Kitchen Remodeling & Bathroom Remodeling Glossary

This glossary cuts through the jargon so you can make smart choices for your Seattle kitchen remodel. From cabinet types to permit rules, we explain what matters most, so you avoid costly surprises and get a kitchen that fits your life, not a contractor’s sales pitch. Think of it as your cheat sheet for talking shop with pros in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle’s kitchen remodeling scene throws around terms like ‘waterfall edge’ and ‘rough-in’ like they’re common knowledge, but they’re not. Whether you’re tackling a full gut renovation or swapping out cabinets in your Mercer Island home, knowing these terms helps you budget, compare quotes, and spot red flags. Need a written estimate? Reach out for a no-pressure quote, we’ll walk you through the lingo and the costs. Or check our pricing guide to see how Seattle’s climate and building codes affect your project. And if you’re unsure whether to refresh or remodel, our full vs. partial guide breaks it down by neighborhood.

Cabinet refacing

Refacing means replacing only the doors and drawer fronts (plus hardware) of your existing cabinets while keeping the box and frame intact. It’s cheaper than full cabinet replacement, often $3,000–$7,000 for a Seattle kitchen, but limits design changes. If you’re in Bellevue and want to update without a full remodel, refacing could save you thousands. Read up on what we do.

Stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets

Stock cabinets are pre-made, one-size-fits-most (cheapest, $100–$300 per linear foot). Semi-custom lets you tweak sizes/finishes (mid-range, $300–$600/ft). Custom cabinets are built to your exact specs (most expensive, $600–$1,200/ft) and ideal for Seattle’s older homes with odd layouts. See our pricing guide for local cost breakdowns. Get a no-fluff written estimate by reach us for a quote, no sales pitch, just the facts.

Shaker cabinet

A classic five-piece door style with a recessed center panel, framed by stiles and rails. Shakers are timeless (think: farmhouse or modern farmhouse) and durable, great for Seattle’s humidity. They’re also the most common cabinet style in remodels, so you’ll find them in every price range. Our Kirkland projects often feature shakers for their versatility. Start with the crew and certifications.

Soft-close hinges

Hinges that gently slow cabinet doors to prevent slamming. They’re a must for families with kids (no more finger pinches) and add $5–$15 per door. In Seattle’s tight homes, soft-close hinges also reduce noise, helpful if your kitchen’s near living areas. Ask us about our favorite brands for durability. Full details in where we work.

Quartz countertop

An engineered stone made of crushed quartz resin, non-porous (so it won’t stain like granite), and low-maintenance. Quartz resists Seattle’s acidic foods (lemon juice, coffee) and won’t etch from vinegar. Prices run $50–$120 per square foot installed. See our Redmond projects for quartz installations that hold up to PNW living.

Granite countertop

Natural stone that’s heat-resistant and adds luxury, but porous (needs sealing every 1–2 years). Granite’s prone to staining from red wine or olive oil spills, common in Seattle’s entertaining kitchens. Costs $40–$100/sq ft installed. For a low-maintenance alternative, quartz is gaining popularity here.

Butcher block

Solid wood countertops (maple, walnut, or oak) that age beautifully but require annual oiling. Butcher block is warm and repairable, but not ideal for Seattle’s damp winters, it can warp if not sealed properly. Expect $100–$250/sq ft installed. Our Woodinville clients love it for its rustic charm.

Waterfall edge

A waterfall countertop edge hides the gap between counter and floor, giving a high-end look (common in Bellevue’s upscale kitchens) but costs $10–$30 per foot. Not kid-friendly, sharp edges are a trip hazard. See our waterfall edge before/afters.

Backsplash

Backsplash: The wall behind your stove and sink that keeps splashes off your drywall. Options range from tile ($10–$50/sq ft) to glass ($30–$100/sq ft). In Seattle’s damp climate, sealed materials (like porcelain) stop mold growth. Our South Lake Union projects often use subway tile for toughness.

Kitchen island

A freestanding counter with storage or seating, often added in open-concept Seattle remodels. Islands boost resale value but require structural support (check if your floor can handle it). Costs vary widely, $3,000–$15,000+ depending on size and materials. See our Sammamish island designs for inspiration.

Work triangle

The work triangle: The invisible line between your sink, stove, and fridge, the key to a functional kitchen. In a well-designed Seattle space, this triangle should total 12–26 feet (no single leg over 9 feet). Bad layouts create traffic jams. Our PNW layout guide has spacing rules for tight spaces.

Under-cabinet lighting

LED strips installed beneath upper cabinets to illuminate countertops. They’re energy-efficient, task-focused, and hide wiring neatly. Costs $100–$500 installed. Great for Seattle’s darker winters, ask about dimmable options.

Range hood (ducted vs. ductless)

Ductless hoods recirculate air (cheaper, $200–$600) but trap grease. Ducted hoods vent outside (better for gas stoves, $500–$1,500+). Seattle’s building codes often require ducting for gas ranges. Our ductless hoods are popular in condos where venting isn’t an option.

Pot filler

A faucet installed in the ceiling to fill pots on the stove. It’s a luxury feature (common in high-end Seattle homes) but adds $500–$1,500 to install. Not practical for families with kids, splash risk is high. See our Bellevue projects for pot filler examples.

Toe kick

The small gap (2–4 inches) between cabinet bottoms and the floor, allowing you to kick in without hitting the toe. It’s standard in most Seattle remodels but can be removed for a sleek look (though it hides dust). Our Carnation clients often keep it for functionality.

Load-bearing wall

Load-bearing wall: A wall holding up your home’s roof or upper floors. Removing one without engineering plans risks collapsing your kitchen. In Seattle’s older homes, these walls are often hidden behind cabinets. Never guess, we’ll confirm before you swing a hammer.

Rough-in

The phase where plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are installed before cabinets and finishes go in. Rough-in errors (like misaligned outlets) can cost $500–$2,000 to fix later. Our crew handles rough-ins to avoid surprises.

Building permit

A permit from Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections required for structural changes, plumbing, or electrical work. Costs $50–$500+ depending on the scope. We handle permits for you, no hassle.

Change order

A written request to modify your original remodel plan (e.g., upgrading cabinets mid-project). Change orders can spike costs, always get quotes before signing. We’ll review changes with you to avoid sticker shock.

Allowance

A set amount in your budget for unspecified items (e.g., ‘$1,000 allowance for lighting’). If you spend more, you pay the difference. Avoid vague allowances, we’ll itemize everything upfront.

Punch list

A final checklist of minor fixes (e.g., loose cabinet handles, caulk gaps) before you pay the last invoice. Reputable Seattle remodelers won’t rush you, we’ll address every item. Our punch lists are thorough, not rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions