Walk into any kitchen showroom, open any design magazine, or scroll through any home renovation platform and you will encounter an avalanche of cabinet terminology: shaker, inset, flat-front, full overlay, partial overlay, raised panel, beadboard. If you are planning a kitchen renovation, understanding what these terms actually mean — and more importantly, what they will look like in your home — is one of the most important decisions you will make.

If you have spent any time shopping for flooring in the Charleston area, you have probably heard a contractor or designer say something like: "That is a beautiful choice — but it will not last here." It is not a sales tactic. It is the truth, and ignoring it is one of the most expensive mistakes a Lowcountry homeowner can make.