Welcome to the exciting world of cabinetry! Whether you’re starting from the ground up, renovating your kitchen or just curious about cabinets, understanding the different elements of cabinets can be fun and empowering. Let’s break down the basics in a way that’s easy to digest and enjoyable to explore.
Think of these as the foundation of your kitchen. They sit on the floor and support your countertops. They are typically 35” high, have a variety of widths, with depths of 24” (vanities are 24”).
The main body of the cabinet can be Euro or frame. It’s like the skeleton holding everything together.
Concealed Hinge: Hidden inside the cabinet door, for a sleek and interrupted look.
Exposed Hinge: Visible hinges that add a touch of character to your cabinet doors.
Soft Close Hinges: At Peppermint Cabinets, this is all we offer.
The actual box that slides in and out, minus the face. There are many types of drawer boxes. Peppermint accommodates all as long as they are “under mount soft close glides.”
The front part of the drawer that you see and pull. It’s where the handle is usually attached.
Dovetail
Melamine
Plyboard
Textured laminate
Metal
Custom inserts
A wooden frame is attached to the front of the cabinet box, giving it extra strength and style.
Cabinets with a face frame. The doors fit within this frame or overlap it.
No frame here! These cabinets show the sides, top, and bottom edges of the box, offering more storage space.
Doors that fit snugly inside the face frame, creating a seamless look.
Doors that completely cover the face frame, showing only the door front.
Doors that partially cover the face frame, leaving some of it visible.
The horizontal (rail) and vertical (stile) pieces that make up the face frame or door frame.
The recessed area at the bottom of a cabinet that provides space for your feet when you’re standing close.
Cabinets that are mounted on the wall, perfect for storing dishes and other items at eye level.
Durable and strong, hardwood cabinets are made using trees like oak, maple, and cherry. Perfect for a long-lasting legacy look.
High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) are natural fiber composites or engineered wood products made from wood or non-wood plant fibers like sawdust or woodchips and binders. This is a stable product that does not expand or contract. Peppermint Cabinets’ painted products use HDF or MDF.
A plastic coating on a base material like MDF, offering scratch and stain resistance in a variety of colors.
Usually, stainless steel, steel, or aluminum, metal doors are known for their strength and modern look.
Particle board is made from compressed wood granules and binders and is what Peppermint Cabinets uses to make its boxes. It is waterproofed with melamine and banded to help keep the cost down for clients (instead of using plywood which is only necessary in high-humidity environments and not usually necessary in Utah unless the job specifically requires it.)
Made from layers of wood glued together, plywood is strong and easy to work with.
A thin layer of synthetic product that covers the core product that is used to give unique patterns or emulate real wood. Textured laminate has greater scratch, stain and water resistance than real wood.
Thin sheets of real wood glued to a base such as MDF, giving the look of solid wood without the higher price.
A vinyl layer is vacuum-pressed onto MDF, creating an easy-to-clean surface with lots of color options.
A slot cut into one piece of wood to accept another piece, glued and nailed for strength.
Interlocking pins and tails that form a strong joint, often used in drawer construction.
A notch cut into the edge of a board to fit another board, creating a 90-degree angle.
A classic joint with a mortise hole and a tenon tongue. It’s not common in kitchen cabinets but can be found in islands and vanities.
Adds a touch of elegance on top of cabinets as they transition to the ceiling.
Used to fill gaps between cabinets and walls or between cabinets.
Located at the bottom of the cabinets, typically connecting with the floor.
Lights are hidden beneath the bottom of the cabinet for under-cabinet lighting. This is standard in all Peppermint Cabinet projects!
Finishes off the sides of cabinets against the wall for a polished look.
Makes the crown mold stand out more for a dramatic or grand look.
Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to talk about cabinets like a pro! Whether you’re discussing designs with a contractor or simply planning your dream kitchen, understanding these terms will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
