Kitchen

TL;DR: When remodeling your kitchen, your cabinets are the foundation of both function and style. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—types of cabinets (base, wall, tall), materials, styles, and budget-friendly options—so you can make smart decisions. Whether you’re looking for classic shaker styles or modern flat fronts, Builders Surplus has you covered with first-quality cabinetry at a fraction of the price.

Planning a remodel? Visit a Builders Surplus showroom, contact us online, or call 866-739-1636 to speak with a kitchen expert today.

Yay! The decision to remodel your kitchen has been made and it’s a go! First, think about designing your kitchen space. Then move on to choosing cabinets and appliances. Here’s a guide to kitchen cabinetry terms to help you when looking for your new cabinets.

Guide to Kitchen Cabinetry

Box construction – This is construction of the cabinet including the top, bottom, back, sides, and shelves. Plywood is a top material choice.

Wood species – Oak, maple, cherry, and birch are popular woods for cabinets.

Finish – Choose the color of your cabinets with either a stain, solid color, or a glaze finish.

An example of cabinet box construction and dovetail drawer.

Full overlay – A cabinet door covering a cabinet’s entire face frame. Only a small portion of the cabinet’s storage area can be seen.

Reveal – Part of the cabinet frame which is seen or a slight space between the doors.

Dovetail – A strong carpentry joint used to complete a drawer.

Rabbet joint – A cut made into the wood to join the drawer sides and drawer face.

Undermount or side-mount glides – Glides are for opening and closing a drawer. Undermount glides are the popular choice for their smooth and sturdy function.

Soft close hinges – These prevent a cabinet door from slamming shut.

Toe kick – A recessed area of a base cabinet near the floor.

Soffit – In a kitchen, the space between the top of your wall cabinets and the ceiling.

Door construction:

Mortise and tenon – In woodworking, a type of joint used to connect two pieces of wood.

Mitered – A mitered door frame consists of four pieces joined at 45° angles plus a center panel.

Slab – A flat door with no frame or panel. Popular in modern cabinetry styles.

Examples of different door styles

Wall door style:

Applied molding – Cabinet doors featuring decorative moulding detail.

Veneer – A very thin layer of wood applied over wood panels or other material.

Recessed panel – A cabinet door with a center panel which is slightly below the surrounding wood.

Raised panel – A cabinet door with a center panel that is slightly higher than the wood around it.

Slab – A flat style door; no frame or panel. Many contemporary or modern styles use slab style doors.

Shaker – A style using a recessed panel door. Simple, clean design.

V-groove – It’s just as it sounds: thin V-shaped lines (similar to a beveled edge) add a decorative touch to a cabinet door.

FAQs: Kitchen Cabinetry Basics

Q: What types of kitchen cabinets are there?
A: The main types include base cabinets (sit on the floor), wall cabinets (mounted above counters), and tall cabinets (great for pantry space or built-in ovens).

Q: What materials are kitchen cabinets made from?
A: Common materials include solid wood, plywood, and MDF. Solid wood is most durable, but MDF is great for painted finishes on a budget.

Q: What is the most popular cabinet style?
A: Shaker-style cabinets are timeless, clean, and versatile—perfect for both modern and traditional kitchens.

Q: Can I install kitchen cabinets myself?
A: Many homeowners do. But precise measuring and leveling are key. If you need help, the team at Builders Surplus is always ready with expert advice.

Q: How do I get custom-sized cabinets?
A: Builders Surplus offers a variety of in-stock and semi-custom options. Talk to our team about modifying cabinets to fit your unique layout.

Q: Are your cabinets budget-friendly?
A: Yes! Builders Surplus offers first-quality kitchen cabinets at substantial savings—perfect for DIYers, remodelers, and contractors.