Not sure if your cabinet order includes finished side panels? You’re not alone. Here’s a quick guide on when panels are required — and when you can skip them.
🟫 What Is a Finished Side Panel?
A finished side panel is a flat decorative panel that covers the exposed side of a cabinet — matching the cabinet’s door color and style.
You’ll need one when:
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A cabinet side is visible (not up against a wall or another cabinet)
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You want a seamless look that matches your doors
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You’re building an island, peninsula, or pantry wall
📌 Raw cabinet box sides are white melamine — clean, but not matching.
📦 What’s Included by Default?
At Affordable Cabinets:
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All cabinet boxes are finished in white melamine
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Doors and drawer fronts are either painted or thermofoil
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Finished side panels are not included automatically — they’re added only when requested in your quote
This helps keep your price low and gives you control over where they're actually needed.
🎯 When to Add Finished Panels
You should add finished panels for:
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Base cabinets exposed on the side of an island
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Wall cabinets at the end of a run
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Pantries or fridge panels that are fully visible
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Cabinets next to appliances or doorways without a wall return
✅ Available in matching painted, thermofoil, or melamine options
🧠 When You Don’t Need One
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Cabinets that sit between walls or other cabinets
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Sink base between dishwasher and stove
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End cabinets that will be hidden by trim or backsplashes
💡 Our Recommendation
Always double-check where your cabinet sides will be visible — and plan to add matching panels wherever they’re exposed. It’s a small detail that makes a big visual difference.
📨 Not Sure If You Need Panels?
Send us your layout and we’ll tell you exactly how many (if any) side panels you need — and what finish they should be.
📩 info@affordablecabinets.com
📍 4271 Duluth Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765, USA
