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.
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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.
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You can learn more about our brands here
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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.