Planning a kitchen refurbishment can prove daunting and is certainly one of the mostly costly projects you’ll tackle. But before you can begin tearing out your cabinets and replacing your kitchen floor, you need to get the fundamentals in place.

This begins with an understanding of the numerous terms used in the world of kitchens. After all, who really know what a multi-rail is or where a blind-corner cabinet is used? Thankfully, our team have helped thousands of homeowners transform their kitchens and are familiar with ‘the lingo’.

In this in-depth guide to kitchen terminology, we’ll touch upon each aspect of a kitchen. From the types of cabinets to the choice of worktops, you’ll go away with the knowledge you need to tackle your kitchen refurb with confidence. 

The Lingo We'll Cover

• Types of Kitchen Cabinets
• Base Cabinets
• Blind Corner Cabinets
• Sink/Hob Cabinets
• Wall Cabinets
• Larder Cabinets
• Oven/Microwave Cabinets
• Types of End Panels
• Base End Panel
• Wall End Panel
• Larder End Panel
• Filler Panel
• Types of Worktop
• Laminate Worktops
• Solid Wood Worktops
• Quartz Worktops
• Granite Worktops
• Types of Finishes
• Cornice
• Multi-rail
• Corner Post
• Edging Tape

Types of Kitchen Cabinets

Most kitchens are made up of 7 types of cabinets. Each is designed to play a different role, whether that be to provide convenient storage or house an appliance. Understanding the different types of kitchen cabinets will make planning your kitchen renovation far easier, whether you’re hiring a kitchen fitter or not.

Base Cabinets

These cabinets are installed at floor level to provide both easy to access storage as well as supporting your worktop. Most often kitchen base cabinets are available in widths of between 300mm and 1000mm. They typically have a depth of 570mm and a height of 870mm, although most will have adjustable legs.

Blind Corner Cabinets

These cabinets are used at floor level to transition between one base cabinet to another at an internal corner. Unlike a standard base cabinet, a portion of the cabinet will be hidden and doesn’t require a door. Blind corner cabinets are often available in widths of either 800mm or 1000mm, with them usually having a depth of 570mm and height of 870mm.

Sink/Hob Cabinets

These cabinets are used at floor level to house either a sink or hob. A kitchen sink or hob cabinet may have a pre-cut top to accommodate the appliance and will likely be free of shelves or have faux drawers to provide space for plumbing. These cabinets are often available in fewer widths than other base cabinets, such as 600mm, but will likely have a depth of 570mm and height of 870mm.

Wall Cabinets

Sometimes referred to as “upper cabinets”, these cabinets are mounted to the wall to maximise the storage space in your kitchen. Kitchen wall cabinets are typically available in widths of between 300mm and 1000mm, which allows them to align with your base cabinets if desired. They will often protrude less than ground-level cabinets with a depth of 330mm and have a height of around 720mm.

Larder Cabinets

Often referred to as “pantry cupboards”, these cabinets are fitted at ground level but reach the top of your wall cabinets to provide full-height storage. Kitchen larder cabinets are commonly available in width of between 300mm – 600mm, which makes them ideal for making use of smaller voids as well as larger spaces. They will usually have a depth of 570mm and can have varying heights.

Pull-out Cabinets

These cabinets are usually slim and have a pull-out rack that’s ideal for storing condiments, spices, and more. Pull-out kitchen cabinets usually have widths of between 150mm – 200mm, making them ideal for making use of small voids or sitting at the end of your base cabinets. They will often have a depth of 570mm and heights of 870mm to align with your other floor level cabinets.

Oven/Microwave Cabinets

These cabinets are used to house integrated ovens and microwaves. You’ll often have a range of choices, ranging from an appliance cabinet that houses a single oven, double oven, or oven and microwave combo. Due to the need for these to house most integrated appliances, they usually have standardised widths of 600mm and depths of 570mm. The height can depend upon whether it’s a floor-level or eye-level appliance.

Types of Panels

Most cabinet carcasses do not share the same colour as the door. As a result, despite having an indigo blue door the carcass would be white. If you would prefer any visible sides of your cabinet are the same colour as your doors, then you’ll need to utilise end panels. These are usually 18mm – 20mm thick boards that have the same melamine coating as your doors.

Base End Panel

As the name suggests, these end panels are placed on the visible sides of any base cabinets.

Wall End Panel

Much like a base end panel, these are made to be used on the visible sides of any wall cabinets.

Larder End Panels

Used on full-height larder cabinets, these allow for visible sides to match the colour of your doors.

Filler Panels

Unlike other panels, these are not used on your cabinets. Instead, they are used to create a sleek, continuous closure between the end of your cabinets and adjacent wall.

Types of Kitchen Worktops

The worktop is arguably the most used part of your kitchen. From preparing dinner to readying the children’s lunchbox, you’ll put your kitchen worktop to the test daily. Your worktop also has a huge impact on the style of your kitchen and must, therefore, suit the style of cabinets.

Laminate Worktops

These cost-effective worktops are made from combined layers of fibreboard and chipboard. These are then protected with a hardy plastic coating, which is resistant to scratches, staining, and heat. Laminate worktops are commonplace due to them being low-cost whilst also mimicking the appearance of wood, granite, or marble. They are also easily cut and fitted by professional tradespeople and handy DIYers.

Solid Wood Worktops

These mid-priced worktops are made from woods such as oak, ash, and walnut. Due to their natural material, they have a premium look and feel that suits more traditionally styled kitchens. To protect solid wood worktops from staining, you’ll need to regularly oil them. You’ll usually be able to sand out any scratches or staining, eliminating the need to replace the entire worktop. You may benefit from a professional tradesperson to finish and fit one of these worktops.

Quartz Worktops

These premium worktops are an engineered stone that combines ground quartz, resins, and polymers. By combining these materials, quartz worktops have an aesthetic like granite whilst being far tougher. The surfaces are completed sealed to prevent staining whilst the use of resins limit chips and cracks. However, some resins may melt when they encounter extreme heat. Whilst they don’t require any finishing, it’ll be easier to have a professional tradesperson fit one of these worktops.

Granite Worktops

These high-end worktops are made from a natural stone that looks and feels opulent. They are great for both traditionally styled and ultra-modern kitchens too. Whilst granite can resist the high temperatures of pots and pans, they are vulnerable to chips and cracks. Some granite worktops are porous and therefore prone to staining as well. You’ll need a professional tradesperson to finish and put one of these worktops.

Types of Finishing Edges

Cornice

A kitchen cornice is played along the top forward-facing edge of your wall cabinets.  Particularly on shaker kitchens, this adds the ‘finishing touch’ whilst also hiding the empty space above. On other styles of kitchens, such as slab, j-pull, or handle less this may be replaced with a multi-rail.

Multi-rail

A kitchen multi-rail is used in multiple locations to ‘box around’ a group of cabinets for a sleek finish. On slab, j-pull and handle less kitchens you may use a multi-rail as a cornice at the top of your wall cabinets as well as a pelmet at the bottom of your wall cabinets.

Corner Post

A kitchen corner post sits between two cabinets, usually at internal corners, to ensure they align perfectly. These posts usually have the same coloured melamine coating as your doors to ensure a uniform finish. 

Edging Tape

Some cabinet, panel, or plinth ends may be exposed at times. To cover this and achieve a professional finish, you’ll adhere edging tape on these ends. These tapes are usually self-adhesive or iron on.

Ready to Tackle Your Kitchen Refurb? 

Now that you've got past the jargon used by kitchen sellers and fitters, you can begin planning your kitchen refurb. But if you still have questions, simply explore our kitchen guides or get in touch with our award-winning team.