Learn the Terms

We strive to educate our staff, clients and trade pros because knowledge is power!

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2020 Design Live - kitchen & bathroom design software used for space planning and as a visualization solution with integrated manufacturer catalogs and 3D rendering capabilities that help designers

A

Accessible Design - cabinets specifically designed for people with special needs to aid in independent living; base cabinets are 32 ½” high and have am 8 ½” x 6” toe kick allowing for wheelchair access

Accessories - a supplementary part used mainly for convenience or attractiveness

Acclimate - allowing wood cabinetry to become accustomed to its surrounding environment before installation reducing excessive expansion and shrinkage

ADA Compliance - guidelines by the American with Disabilities ACT for specifically engineered cabinets; regulation that aims to improve accessibility for access-challenged individuals

Adjustable Hinge - six way adjustability allows the hinge to move up and down, left to right, or in and out

Adjustable Shelves - movable shelves that can be placed in a wide range of layouts using shelf pins inserted into pre-drilled holes

Alder - wood species that has a fine textured grain similar to Cherry and Maple; classified as a hardwood, it is light in weight and softer than other species so can be marred and dented more easily; may exhibit grain and color variations and sometimes tight pin knots

Arch - a curved shape often used on cabinet doors

Air Dried - wood that has been subjected to air drying

Angled Corner - see ‘Base End Cabinet’ and ‘Base Transition Cabinet’

Angled Corner Sink (ACS) - base cabinet specifically designed to fit in a corner and hold a sink

APC (All Plywood Construction) - a cabinet box made entirely of plywood, where applicable

Appliance - referring to any electrical equipment for use in the home; i.e. refrigerator, range, stove top, oven, etc.

Appliance Garage - a storage compartment, usually placed on the countertop between a base cabinet and wall cabinet, which are designed to conceal small appliances, such as a toaster or food processor

Appliance Panel - Panels for appliance fronts made in the matching door style and finish

Applique - a carved decorative ornament which can be applied to another surface, such as a wood hood, a fake drawer front, a filler, or any other flat, empty space; appliques are a nice decorative element to add to more traditional kitchen designs

Apron Front Sink - a drop-in sink that has an exposed front-facing side; traditionally made of fireclay but can also be stainless steel or granite

Authentic Ends (AUTH) - pieces of wood matching the door style and finish meant to conceal ends of a cabinet while adding a decorative element

B

Back - natural plywood held securely in a partially-captive groove in the end panel, then furniture stapled and hot melt glued to provide an outstanding, durable joint; wall cabinets include plywood hanger rails, and base cabinets feature a pine hanger rail at the top and bottom. The hanger rails and back are secured to the tops and bottoms with hot melt glue and furniture staples.

Backsplash - any material used to cover the wall space between a kitchen countertop and wall cabinets

Bamboo -wood species that is incredibly strong and lightweight

Banding - decorative inlay, as for bordering cabinet door, composed of strips of wood or metal contrasting in grain or color with the principal wood of the surface

Baseboard - baseboard is a wood or synthetic trim that covers areas between the floor and the bottom of the wall; can be used inverted to stack crown moulding

Base Cabinet (B) - refers to the cabinet box which sits on the floor underneath a countertop; typically measure 34-½: high and 24” deep

Base Diagonal Corner Cabinet - base cabinets specifically designed to utilize corner space under a countertop that be otherwise wasted

Base End Cabinet (BEC) - an angled cabinet designed to fit on an end of a cabinet run creating a fixed angle

Base End Panel (BEP) - finished surface piece used at the exposed end of a base or top cabinet run to give a finished or more appealing look

Base Super/Pantry Cabinet (BSC) - base cabinet featuring additional roll out trays and metal storage racks on the back of the doors

Base Transition Cabinet (BTC) - a diagonal front cabinet with one door designed to be the transitional point between two cabinet runs

Beadboard - a type of paneling consisting of a row of narrow, vertical wood planks

Bill of Materials - see ‘List Of Materials’

Birch - wood species with a white to light reddish brown color. The wood is generally straight-grained with a fine, uniform texture with a plain, often curly or wavy pattern

Blind Corner Base Cabinet (BC) - cabinet that allows for the use of corner storage space that would otherwise be wasted when turning an inside corner; rather than being angularly shaped to fit perfectly in the corner, it is placed against one wall and perpendicular to the base cabinet of the adjacent wall

Bridge Cabinet - any wall cabinet that is less than 30” high; commonly used to cover an open space above an appliance, such as  microwaves and refrigerators

Brushed Finish/Glaze - a finishing technique that uses a brush to place a toned color on top of the base color to create a unique design with multiple layers

Bottom - the floor of the cabinet made from natural plywood and are dadoed into the end panels and into a groove on the back side of the face frame; secured with furniture staples

Box Case - see ‘Cabinet Case Only’

Box Only - see ‘Cabinet Box Only’

Brand - see ‘Manufacturer’

Burnishing - the process which darkens the profile edges of the wood to create an antiqued effect

Bunn Foot (FOOTRDBUNN) - a cabinetry foot having the form of a slightly flattened ball

Butt Doors - door on a double door cabinet that when closed, nearly touch each other; typically a ⅛” gap is allowed between the butt doors

C

Cabinet/Cabinetry - a cupboard with shelves or drawers used for storage

Cabinet Box Only (CBO) - a modification where doors and drawer fronts are removed; all interior components remain the same; no hinge drilling on face frame

Cabinet Case Only (CCO) - a modification where doors and drawer fronts and all interior components and hardware are removed; no hinge drilling on face frame

CabMat™ (CABMAT) - heavy-duty rubber base mat that protects the cabinet floor from drips and spills

CAD (Computer Aided Design) - design software program used by designers to draft documentation and visualize concepts through photorealistic renderings such as floor plans, elevations, and perspective (3D) views

CARB Compliant  - meet the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for gasses emissions in the air

Carcass - the shell of the cabinet, minus the doors and drawers that makes up the basic structure of a base or wall cabinet

Carpentry - the trade or art of making things from wood

Cathedral - a curved shape similar to church windows; often used on wall cabinet door panels, base cabinets are usually square

Ceiling Height - measurement from the floor to the ceiling

Center Panel - the raised or flat panel in the middle of cabinetry doors enclosed by stiles and rails

Center Stile - vertical strips of wood that divide a cabinet for support and durability

Change Order - the industry term for an amendment to a contract/order that changes the scope of work or project layout; may require an additional purchase not included in the original quote

Chase -  a vertical space in a wall, which provides an area for pipes or wires to run through

Cherry - wood species that is characterized by red undertones and may vary in color from white to a deep rich brown...even varying within a single door; closed grain wood with uniform texture, revealing pin knots and curly graining; the finish on cherry wood is especially expected to age and darken with time

Claim - request for a replacement or refund of a damaged item against shipper or warranty from the manufacturer

Closed Grain - a wood species with clustered growth rings creating smaller pores and a smooth surface such as maple, alder or walnut

Color Blocks - small wood samples displaying the wood species and color options for a specific cabinet line

Combo Cabinet - a cabinet made up of a sink base and drawers

Concealed Hinge - a hinge connected to the back of the cabinet door and the inside edge of the face frame that cannot be seen from the outside of the cabinet; may be self-closing

Contemporary Style - a style which emphasizes the clean simplicity of modern design while embracing the warmth and personality of traditional design

Corbel (CORBEL) - decorative accessory used in interior design to give more elegant, crafted look to different elements in the room; for aesthetic purposes

Corian - brand name of solid-surface countertop; made of acrylic polymers and stone-derived materials formed by molds

Corner Blocks - plywood blocks are glued into the grooves on base cabinet face frames and glued and stapled into the grooves; helping to keep the cabinet square and sturdy and provide a method to attach countertops

Corner Drawer Cabinet - cabinet with angled drawers to provide a unique way to maximize storage capacity in corner areas

Cracks - hairline joints visible on the corners of painted cabinets; seen as a natural characteristic of a painted wood door

Crown Molding - trim placed at the very top of a wall cabinet where the wall and ceiling meet to draw the eye upward and give a more complete look

Country Sink Base (CNTYSB) - sink base cabinet that holds an apron front/farmhouse sink

Custom - cabinets made to a designer’s or customer’s specifications with no limitations on sizing, materials, and options; made-to-order

D

Dado - a groove cut into a piece of material so another panel may slide into it; the inside surface of cabinet drawers maybe ‘dadoed’ with a groove to accept the drawer bottom panel which helps make for a stronger joint between the drawer side and bottom panels 

Decorative End Panel (DEP) - a panel that matches the cabinet door placed on the sides of an end cabinet to enhance the design aesthetic

Decreased Depth - modification that reduces the depth of a cabinet

Dentil Moulding (MDENTIL) - decorative tooth-like pattern on any moulding

Deposit - money on account for products or services purchased

Design - The art of carefully selecting products to fit a space, lifestyle, and aesthetic. 

Diagonal Wall Cabinet (DW) - a cabinet designed to occupy a corner space while providing a diagonal transition for the cabinetry run

Dishwasher Panel (DIP) - a finished panel that matches the cabinetry and fits over the front of a panel ready dishwasher; typically used to accept a decorative door or applied panel

Distressing Technique - a finish with unique and appealing imperfections, such as dents, wormholes, chisel marks and other natural wear signs to produce an aged look

Door - front panel of cabinet that opens to allow access inside; choice of wood species, style, and finish; include bumper pads

Door Only (DOORONLY) - an upgraded option where you can order a special size door with or without hingeing; typically used to order a replacement or for a custom-sized decorative panel

Door Style - the look of a cabinet door including a variety of features and options such as overlay vs inset, raised vs recessed, grooved vs flat, and profile edge

Dovetail - a method of wood joinery used to connect two pieces that join each other, typically at right angles; the edge of each piece is cut with a number of V-shaped notches that interlock with the adjoining piece forming a very strong joint

Drawer Base Cabinet (DB) - a base cabinet that has drawers instead of doors

Drawer Box (DRWBOXONLYPG) - the wooden box that makes up the body of a drawer consisting of dovetail interlocking joinery that provides the stability and strength; drawer front and slides not included

Drawer Face - see ‘Drawer Front’

Drawer Front - the panel attached to the front of a drawer box; the visible part of the drawer where the handle is attached; depending upon the style selected, drawer fronts may be 3/4′′ thick solid double raised panels, solid flat panels or one-piece seamless MDF; when Maple opaque or painted finishes are specified, the center panels of the selected style may be constructed of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) for a smoother finish when painted and more resistant to warping, expansion, and contraction

Drawer Front ONLY (DRWFRTONLY) - an upgraded option where you can order a special size drawer front

Drawer Glide - the system used to support the drawer in a cabinet and provide opening/closing operation

Dry Brushing - see ‘Brushed Finish’

Dye Lot - the slight color difference from production-to-production for the same color finish

E

Easy Reach (ER) - corner unit with hinged door for easy retrieval of items

Edge Banding (BAND) - a piece of material applied to the edge of a board or door to seal and cover the surface

Edge Profile - shape put on the outside edge of your doors and drawer fronts; can be plain or decorative; also used to finish edge of stone vanity/countertops

Electrical - anything related to or concerning electricity

Elevations - a digital drawing that shows the front or side of the cabinetry showing the cabinetry details including the size, location, and dimensions of each component

End Panel - the outside vertical cabinet side that supports the horizontal parts; often referred to as cabinet side panels, sides, or end

Engineered Wood - wood product that is manufactured to enhance the overall qualities of the wood material itself; to salvage byproducts of wood processing into useful material; Plywood and MDF are two examples of engineered wood products

Exposed Hinge - a hinge type that is visible on the outside edge of the cabinet door when the door is closed

Express Response™ - program designed to expedite orders when customers need product faster than normal lead times to correct problems with an existing order; can not be used with an initial order

Extra Hewn - an aggressively burnished sanding technique applied to corners and raised profiles, exposing the underlying material

Extra Timeworn - aggressive techniques like rasping and splits to emulate the wear found on a well-loved piece of furniture

F

Face Frame - the wood frame that is attached to the fronts edges of the tops, bottom, and sides of the cabinet box; helps provide rigidity to the box; cabinet designs that incorporate this feature are called ‘framed’ or ‘face-frame’ cabinet; constructed of 3/4′′ solid wood using the glue and screw joinery technique providing a more consistent joint and has been proven stronger in extensive testing. The ‘‘reveal’’ on the exterior back side of the face frame stile allows the creation of a flush end when applying finished panels for a custom look

False Panel (FP) - a decorative panel that matches the cabinetry but is stationary and does not open

Farmhouse Sink - see ‘Country Sink Base’

File Drawer - office furniture cabinetry drawer consisting of hardware for keeping papers in order

Filler (F) - a piece of wood used to conceal the opening or gap between cabinets; commonly ¾” thick and 3-6” wide at varying heights; typically trimmed to fit on site

Financing - the process of acquiring funds for a purchase through a financial institution

Finish - the surface coating applied to a wood cabinet surface; typically made up of several layers of different materials such as stain, sealer, and clearcoat; the key element in maintaining and protecting the beauty and durability of of the wood surface

Finished Ends (FE) - the exposed end of the cabinet is finished to match the rest of the cabinetry

Five Piece Drawer Front - consists of a four piece frame around a center panel; similar to a picture frame

Fixed Shelves - shelves built into a cabinet that can not be removed; provide added stability to the cabinet

Flakeboard - see ‘Particle Board’

Flat Panel - recessed center panel to a door or drawer design

Floating Shelf (FSHLF) - a shelf or shelves anchored into the wall to give a “floating” appearance

Flooded Glaze -  glaze material is sprayed onto the entire cabinet and is then wiped off except in the highlight/ edging areas

Floor Plan - see ‘Layout’

Flush Toe Kick (FTK) - Modifying a cabinet so the cabinetry goes to the floor; creates a sleek/furniture look; used as a basis for decorative base molding to attach to

Fluted (FLUTE) - grooves or routings adorned in wood to add detail or accent finishes; commonly seen as fluted fillers or molding

Formica - leading provider of laminate countertop

Framed Cabinet - commonly referred to a traditional cabinets; cabinets that include a structural wood frame attached to the front edges of the cabinet box; can be seen around the door of the cabinet

Frameless Cabinet - commonly referred to as European styling; cabinets that do not include a face frame; allows greater access to the insides of cabinets; used in modern designs

Free On Board (FOB) Shipping - a designation indicating as soon as the product leaves the manufacturer’s factory, the buyer owns the products and the buyer must file any claims for reimbursement if lost or damaged

Full Extension Guides - special tracks mounted to a cabinet drawer to allow it to open completely

Full Overlay - door styles that allow 3/16” of face frame exposed around the sides, tops, and bottoms of the doors; only doors that can be used with frameless cabinetry

Furniture Board - see ‘Particle Board’

Furniture Drawer (FD) - cabinet containing a single 24” deep drawer; typically used for a desk area or a under window seat

G

G-Shaped Kitchen - kitchen layout utilizing three walls with an additional countertop jutting out from one side forming the ‘G’ shape

Galley Kitchen - kitchen layout that consists of two parallel counters

Glass Door - modification of cabinet door that replaces the center wood panel with a glass panel

Glass Rack - mounted under any cabinet, usually a wine rack; holds any type of stemware

Glaze/Glazing - a staining process used to highlight cabinetry edges or enhance the color and/or texture of the cabinet surface; can be applied to stain or paint finishes; see also ‘Flooded Glaze’ and and ‘Penned Glaze’

Gloss Finish - refers to the cabinet sheen or how much light reflects from the cabinet’s surface

Grain - refers to the lines, spirals, or other markings in a piece of wood

Granite - popular stone in constructing countertops; extremely durable

Grout - construction material used to fill cracks in openings in surface; as in grout between tiles

H

Handle - hardware attached to cabinet door or drawer front used for opening

Hardware - commonly refers to cabinet pulls and knobs; alternatively includes hinges, glides, screws, etc.

Hardwood - the hard compact timber of various trees like oak, cherry, maple, or walnut; usually darker and denser than softwoods

Heirlooming Technique - over-sanding on edges and profiles for a naturally worn-to-the-material appearance; glazing enhances areas of material exposed by over-sanding to take on the darker characteristics of the applied glaze for a finish/color that is warm and perfectly aged

Hewn - a light sanding technique that creates a subtle, aged appearance

Hickory - wood species that is a strong, heavy hardwood known for distinctive graining patterns; known for a wide variation in color and streaking from white to dark brown which can take place in a single door; contains random knots and wormholes

Highlighting - a finishing technique where a material is hand applied in areas to highlight distinct profiles which adds depth and interest to the finish

Hinge (HINGE) - joined device attached to a cabinet door which allows it to swing open and shut; all cabinets use standard concealed hinges, they will vary per door style

Hinge Restriction Clip (WTHSCLIP) - restriction clip inserted into the cabinet hinge that allows you to restrict the angle the cabinet doors open

Home Delivery - delivery service provided to the consumer’s garage, first floor with paved street access, or accessible new construction area

Hood - a stylish element above the range/cooktop; can be designed to complement or match the layout and features of the cabinetry or alternatively stand out as the focal point of the room

I

I-beam Braces - a strong brace made from plywood running front to back on both sides of a cabinet; the braces are dadoed and glued into the front, back, and side of the cabinet providing strength and ensuring cabinet squareness during shipping; may be removed for installation of sinks or accessories

Increased Depth (ID) - modification that increases the depth of a cabinet

In-Home Measure - having a designer come to a client’s residence for a consultation that includes measuring your space; lasts approximately 60 mins and requires a fee

Inset - framed cabinet with door and drawer fronts recessed to fit flush with the cabinet frame when closed; high end look

Inside Corner Molding (MIC) - tend to appear triangular in shape and are designed to be set in a corner where two cabinets or the wall and cabinetry meet

Island (IS) - freestanding cabinet or set of cabinets usually placed in the center of the kitchen; adds extra countertop and storage space

J

Joint - method of affixing two objects together, such as piece of wood

K

Kiln-Dried - lumber dried by being placed in a smoke-house or kiln

Kitchen Cabinet Manufactuer’s Association (KCMA) - establishes and promotes standards for the kitchen cabinet industry; the KCMA Quality Certification Seal indicates cabinets have been extensively tested with over a dozen different processes according to rigorous standards developed, and periodically revised, by a committee operating under rules set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and developed by the KCMA

Kitchen Designer - designer who works with clients to discuss aspects of creating or updating the kitchen including room layout and space planning; they produce sketches and drawings on 2020 CAD software to serve as a basic plan for the layout of the kitchen

Knob - surface hardware attached with one screw; typically smaller than a pull and used on a proportionally smaller door or drawer

Knock Down - see ‘RTA’

Knot - visible imperfections in wood grain that are circular and darker than the surrounding area

L

L-Shaped Kitchen - kitchen layout utilizing two walls, forming the shape of an ‘L’

Laminate - a construct from layers of material bonded together

Laminate Countertops - countertop made using several layers of kraft paper and resin which is covered by a protective melamine surface; compressed and cured with heat to make a durable surface

Layout - a drawing showing the project space from above; usually includes measurements

Lazy Susan - carousel incorporated into a larger cabinet; tray rotates 360 degrees to provide easy and convenient access to storage space; typically placed in a corner

Lead Time - the period of time between the initial phase of a process and the completed manufacture of a product; the time from when the order is placed until it is ready for delivery

Level - a term used to describe a true horizontal line

Light Rail Molding - decorative molding placed underneath wall cabinets used to conceal light fixtures and provide a finished look

Limited Lifetime Warranty - a warranty against manufacturer defects, not normal wear and tear for  the lifetime of the cabinet; see also ‘Warranty’

Linen Closet Cabinet (LC) - tall cabinet with two doors, five adjustable shelves and a metal door rack

List of Materials - list of all cabinetry, trim, and accessories included in a customer’s order

M

Manufacturer - the company that owns the cabinet factory

Manufacturer Lot - identification number assigned to a particular quantity or group of products from a single manufacturer

Maple - wood species that is a closed-grain hardwood predominantly white to creamy white in color with occasional reddish brown tones; typically features uniform graining and may include fine brown lines, bird’s eye dots and mineral streaks

Matching Interior Plywood (MIP) - modification upgrade where the interior finish of the cabinetry matches the exterior finish; as in bookcase shelving

Matte Sheen - a low level brightness, non-pigmented top coat; little to no gloss or light reflection

Medicine Cabinet - see ‘Vanity Wall Mirror Cabinet’

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) - an engineered wood product made by breaking down wood residuals into wood fibers and combining it with wax and a resin binder, then adding high heat and pressure; generally denser than plywood and stronger/denser than particle board

Melamine - durable plastic, similar to laminate that can be applied to the exterior or interior of cabinets ;easy to clean and resists stains, chipping, and fading

Microwave Cabinet - cabinet specifically made to hold a microwave oven

Mineral Streak - portion of wood that is differently colored due to a deposit of minerals that occurs when the tree absorbs minerals from the soil

Mirror - a surface set into a frame for viewing oneself

Miter - woodworking joint where two beveled pieces adjoin to make a 90 degree angled cut

Modern Style - a style that emphasizes horizontal lines and natural elements

Modification - to partially alter the standard elements of a cabinet

Molding - long strip of wood trim used to cover transitional areas, such as between walls and ceilings; decorative trim around the edges of cabinets

Mortise & Tenon - joinery method used to connect two pieces of wood; tenon is a peg which is inserted into a similarly-shaped slot, known as a mortise

Mullion - the vertical and horizontal strip between cabinet doors

Multiplier - the number that is multiplied by the cabinetry list price to get the actual cost owed by the customer

N

Nomenclature - a set of letters that specify a specific cabinet

O

Oak - wood species with a strong, open-grained hardwood that ranges in color from white to pink to reddish tones; streaks of mineral deposits may appear; may contain wormholes and varying grain patterns wood species with prominent, open grain that ranges in color from white to reddish brown

Ogee - architectural shape consisting of a concave arch leading into a convex one

Old World Style - a lavish style that emphasizes rustic and antique elements; raised panels, distressing, amd warm colors

Onlay - carved piece of wood usually applied to cabinet surfaces for decorative purposes

Opaque - a full color hiding finish known as paint; the wood color and grain is hidden and the surface is smooth

Open Grain - used to describe wood with a large grain, like oak or hickory

Open Shelf(ves) - see ‘Floating Shelves’

Outside Corner Molding (MOC) - molding used to conceal unfinished corners of a cabinet box

Oven Cabinet - cabinet with the dimensions necessary to fit a wall oven

Oven/Microwave Cabinet - cabinet configured to accommodate a single or double oven; could also hold an oven/microwave combination; or solely a microwave

Overlay Doors/Drawers - spacing between the doors and drawer-fronts of a cabinet; door and drawers fronts that overlap the face frame when closed; either partially or fully

P

Paint - solid color covering a door or cabinet

Paneling (P) - decorative wood used to cover unfinished ends of a cabinet

Pantry Cabinet - cabinet specially designed for storage, particularly food storage; variety of widths and heights

Pantry Supercabinet - pantry cabinet featuring additional roll out trays and metal storage racks on the back of the doors

Partial Overlay - door styles with a consistent two-inch strip of the frame visible across the entire face of the cabinets

Particle Board - manufactured wood product consisting of wood particles that have been combined and fused together with resin under mechanical pressure to form a board

Pegged Dish Organizer Cabinet (PDO) - a deep drawer with adjustable pegs to hold and organize dishware

Peninsula - similar in design to island except open only on three sides

Peninsula Base Cabinet (PBC) - cabinetry located under a peninsula that opens from both sides

Penned Glaze - glaze material is hand-applied to only to the highlighted/edging areas

Perspective - a picture showing a three dimensional view of a space

Pin Holes - a distressing technique on wood that mimics the look of authentic wormholes

Plate Rack - accessory used to store and showcase plates

Plumb - a term used to describe a true vertical line

Plumbing - any system that conveys fluids for a wide range of applications using pipes, valves, and other apparatus; heating and cooling (HVAC), waste removal, and potable water delivery are among the most common

Plywood - construction material made of several thin layers of wood with the grain direction running at different angles with respect to each other which are then glued and pressed together; gives greater strength and stability over solid wood

Plywood Construction (APW) - cabinet box constructed almost entirely of plywood

Pilaster (PIL) - rectangular or column-shaped object used to support shelves or cabinets

Pull - surface hardware attached with two screws, like a handle

PureStyle - door style using an environmentally safe laminate wrap over engineered wood medium density fiberboard (MDF) showcasing the durability of laminate and the beauty of paint

Q

Quarter Round Molding (MQR) - molding used between cabinets and flooring to cover gaps

Quarter Sawn Oak - wood species with a tight grain and fairly straight pattern that ranges in varying shades of white to medium brown; more structurally sound hardwood than flat-sawn oak as it resists cupping, twisting, warping, moisture penetration, and raised grain; one of the most sought after features of quarter-sawn white and red oak is the flecks and the rays that appear on the face of the boards as a result of cutting along the growth rings

Quartz - engineered stone; made from ground-up particles of stone bound together with plastic resins

Quiet Close - a hinge or add-on device that will softly close doors and drawers, controlling slamming

Quote - a fixed price for a product or service given to a client in writing; only valid for a certain period of time (usually 30 days)

R

Rack - the action of straining or wrenching through improper installation

Rail -  a horizontal framing member of a cabinet face frame or door

Raised Panel - center position of a cabinet door that is raised slightly higher than the surrounding frame

Range - alternate term used to describe a stove 

Ready to Assemble (RTA) - unassembled cabinets that come with materials necessary for the consumer to put it together by themselves; comes in a range of quality levels and can be an economical option

Recessed Panel - center portion of a cabinet door that is set slightly lower than the surrounding frame

Recessed Toe Kick (RECTK) - the receding space between the base cabinet and the floor; also referred to as the toe space

Reduced Depth (RD) - modification that reduces the depth of a cabinet

Refrigerator Panel (RBEP) - a finished panel that matches the cabinetry and fits over the front of a panel ready refrigerator

Reserve Aging - a lightly distressed technique, featuring random wormholes, tiny dents and light signs of wear

Reserve Plus Aging - a more aggressive, random appearance of rasped corners and edges, wormholes, mars, splits, gouges, small dings and dents for a true authentic look

Retainer - a percentage of the total cost paid before placing an order to reserve additional time with a designer or to acquire design documents

Reveal - the part of the cabinet frame that is visible around the cabinet door

Rift Oak - wood species with a very tight, linear grain, a result achieved by the particular cut of boards from the log; contemporary style and clean look

Roll-out Tray - shelf that slides in and out of a cabinet for easy access 

Rope Moulding (MROPE) - decorative twisted rope pattern on any moulding

Rout - the high speed process of cutting, trimming and shaping wood

Rub Thru -  the sanding of edges and corners of doors, drawers, and cabinet parts after being painted or stained but before the final clear coat is applied

Rush Order - see ‘Express Response’

Rustic Alder - a softer hardwood wood species with a fine, straight grain and even texture in light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge; natural quirks include open and closed knots, burls, wormholes, mineral streaks and small cracks

Rustic Hickory - a very heavy, hard and dense wood known for its light yellow to medium brown color tones and characteristics of bold, prominent grain pattern and burls, water stains, and knots

Rustic Style - design style using the warmth of natural wood elements including imperfections; features recessed doors, weathered materials and warm colors

S

Scribe Moulding (MS) - thin strip of wood used to cover up any inconsistencies in areas between cabinets and ceilings or walls; offers a complete look

Self-Closing - mechanism or magnets that guide a door/drawer closed; not soft closing

Semi-Custom - cabinets manufactured within a range of specific sizes and styles but with a greater number of options and customization available as compared to stock cabinets

Semi-Translucent - a high hiding paint-like finish that is light enough to allow the natural wood grain and characteristics to be seen

Shaker - simple door style with recessed panel

Sheen - a predetermined brightness gloss level, complementing the natural beauty of the wood

Shelf - natural plywood with edge banding covered in a natural laminate; typically adjustable within cabinetry

Shelf Pins - pieces of hardware that a shelf sits on, usually metal or plastic

Side Mount Drawer Glides - drawer glides affixed to the side of a drawer box allowing the drawer to open and close easily

Sink Base Cabinet (SB) - base cabinet specifically designed to hold a sink; typically has no drawers

Skin - ¼” thick panels used to cover unfinished backs and sides of cabinets

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) - an alphanumeric combination of characters used in a computer inventory system indicating the quantity of cabinetry options available

Slab Front - a flat door or drawer panel with no design, moulding, recessed, or raised areas

Soffit - area between the ceiling and wall which juts out of the wall extending over the wall cabinets; often conceal pipes and vents

Soft-Close - cabinetry containing a piston that responds to various levels of pressure and weight, absorbing the impact and closing doors/drawers slowly and safely

SPA (Sales & Purchase Agreement) - code indicating the promotional pricing given by a vendor

Speckling - a finish technique using a large number of spots or patches of color; as in stain or paint

Spice Rack - accessory used in organization of spices

Stacked Wall Cabinet (STW) - upper cabinets that have an additional cabinet above them running the additional top row of cabinets up to the ceiling providing additional storage 

Stacked Moulding (STKMLD) - combination of mouldings to allow a higher or more detailed look

Stain - a finish applied to natural wood cabinets to enhance wood grain or color and add protection

Standard Sheen - the level of glossiness or reflected light from a painted or stained surface; standard is 15-25%

Stem Glass Holder (SGH) - an under cabinet accessory designed to hold glass stemware

Stile - the vertical pieces of a cabinet face frame or cabinet door

Stock - cabinets manufactured in standard sizes with a fixed range of options

Stone Fabricator - specialize in the selection and cutting of natural stone

Super Lazy Susan - carousel incorporated into a larger cabinet; tray rotates 360 degrees to provide easy and convenient access to storage space; adjustable and independently rotating shelves; utilizes a higher percentage of corner space

T

Tall End Panel (TEP) - tall finished panel that covers the exposed side of tall cabinetry or a refrigerator

Tall Pantry Cabinet - a tall cabinet typically with two sets of doors and 4-5 adjustable shelves; may contain roll out trays

Three Dimension (3D) Image - a perspective view from one or more vantage points

Thermofoil - tough, scratch-resistant rigid vinyl that is thermally formed and sealed to MDF; provides a strong, durable surface, resistant to most household wear

Tip Out Tray - plastic or metal storage tray underneath a sink, replacing the faux panel, designed to conceal sponges and brushes

Toe Kick (TK) -the bottom piece of a base cabinet that is recessed several inches from the front surface of the cabinet to allow room for a person’s feet when standing on front of the cabinet

Touch-Up Kit (TUKIT) - kit containing a marker and putty stick used to touch up minor nicks and scratches

Traditional Style - design style emphasizing details and ornamentation; opulent accessories like appliques and corbels

Transitional Style - design style combining sleek lines of contemporary style and warmth of traditional style

Trash Pull Out - see ‘Wastebasket’

Trim - see ‘Moulding’

U

U-Shaped Kitchen - kitchen layout utilizing three walls, forming the shape of a ‘U’

Under Cabinet Lighting - task lighting attached on the underside of a cabinet

Undermount Drawer Glides - drawer glides affixed underneath the drawer box; stronger and hold more weight than side-mount drawer glides

Unfinished - no finish, such as stain or paint, appear on the wood

Utensil Drawer Cabinet - an upgraded drawer option that contains stile to create sections to hold utensils

Utility Tall Cabinet - upgraded cabinet option with storage solutions; can include shelves, hooks or drawers

V

Valance - decorative treatment most often used to cover the uppermost part of a window; or for decorative purposes as in underneath a wall or base cabinet

Vanity - cabinet in a bathroom

Vanity Wall Mirror Cabinet - a bathroom wall cabinet with a mirror on the door front used to store toiletries and medicine; can be recessed or flush with the wall

Varnish - clear paint-like material applied as a coating to provide a protective finish

Veneer (VENS) - thin layers of real wood applied to plywood or MDF

Vintage Aging - gently highlights the distinctive details of a cabinet and creates a subtle, timeworn look with the softness of natural wear by lightly sanding through in places

Vintage Plus Aging - an aggressively burnished sand through technique applied to corners and raised profiles, exposing the underlying wood

W

Wainscoting (WAIN) - decorative wooden paneling

Wall Angle Cabinet - end of a run of cabinets; allows for seamless, continuous run of wall cabinets and added storage

Wall Cabinet (W) - any piece of cabinetry suspended above the countertop; mounted to the wall

Wall Blind Corner Cabinet - allow for the use of corner storage space that would otherwise be wasted when turning an inside corner; rather than being angularly shaped to fit perfectly in the corner, it is placed against one wall and perpendicular to the wall cabinet of the adjacent wall

Wall Diagonal Corner Cabinet - wall cabinets specifically designed to utilize corner space typically above a countertop that be otherwise wasted

Wall Refrigerator Cabinet - cabinets placed above the refrigerator; typically 24” deep

Walnut - fine-grained wood species that ranges in color from dark to chocolate brown

Warming Drawer Cabinet - cabinet configured to accommodate a warming drawer

Warp - the action of twisting or bending out of a true flat or level surface

Warranty - a written guarantee, issued to the purchaser by the manufacturer, promising to repair or replace the purchased item due to the product not working or being defective within a specified period of time; see also ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’

Wastebasket (BWB) - a pull-out cabinet containing slots to hold trash receptacles

Waste Factor - the amount that you will have to pay for but cannot, for one reason or another, use in your project; normally expressed as a percentage (%) of the required amount; typically refers to trim in cabinetry

Wet Glaze - a glaze finishing technique that involves flooding the wood with the glaze material and then hand wiping the excess material off

Wine Rack - accessory with slotted design meant to store wine bottles

Wood Species - scientific classification of wood based on the specific characteristics of the tree

Work Order - a formal document that is issued by an employee to request that something be ordered for a customer

Work Triangle - recommended distances between areas of cooking, preparation, and storage

Wormholes - see ‘Pin Holes’