Overview of Cabinet Styles and Terminology Video

Video Overview: Cabinet Styles and Terminology

1. Cabinet Terminology

• • When shopping for new cabinets, you may here a lot of terminology relating to the construction style, finish, door style and species.
  • Construction style refers to the type of cabinet box. The cabinet box is the box attached to the wall, that holds shelves or drawers. Homeowners will need to know if it is made of particle board or plywood, how is it designed, does it include a state of the art glider system?
  • Homeowners will also want to look at the doors. Cabinet doors may show face frame (the cabinet box shows around the doors) or European style (all you see is the door.)
  • Homeowners should also always ask about the finish, or the quality of stain and top coat, since that is what will wear over time.

1. Door Styles and Species

• • Cabinet doors are available in many different designs and styles. Popular styles include a raised panel (where the center of the door is raised), doors with decorative molding details or doors with a 45 degree miter cut (a door with square cut, raised edges).
  • Cabinet doors are also available in multiples wood species and stains. The most popular wood species are alder, cherry and maple. Wood stains can be dark, light or even clear to seal in the natural color of the wood.
  • There is also a non-wood cabinet option called Rigid Thermofoil, or RTF. RTF is similar to a laminate, it can look like wood or be in a solid color to imitate painted cabinets. This is a great alternative to painting since paint chips can peel. It is also very durable and easy to take care of.