Cabinet Dictionary

Framed Cabinets — the most popular type of cabinets in the US, a traditional framed cabinet has a front frame around the cabinet opening where the door is attached.

Frameless Cabinets — these cabinets have no front frame, so the doors are attached directly to the sides of the cabinet. Frameless cabinets, also called European-style cabinets, are more contemporary in style and offer the advantage of completely unobstructed access to the cabinet.

Melamine Laminate — a material used on drawer and door surfaces to cover substrate of either particleboard or medium density fiberboard. This material also is used for fabricating countertops since it’s thicker than vinyl and provides a hard, durable surface.

Vinyl Laminate — A material used on the interior of cabinetry and end panel surfaces that is thinner than melamine and easy to clean

Mullion Doors — doors with glass inserts in place of the typical solid center panel for a stylish appearance. Inserts usually have horizontal and vertical dividing bars similar to those in windowpanes.

Soffit — a soffit, or bulkhead, is the area between the ceiling and the top of wall cabinets, usually 12 inches high.

Solid Wood — a cabinet door comprised of boards that are joined together to form the width of the center panel. A solid wood door is more expensive than a veneered door.

Veneer — a thin piece of solid wood that is attached with a substrate (particleboard or hardboard). Veneered components are uniform in finish and in consistency.