Kitchen Remodeling & Bathroom Remodeling Glossary

This glossary breaks down kitchen remodeling terms in plain English so Seattle homeowners can confidently plan their project. Whether you're updating cabinets or replacing countertops, knowing these basics helps you ask the right questions and avoid surprises during your kitchen remodel. Castro Kitchen Remodeling LLC makes it simple, no jargon, just clear answers for your Seattle home.

Planning a kitchen remodel in Seattle? Understanding the lingo helps you make smarter choices and avoid costly mistakes. From cabinet styles to permit requirements, this glossary explains key terms in straightforward language. Need help picking between quartz and granite? Wondering if your kitchen island fits the work triangle? We’ve got you covered. For a full list of services or to see how we tailor remodels to Seattle homes, check out our services or explore our local areas like Mercer Island or White Center. Ready to dive in? Book a visit to discuss your project here, we’re happy to answer your questions.

Cabinet refacing

Cabinet refacing updates the look of your existing cabinets by replacing only the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the original box structure. It’s a cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen without tearing out and reinstalling full cabinets. In Seattle’s older homes, this option can save thousands while still giving you a modern look. For a full remodel comparison, see our pricing guide to weigh refacing against full cabinet replacement.

Stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets

Stock cabinets are pre-made and ready to install, offering the lowest cost but limited design options. Semi-custom cabinets let you choose finishes and sizes from a manufacturer’s catalog, balancing price and personalization. Custom cabinets are built from scratch to fit your exact measurements and style, ideal for unique Seattle layouts or high-end finishes. Need help deciding? Our Seattle kitchen remodeling guide breaks down the pros and cons for first-time homeowners.

Shaker cabinet

A Shaker cabinet features a simple, clean design with a recessed panel in the door and clean lines. This timeless style works well in Seattle’s mix of modern and traditional homes, offering durability and a classic look. Shaker doors come in various finishes, from matte black to painted wood, making them versatile for any kitchen remodel. For inspiration, browse our local project gallery to see how we’ve used this style in nearby neighborhoods.

Soft-close hinges

Soft-close hinges gently slow and stop cabinet doors and drawers instead of slamming them shut. This feature reduces noise, prevents damage, and adds a premium touch to your kitchen. In Seattle’s tight spaces, soft-close hinges are especially useful for avoiding bumps in high-traffic areas. They’re a small upgrade that makes a big difference in daily use, ask us how we incorporate them into our custom cabinet designs.

Quartz countertop

Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from crushed quartz and resin, offering durability, low maintenance, and a wide range of colors and patterns. Unlike natural stone, quartz doesn’t stain or require sealing, making it a practical choice for Seattle’s busy kitchens. It’s also non-porous, so it resists bacteria, ideal for food prep areas. Compare quartz to granite in our countertop guide to see which fits your lifestyle.

Granite countertop

Granite is a natural stone countertop prized for its beauty, heat resistance, and durability. Each slab has unique veining, so no two kitchens look alike. However, granite requires periodic sealing to prevent stains, which can be a hassle in a high-use Seattle home. It’s also heavier than quartz, so your cabinetry must be sturdy enough to support it. For tips on caring for granite, check out our maintenance tips.

Butcher block

Butcher block countertops are made from solid wood strips glued together, offering a warm, natural look and a soft surface for chopping. They’re easy to repair by sanding and refinishing, but they require regular oiling to prevent drying and cracking. In Seattle’s humid climate, butcher block can warp if not properly maintained. It’s a great choice for home cooks who want a traditional, functional surface, just be ready for the upkeep.

Waterfall edge

A waterfall edge extends the countertop material down the cabinet sides, creating a smooth, continuous look. This design adds a modern, high-end touch to your kitchen and hides cabinet gaps. It’s popular in Seattle’s contemporary remodels but can increase costs and complicate installation. If you love the look but want to save, ask us about partial waterfall edges on islands or peninsulas. See examples in our local project showcase.

Backsplash

A backsplash is the protective (and decorative) surface behind your countertop and stove. It catches spills, splatters, and cooking residue, making cleanup easier in your Seattle kitchen. Materials range from tile and stone to glass and metal, each with pros and cons. For example, subway tile is classic and affordable, while mosaic glass adds a bold, modern statement. Need help choosing? Our design tips cover backsplash trends for 2024.

Kitchen island

A kitchen island is a freestanding unit that adds workspace, storage, and seating to your kitchen. It can include a sink, cooktop, or prep area, making it a versatile addition to Seattle homes with open floor plans. Islands must fit within the work triangle (see below) and comply with local building codes. If you’re adding one, consider whether it’s load-bearing or non-structural, this affects installation costs. For layout ideas, explore our Seattle kitchen designs.

Work triangle

The work triangle is the invisible connection between your sink, stove, and fridge, the three main work spots in your kitchen. For smooth flow, these should be 4 to 9 feet apart and form a triangle no bigger than 27 feet around. In Seattle’s tighter homes, tweaking this layout can make daily cooking easier. If your kitchen feels crowded, we can redesign it for better use. See our remodeling guide for details.

Under-cabinet lighting

Under-cabinet lighting installs LED strips or puck lights beneath upper cabinets to illuminate countertops and task areas. This focused lighting reduces shadows for food prep and adds ambiance to your Seattle kitchen. It’s energy-efficient and easy to install, whether you’re updating an existing kitchen or planning a full remodel. For ideas on layering lighting, check out our design blog.

Range hood (ducted vs. ductless)

A range hood ventilates cooking fumes and smoke from your stove. Ducted hoods vent air outside through a duct system, offering superior performance but requiring professional installation and maintenance. Ductless hoods recirculate and filter air, making them easier to install but less effective for heavy cooking. In Seattle’s tight homes, ductless hoods can be a practical choice, just be mindful of ventilation during holiday cooking. For ventilation tips, see our Seattle kitchen safety guide.

Pot filler

A pot filler is a faucet installed in the ceiling or wall above your stove, delivering water directly to pots and pans. It’s a luxury feature in high-end Seattle kitchens, eliminating the need to carry heavy pots to the sink. Installation requires plumbing adjustments and may not be possible in all layouts. If you’re considering one, discuss feasibility with us during your initial consultation, we’ll assess your home’s plumbing.

Toe kick

A toe kick is the small gap or panel at the base of cabinets, typically 3 to 4 inches high, allowing you to slide your feet in while standing. It’s a practical detail in Seattle kitchens where space is often tight, and it also hides plumbing or wiring. Some designs include drawers or shelves in the toe kick for extra storage. For custom solutions, we can design toe kicks to match your cabinetry, ask about our tailored storage options.

Load-bearing wall

Support beams in your home carry the weight of the roof or floors above. Skipping a check before removing one can make your house unstable, especially important in Seattle’s earthquake-prone area. Before you take out a wall during your remodel, get it inspected by a structural engineer. We’ll coordinate with professionals to keep your home secure, especially in older houses where walls might not be labeled. Stuck on permits? See our Seattle Kitchen Remodeling FAQ for answers.

Rough-in

Rough-in refers to the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work completed before cabinets and countertops go in during a remodel. This phase includes installing water lines, electrical boxes, and venting for appliances. In Seattle, rough-in work must meet local building codes, so it’s best handled by licensed professionals. If you’re DIY-ing parts of your remodel, leave rough-in to the experts, we handle it as part of our full-service packages.

Building permit

A building permit is official approval from the city to proceed with your kitchen remodel, ensuring the work meets Seattle’s safety and building codes. Permits are required for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing updates, and sometimes even major cosmetic changes. Skipping permits can lead to fines or issues when you sell your home. We handle permit applications for you, just ask during your project planning.

Change order

A change order is a written request to modify your original kitchen remodel plan, such as upgrading materials or adding features like a pot filler. Changes can affect your budget and timeline, so they’re documented to keep everyone on the same page. If you’re inspired by a new trend or realize you need extra storage, we’ll discuss the impact before proceeding. For transparency, we outline change order policies in our pricing guide.

Allowance

An allowance is a set amount in your budget allocated for specific materials or finishes, like countertops or hardware, which you’ll purchase separately. This approach gives you flexibility to choose exact products but requires you to stay within the budgeted amount. For example, your allowance might cover quartz countertops, but you’d need to select the slab yourself. We’ll guide you through this process to avoid surprises, see our Seattle remodeling tips for more.

Punch list

A punch list is your final checklist of small fixes, like adjusting a cabinet handle or sealing a countertop edge, before your remodel is done. We’ll go over it with you before you move back in to make sure everything’s right. To keep things smooth, we take photos and notes as we go, just like we do for our Seattle kitchen updates projects.

Frequently Asked Questions