Kitchen Remodeling & Bathroom Remodeling Glossary

This glossary breaks down Burien kitchen remodeling terms in plain English so you can spot hidden costs, avoid overpaying, and make smarter choices for your home. Whether you’re tackling a full kitchen remodel or just upgrading cabinets, knowing these terms helps you compare quotes and ask the right questions of your Burien kitchen remodeler. Think of it as your cheat sheet for navigating pricing, permits, and design trade-offs, without getting sold on upsells you don’t need.

Burien’s kitchen remodeling scene is packed with options, but not all terms mean what you’d expect. From ‘stock cabinets’ that sound cheap but hide markups to ‘custom’ upgrades that might not justify the cost, knowing the lingo helps you avoid surprises, and contractors who lowball the estimate then nickel-and-dime you later. Whether you’re eyeing a full kitchen renovation or a budget-friendly reface, this glossary cuts through the jargon so you can focus on what matters: a kitchen that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Need a second opinion on your Burien kitchen remodel? See our pricing guide first to benchmark what you should pay, or get a free estimate to compare apples to apples with local pros.

Cabinet refacing

Cabinet refacing swaps out just the doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets while keeping the boxes intact. It’s the most budget-friendly way to update your kitchen, often costing 30-50% less than full cabinet replacement, but it won’t fix structural issues like sagging frames. In Burien’s older homes, where original cabinets might still be solid, refacing can save thousands without sacrificing quality. Check if refacing is right for your Burien kitchen before committing to a full remodel.

Stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets

Stock cabinets are pre-made, one-size-fits-all, and cheapest, but Burien’s tight layouts often mean gaps or awkward fits. Semi-custom lets you tweak sizes, finishes, and hardware for a better fit, while custom builds cabinets from scratch to your exact specs. The trade-off? Stock runs $100-$200 per linear foot; custom can hit $600-$1,200. Semi-custom (Burien’s sweet spot) balances cost and flexibility. See how to avoid overpaying for cabinets, many ‘custom’ features are just upsells.

Shaker cabinet

A Shaker cabinet has a simple, clean design with a recessed panel in the door and clean lines between the frame and door. It’s the most popular style in Burien remodels because it works with any aesthetic, modern, farmhouse, or transitional, and hides dirt better than glass-front doors. The ‘5-piece’ version (with a center panel) is pricier but adds depth. Avoid ‘Shaker-style’ knockoffs; real Shakers use precise joinery, which matters if you want cabinets that last decades.

Soft-close hinges

Soft-close hinges dampen the slam of cabinet doors and drawers, reducing noise and preventing damage over time. They’re a smart upgrade for Burien homes with kids or pets, but they add $5-$15 per door. Some contractors bundle them as a ‘premium’ add-on, don’t pay extra if they’re included in your cabinet package. Test them before finalizing your order; cheap soft-close hinges can feel sluggish or wear out faster.

Quartz countertop

Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz and resin, offering the look of granite or marble without the maintenance. It’s non-porous (won’t stain like granite) and resists scratches, making it ideal for Burien’s humid summers. Prices range from $50-$120 per square foot installed, but avoid ‘premium’ quartz with unnecessary patterns, solid colors hide scratches better. Compare quartz vs. granite for Burien kitchens to pick the right balance of cost and durability.

Granite countertop

Granite is a natural stone with deep color variations and heat resistance, but it’s porous and needs sealing every 1-3 years. In Burien’s wet climate, unsealed granite can develop stains from coffee or wine. Prices vary widely ($40-$200 per sq. ft.) based on rarity, don’t assume ‘granite’ means high quality. Ask for samples and check the slab’s thickness (3 cm is standard; thinner slabs cost less but may crack). See how to avoid granite scams, some ‘premium’ slabs are just re-cut rejects.

Butcher block

Butcher block countertops are made from solid wood strips glued together, offering a warm, rustic look that pairs well with Burien’s Pacific Northwest aesthetic. They’re soft (not scratch-resistant) and require annual oiling to prevent drying or cracking. Prices start at $50-$100 per sq. ft., but expect higher costs for hardwoods like maple or walnut. Avoid ‘butcher block’ laminates, real wood is the only option if you want durability. Check if butcher block fits your Burien kitchen’s traffic before choosing.

Waterfall edge

A waterfall edge extends the countertop material (like quartz or granite) down the cabinet sides, creating a smooth look. It’s a popular Burien remodel trend but adds $10-$30 per linear foot. The effect is stunning, but it hides cabinet doors, so you’ll need soft-close hinges to avoid slams. Some contractors lowball the quote then upsell ‘premium’ edges; ask for a flat-rate estimate upfront. See if waterfall edges are worth the cost, they’re not always practical for narrow Burien kitchens.

Backsplash

The backsplash is the wall covering behind your stove and sink, protecting walls from splashes and adding style. Options range from peel-and-stick tiles ($1-$3 per sq. ft.) to subway tile ($5-$15 per sq. ft.) or natural stone ($20-$50 per sq. ft.). In Burien’s tight spaces, glossy tiles make small kitchens feel larger, while textured tiles hide grease better. Avoid ‘premium’ backsplashes with hidden labor costs, some contractors charge extra for ‘cutting around outlets,’ which should be included in the base price.

Kitchen island

A kitchen island adds storage, seating, and prep space but requires careful planning, especially in Burien’s older homes with limited square footage. Islands need at least 42” of clearance for walkways (per code) and may require removing a load-bearing wall, adding $1,000-$3,000 in structural costs. See if an island fits your Burien kitchen layout, some ‘flexible’ designs end up cramping your workflow.

Work triangle

The ‘work triangle’ links your sink, stove, and fridge, the three hubs of kitchen activity. Each side should be 4’–9’ long, and the shape shouldn’t cross itself. In Burien’s smaller homes, this can feel tricky, but skipping it creates cramped walkways. Some ‘open-plan’ designs ignore the rule, ask your contractor how they’ll adjust plumbing or wiring, but expect higher costs for custom fixes.

Under-cabinet lighting

Under-cabinet lighting adds task lighting for food prep, reducing eye strain and making your Burien kitchen feel brighter. LED strips ($1-$3 per foot) are the most common, but puck lights or rail systems offer more direction. Hardwired options cost more upfront but avoid battery replacements. See if under-cabinet lighting is worth the cost, some contractors bundle it as a ‘luxury’ add-on when it’s a basic upgrade.

Range hood (ducted vs. ductless)

Ductless range hoods (vent-free) recirculate air through filters and are cheaper upfront ($200-$600), but they don’t remove grease or smoke, just mask odors. Ducted hoods ($500-$1,500+) vent outside and handle heavy cooking, which matters if you fry or sear often. Burien’s building codes may require ducting for gas ranges, so check before buying. Avoid ductless hoods if you cook with gas, they’re a false economy.

Pot filler

A pot filler is a faucet installed in the ceiling or wall to deliver water directly to pots on the stove, saving you from lugging heavy pots to the sink. It’s a luxury feature in Burien remodels ($300-$800 installed) but adds convenience for frequent cooks. Some contractors lowball the quote then hit you with hidden plumbing costs, ask for a flat-rate estimate to avoid surprises. Not all stoves are compatible, so test placement before finalizing designs.

Toe kick

The toe kick is the small gap (usually 3”-6”) between the bottom of cabinets and the floor, allowing you to slide chairs in and out. It’s often overlooked in Burien remodels, but skipping it can make your kitchen feel cramped. Custom toe kicks (with drawers or shelves) add storage but cost $50-$150 per cabinet. Stock cabinets usually include a basic kick, but measure your space, some Burien homes have uneven floors that need adjustments.

Load-bearing wall

A load-bearing wall holds up your roof or upstairs floors. Removing one (like in a Burien open-concept kitchen) needs an engineer and temporary supports, adding $1,500–$5,000. Check if your Burien home has hidden load-bearing walls before demolition, many older houses conceal them behind walls. Never assume a wall is non-structural without an inspection.

Rough-in

Rough-in is the phase where plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are installed before walls go up. In Burien remodels, this is where you’ll decide on sink locations, outlet placements, and gas line upgrades. Mess it up, and you’ll pay $500-$2,000+ to redo wiring or plumbing later. See how to avoid rough-in mistakes, skipping this step is how contractors lowball quotes then hit you with ‘change orders.’

Building permit

A building permit ensures your Burien kitchen remodel meets local codes (like electrical, plumbing, and structural safety). Burien requires permits for most remodels over $5,000, and the city may inspect your work at key stages. Permits cost $50-$500 depending on the scope, but skipping them can void your insurance or lead to fines. Ask your contractor to handle permits, some ‘discount’ remodelers cut corners here.

Change order

A change order is a written request to modify your original contract (e.g., upgrading cabinets or adding an island). Unscrupulous contractors use them to inflate costs, like ‘discovering’ hidden water damage or ‘upgrading’ to pricier materials. Review every change order carefully, some Burien remodelers add 20-30% markups on ‘change’ items. Always ask for itemized quotes.

Allowance

An allowance is a placeholder budget in your quote for unspecified items (e.g., ‘$1,000 allowance for backsplash’). Contractors use them to hide costs, like charging $2,500 for a tile backsplash when the allowance was only $1,000. Avoid vague allowances, always ask for firm pricing or a ‘not-to-exceed’ cap. Burien’s competitive market means some contractors lowball allowances to win bids, then nickel-and-dime you later.

Punch list

The punch list is a final checklist of incomplete or damaged items (e.g., loose cabinet handles, chipped countertops) before you pay the last invoice. Reputable Burien remodelers walk you through it before closing, dishonest ones rush you to sign off. Take photos of every item and don’t pay in full until the punch list is resolved. Some contractors ‘forget’ to fix minor issues unless you push back.

Frequently Asked Questions