Cabinetry Key Terms

Know the vocabulary to make the best cabinetry choices

By Shannon Tani

Whether you sell cabinets or are looking to purchase cabinets for yourself, it's important to understand the key terms related to the industry. By visiting a showroom, you can see many different types of cabinets, which will give you the opportunity to decide what type of finish you want on your cabinets. You may also be able to see different styles of cabinets, such as country kitchen cabinets. The choices you make can have a big effect on the price, so pay close attention to your selections.

Custom cabinetry

Custom cabinetry is designed exactly to your specifications. It is ideal for odd-shaped rooms or those that have a specific image in mind, but it is more expensive than purchasing pre-made cabinets.
Try: View the gallery of custom cabinetry at Quality Custom Cabinetry.

Cabinet finishes

All cabinets have a finish, or final coat, that protects the surface. These finishes can produce different effects, such as a shiny or matte finish.
Try: Kitchen-Cabinets-and-Hardware.com explains some of the different types of finishes.

Country kitchen cabinets

Country kitchen cabinets are a popular style for cabinets. Even within this broad category, there are several smaller categories, such as French country kitchen cabinets or English country kitchen cabinets. The style is meant to create a homey feeling.
Try: Learn more about country kitchen cabinets at CALFinder.

Arch doors and slab doors

Arch doors and slab doors refer to styles of cabinet doors. An arch door has an arch shape carved into the middle, while a slab door is a uniform piece of wood.
Try: View examples of arch doors and slab doors at KraftMaid.

Showroom

Customers can view different styles of cabinets in a showroom, which is a large space with many different examples set up. As the customer walks from area to area, it should feel as though they are in a real kitchen or bathroom. Showrooms help customers decide which style would work best for their area.
Try: Bob Vila takes a tour through a showroom.

Manufacturer direct cabinets

While custom cabinets are often expensive, a business owner can save money by purchasing their manufacturer direct cabinets. These are cabinets that the manufacturer makes standard, without any custom specifications. Still, there are often many options to choose from and you are likely to find something that fits in your area.
Try: View examples of manufacturer direct cabinets from Cabinet World.