What Is a Cabinet End Panel?
A cabinet end panel is a flat, decorative piece that matches your cabinet doors. It’s attached to the side of a cabinet box when that side is exposed. The end panel hides the case material and keeps your kitchen looking consistent.
At Decor, we make cabinets with a finished case side already built in or with an applied cabinet end panel.
When Do You Need a Cabinet End Panel?
You need a cabinet end panel when:
The side of a cabinet is visible (like the last cabinet in a row)
The side faces a walkway or open area
The cabinet is part of a kitchen island or peninsula
The design calls for a thicker or more decorative side panel
You don’t need one when a cabinet is placed between two others, with both sides hidden.
Types of Cabinet End Panels
Here are the most common types:
Applied end panels: Separate panels added after installation. These are thicker and offer more visual impact.
Furniture-style panels: Designed with extra detail—like shaker frames, decorative grooves, or moulding—for a custom look.
How End Panels Affect Design
Choosing the right end panel makes a difference. It helps:
Tie your cabinetry into the rest of the space
Add visual weight to islands or pantry towers
Create a more high-end, custom appearance
A simple upgrade like a decorative end panel can elevate the whole kitchen.
Do End Panels Cost Extra?
It depends.
Most cabinet boxes come with a standard finished side, but if you want a thicker, furniture-style panel, it may be priced separately.
Your designer can walk you through the options and help you choose the best fit for your layout and budget.
Cabinet End Panel FAQs
Do all cabinets need end panels?
No. Usually this is an aesthetic choice, unless the cabinet box will be exposed.
Can I add end panels later?
Yes, especially applied panels. These can be installed after your main cabinetry is in place.
Should end panels match my cabinet doors?
Usually, yes. They’re meant to create a seamless look, especially in exposed areas. Sometimes a contrasting finish is chosen for design purposes.
Are cabinet end panels the same as filler panels?
No. End panels finish the side of a cabinet. Filler panels are used to fill small gaps between cabinets or walls.
