If you’re like most people, the words “cabinet” and “jargon” probably don’t go together in your mind. Cabinet jargon is a little-known language used by those in the cabinet-making business. It’s a combination of woodworking terms and measurements specific to the trade. This blog post will define some of the most common cabinet jargon terms and explain what they mean. By understanding this language, you’ll be able to communicate better with your cabinetmaker and get the cabinets you want!

Terms to Know

Apron/Farmhouse Sink

An apron or farmhouse sink is a large sink that fits into the countertop with the front end of the sink exposed.

Base Cabinet

Base cabinets are mounted along the baseboard of your kitchen or bathroom walls. They are constructed with a few inches of clearance from the floor to allow for opening and closing. You will have to bend or stoop to access them.

Blind Corner

A blind corner is a kitchen space formed by two cabinets that meet at a 90-degree angle. This space can be hard to use.

Cabinet Box

Also called a “cabinet carcass,” this refers to the entire shape of the cabinet, making a box space to store items. The front of the cabinet box is left open for access, with the cabinet door resting over the opening.

Cabinet Overlay

A cabinet overlay is the portion of the cabinet door that covers the cabinet box. The overlay can be full or partial, affecting how much of the box is visible when the door is closed.

Concealed Hinge

A concealed hinge is a type of door hinge that is not visible when the door is closed. These are usually fixed on the inside of the door.

Cope and Stick

A cope and stick are two pieces of wood that are joined together to make a door. The cope is the piece that goes on the inside of the door, and the stick is the piece that goes on the outside.

Corbels

Corbels are decorative brackets that are used to support shelves or countertops.

Corner Brace

A corner brace is a piece of metal used to reinforce the corners of cabinets.

Crown Molding

Crown molding is a decorative trim used to finish the tops of cabinets.

Dado Joint

A dado joint is a type of joint used to join two pieces of wood together. It is made by cutting a groove into one piece of wood and then fitting the other piece into the groove.

Distressing

Distressing is a technique that is used to give cabinets an antique look.

Dovetailed Joint

A dovetailed joint is a type of joint that is used to join two pieces of wood together. It is made by cutting dovetail-shaped slots into the ends of two pieces of wood and then fitting them together.

Drawer Glide

The system is used to support drawers inside cabinets for opening and closing.

End Panel

An end panel is a piece of wood used to cover the ends of cabinets.

Euro-Style Cabinets

Euro-style cabinets are a type of cabinet that is popular in Europe. They are often made with frameless construction, and they have a variety of door styles.

Face Frame

A face frame is a type of cabinet construction that uses a frame to support the door. The face frame is usually made from wood, but it can also be made from metal or plastic.

Full Extension Drawers

Full extension drawers are a type of drawer that allows you to access the entire contents of the drawer. They have slides that extend all the way out, so you can see and reach everything in the drawer.

Full Overlay Doors

Full overlay doors are a type of door that covers the entire opening of the cabinet. They are often used in European-style cabinets.

Glazed Cabinet Doors

Glazed cabinet doors are a type of door that has glass panels. They can be clear, frosted, or tinted. Glazed doors are often used to display items in the cabinet.

Hardwood

As the name suggests, hardwoods come from some of the most durable trees in nature. These include oak, maple, hickory, cherry, alder, and lyptus, among others.

Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinets are a type of cabinet that is set into the opening. They sit flush with the surrounding cabinetry and often have a beveled edge.

Lazy Susan

A lazy susan is a type of storage that allows you to rotate the contents so you can easily reach everything. They are often used in pantries or cabinets with multiple shelves.

MDF

MDF stands for Modern Density Fiberboard. It is a dense waste wood product often used in cabinets and shelving.

Melamine

Melamine is a type of plastic often used in the construction of cabinets. It is durable and easy to clean.

Metabox

A metabox is a type of drawer that is an all-in-one drawer and drawer glide.

Mitered Door

A mitered door is a type of door with the edges cut at an angle to fit perfectly. This design gives the door a clean, finished look.

Mullion

A mullion is a decorative element that is often used on glass doors. It is a vertical or horizontal strip of wood or metal that divides the door into panels.

Pantry Cabinet

A pantry cabinet is a type of cabinet used to store food. It is often taller than other cabinets and has adjustable shelves.

Particleboard

Particleboard is a type of wood that is made from small pieces of wood that are glued together. It is often used in the construction of cabinets and shelving.

Peninsula

A peninsula is a kitchen island connected to the rest of the countertops, usually in a U-shape.

Plywood

Plywood is a type of wood that is made from thin layers of wood that are glued together. It is often used in the construction of cabinets and shelving.

Reveal

The reveal is the distance between the outside edge of the face frame and the outside edge of the door on a framed cabinet.

Roll-Out Trays/Shelves

Roll-out trays or shelves are shelves that you can pull out from the cabinet. They are often used to store spices, pots, and pans.

Seeded Glass

Seeded glass is a type of glass that is peppered with tiny bubbles. It is often used in the construction of cabinets and shelving.

Shaker Style

Shaker style is a type of cabinetry characterized by its simplicity and functionality. Shaker cabinets are often made from wood, with raised panels and recessed handles.

Soft-Close Drawers/Doors

Soft-close drawers or doors are cabinets that close slowly and quietly. They are often used in the construction of kitchen cabinets.

Soft-Close Hinges

Soft-close hinges are a type of hinge that is designed to close slowly and quietly. They are often used in the construction of kitchen cabinets.

Stain

Wood stains can be solid, semi-transparent, and fully transparent. These stains provide benefits like waterproofing while also adding some color.

Stile

The stile is the vertical framing members of a cabinet face or door.

Thermofoil

A thin, plastic film that is heat-sealed to a substrate. Thermofoil is often used as an alternative to solid wood or veneer in the construction of kitchen cabinets.

Toe Kick

The toe kick is the lower portion of a cabinet that protrudes from the base. It provides clearance for the toes when opening doors or drawers.

Valance

A valance is a decorative element often used to conceal the hardware of a cabinet. Valances can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or fabric.

Wall Cabinet

Wall cabinets attach to the wall above counters and other kitchen surfaces. They are placed at or near the ceiling and require standing or reaching.

Wood Species

This phrase refers to the species of wood used to construct the cabinet components. Possible species include pine, birch, cherry, maple, and oak, among others. Each of these has differing appearances, weights, woodgrains, and textures.

Or You Could Just Choose Installation Services of Brevard

That was a lot, wasn’t it? If you’re like most people, you probably have better things to do than to memorize all of these terms. Instead, leave that to the professionals, like the experts at Installation Services of Brevard! We build and install cabinets to your specifications, so you don’t have to worry about technical jargon. Call us today!