Common Terms and Kitchen Types for Your Remodel
A kitchen remodel comes with its own language, and understanding the terminology upfront makes the entire process smoother — especially when you’re comparing bids, choosing materials, or talking with a contractor. This first chapter in our vocabulary series covers the foundational terms every homeowner should know before planning a remodel. Master these basics now, and the rest of your project (and this guide) will make a lot more sense.
Beginner Terms (Super Common + Relevant):
Planning and Design
Floor Plan – A top-down drawing that shows the layout of your kitchen, including walls, appliances, and work zones.
Layout – The overall arrangement of your kitchen (L-shape, U-shape, galley, etc.).
Types of Kitchens
Open concept... Galley.. L Shaped?? U shaped??? There are a couple types of kitchen layouts to incorporate into your home. Space available and how you envision using your kitchen will make knowing what approach what makes more sense for you.
You can find some examples and considerations here
Let's Talk Cabinets
Cabinet Boxes – The basic structure of your cabinets; what doors and drawers attach to.
Face Frame / Frameless – Two main cabinet construction styles; framed has a front frame, frameless is more modern and offers fuller access.
You can learn more about our brands here
Details
Countertop Slab – A large piece of material (quartz, granite, etc.) that becomes your counters.
Backsplash – The vertical surface behind your counters that protects walls from spills and adds style.
Island – A free-standing cabinet unit in the center of the kitchen, often used for prep or seating.
Peninsula – Like an island, but attached on one side to a wall or other cabinets.
Appliance Package – A bundled set of matching appliances, typically fridge, oven, dishwasher, and microwave.
Timeline Terms
Rough-In – Early-stage plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work completed before walls and cabinets go in.
Finish Materials – The visible surfaces: cabinetry, countertops, flooring, paint, fixtures, and hardware.
Punch List – Small final fixes completed at the end of the project.