I can go somewhere closer?” We understand the reason for the inquiry and want to share why we believe you will find value in taking the time to make the drive.

Read more
May 7, 2018/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton
https://walkerwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AR-170128402-1030x624-1.jpg 624 1030 Jan Blanton https://cdh.yzp.mybluehost.me/website_6ae8f126/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-WW-Stacked-PNG.png Jan Blanton2018-05-07 11:58:562026-01-28 13:46:083 Reasons To Drive To Shelby
kitchen with wooden beamsWalker Woodworking
Design Notes

Why have a Gray Kitchen?

laces like Pinterest and Houzz are a fantastic way to explore a variety of gray kitchens and the possibilities that await you in your new space, so be sure to spend some time there before meeting with your designer.

Read more
April 21, 2018/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker
https://walkerwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-Joe-Pruvis-Loftus-Design-exposed-beam-custom-gray-kitchen-cabinets-panelled-appliances-two-toned-kitchen.jpg 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://cdh.yzp.mybluehost.me/website_6ae8f126/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-WW-Stacked-PNG.png Stacey Walker2018-04-21 19:29:462026-01-28 15:48:35Why have a Gray Kitchen?
beverage center with christmas decorWalker Woodworking
Consumer Information

Why Have Pullout Drawers?

Pullouts are one of the many ways to fully optimize your square footage and make life easier for everyone. At Walker Woodworking, we provide the accessories you need to make the most of your home. Talk to your designer about how pullouts can be used in your upcoming project to maximize your space.

Read more
April 7, 2018/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker
https://walkerwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-pull-out-drawers-frameless-cabinets-top-knobs-hardware-white-kitchen-cabinets.jpg 1280 853 Stacey Walker https://cdh.yzp.mybluehost.me/website_6ae8f126/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-WW-Stacked-PNG.png Stacey Walker2018-04-07 15:44:562026-01-28 15:33:55Why Have Pullout Drawers?
Page 42 of 53«‹4041424344›»

Contact Us

Delivery & Mailing Address
230 Best Street
Shelby, NC 28150

704-434-0823

Quick Links

Join Our Team

Service and Repair Request 

Appliance Panel Replacement Request

Follow Us

Walker woodworking logo
Walker Woodworking 2025 - powered by Enfold WordPress Theme
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
What Are The Best Bathroom Vanities?brown bathroom vanityWalker Woodworkingbathroom with a glass walk in showerWalker WoodworkingEssential Bathroom Renovation Questions
Scroll to top