We were asked the question below the other day and thought it would make a useful article to share with other like minded readers. So, here it is.
(Q) I’m Looking for a new kitchen an need to keep the costs down. How do I know which cupboards need end panels etc?
Well, the answer to this question all depends on the door style that you have opted for.
If you choose a door style like Cento Wenge, then we have a carcase colour called Wenge as well, which is a perfect match with the door style.
Because the doors and carcases are virtually identical, you would not need an end panel as the side of the carcase would match the doors and give your kitchen a completed look and finish. Some people do opt for an end panel if they have an exposed side of units at the end of a run that does not butt up to a wall.
Also, some people put an end panel at the end of a run of units that butts up to a wall to fill in something like a 20mm gap. But, using a filler here would be more cost effective. Most kitchen fitters would use a bit of plinth as a cheaper filler alternative.
High gloss or painted kitchens
If you opt to buy a high gloss kitchen like one in our Carerra Gloss range then you are going to need an end panel if you have an exposed end at the end of a kitchen run or have a gap in your wall units between your cooker canopy.
The image below shows you an end panel being used where a gap in a wall run is required.
High gloss or painted doors give a really nice effect to the kitchen but the kitchen units are matt finished and would look dull against your doors without an end panel.
The best indication as to whether you’re going to need end panels is by looking at the page below after you have chosen your door style.
https://www.diy-kitchens.com/kitchen-units/plinths-panels-and-accessories/end-panels/
If you see “We recommend you buy your end panels in Door Material to match the finish of your chosen door style.” then you’ll need end panels.
If you see “You can buy your end panels in either Door Material or Unit Material (If available) the choice is yours.” Then you can get away without end panels as the carcase is a very good match to that of the doors.
Considerations to make
So, the first consideration you need to make is “how much budget do I have for a new kitchen?” Then look at your kitchen design and work out how many end panels would be needed, should you choose a kitchen that absolutely needs them. Then price up these end panels in your chosen kitchen style and you’ll be able to see the extra amount the kitchen would cost you before you start to price up the units.
Cost savings can be made on the kitchen units as well. Read our “How to keep new kitchen costs down” article for more information on this. You may find the savings that you could make here allow for the kitchen of your dreams to fall right within your budget!
Also remember that end panels come in various thicknesses, so remember to factor these in to the total length of your kitchen run as you are adding units to it. There are some examples of kitchens below with the end panel sizes that are available.
| Kitchen Family | End Panel Thickness (Door) | End Panel Thickness (Unit Material) |
|---|---|---|
| Altino | 18mm | 18mm |
| Carrera | 18mm & 25mm | 18mm |
| Cento Graphite | 50mm | 18mm |
| Clayton | 19mm & 25mm | 18mm |
| Linwood | 19mm & 25mm | 18mm |
| Luca | 18mm & 25mm | 18mm |
| Luca Gloss | 18mm & 25mm | 18mm |
| Malton Oak | 18mm | 18mm |
The page below will allow you to see what end panels we have available and and to change the kitchen style.
Fitting an end panel
The video below shows how to measure and fit an end panel and how it would look at the end of your kitchen run.
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Hello, thanks so much for this article. I would be very grateful for some advice on the units I am looking to buy please.
I’m interested in the Norton alabaster tall units with alabaster carcasses for my utility room, however the end panels are making things almost prohibitively expensive. Is it possible to run the plinth down the side of the units to just hide the legs? As it’s in the utility, I am less bothered about the overall appearance.
Thank you.
Hi, the plinth can be used as fillers, if the front face will only be seen, as they are not edged on other sides like fillers or end panels.
I am thinking of getting a Cento light-grey kitchen. Am I right in thinking that the cabinets would be the same colour as the doors and that I would not need end panels on the wall units either side of the (canopy) extractor?
Hi, the doors and the carcase are made from the same material, so the colour will be the same.
Hi,
We have a mix of tall & base units on one wall with end panels in between some of the units. Is it acceptable to align the bottom edge of these ‘middle end panels’ with the bottom edge of the unit (above the legs), so the plinth can run uninterrupted underneath?
Also, when connecting units with an end panel in between, are there any longer connecting fasteners available or do you just screw into the end panel from either side?
Thanks.
Hi, the tall end panels are very heavy, so if you wanted to, you could cut the bottom of the end panel back, so that it goes behind the plinth (allowing a constant run of plinth), but leave the rest of the ‘height of the end panel’, so that it touches the floor (behind the plinth/under the units). It gives more stability this way was well.
With regards to end panels and attaching them, you just need to screw into the end panels from the inside of the units. Just ensure the length of the screw is smaller than the thickness of the unit and end panel combined.
Do I need to have fillers between each base unit or can the units go right next to each other?
Hi, base units can be fitted right next to each other. At the end of a run there is usually a corner post or a filler if there is a small gap left and a corner post is not required.
We will be buying a 1970mm high integrate fridge freeze and a 1970mm tall larder unit to fit next to each other in a narrow end (alcove) of our kitchen (inframe helmsley range). The sides won’t really be visible as there’s only a small gap between the units and either side walls. Do we need an end panel either side of each unit? I’m presuming the plinths will fit to the legs not the end panel
Hi, end panels aren’t always needed and quite often they are used for aesthetics. If the sides of your units can’t be seen then you could just use some filler panels to cover the gap or modern cornice/pelmet if the gap is only small. The plinths are attached to the legs of the units and then the plinth can either be retuned down the side of the unit or butted up to end panels, if they are used.
Hi,
I have a query. I am looking to by the Luca Matt kitchen range. I am going to have a run in our kitchen where our freestanding washing machine and freestanding tumble dryer will be housed. I have read your article regarding freestanding appliances, so I know that we’ll need to bring the row of units off the wall and a deeper worktop to accommodate this.
My freestanding washing machine will be housed next to a tall appliance housing (70/30 fridge freezer) which will we 2150mm high. Is it my understanding that this will not be possible, as your tall end panel only comes in 600mm widths, and there will be a gap showing. Also, the island backing panel cannot be used as it is only 2000mm in length and will not be tall enough?
Many thanks.
Hi, if you give our sales team a quick call on 01977 608 418 then they will be able to see if there is a workaround for you or if a panel can be made to fit the space.
Hi
We are looking at the Luca gloss doors for the new kitchen, and the existing kitchen has a built in open cupboard.
We are looking to replace it with an open cupboard in white, but wonder what it would look like against the Gloss Luca doors, as the unit will be Matt finish?
Thanks
Gary
Hi, the matt white carcase would stand out a little against the gloss doors as the textures are different. You could order samples here, so that you can see how it would look in the light of day, before ordering. If you need anymore assistance with this then our sales team will be able to help on 01977 608 418.
Hi
Do i need filler panels on either side of a freestanding electric oven which is in the middle of a row of base units? As there would be a break in the plinth where the cooker is i guess it looks better to run the plinth up to these filler panels ? The carcase material is oak colour and the the door material is Norton bespoke painted and i originally assumed the cooker would neatly slot in between the base units but looking at some other kitchen illustrations they show panel or fillers on either side.
To do this – should i order 2 filler panels (900x100mm) in door material OR cut 2x plinth lengths to 900mm size to use as fillers as i don’t want to go to the expense of 2 end panels?
I realise i have to be mindful that this will extend the length of the run by the filler depths (ie 2 x 19mm).
Also is it advisable to allow an actual gap for heat reasons on either side of an freestanding electric oven?
Hi Mike, yes we do advise that fillers are used either side of a free standing cooker.
I would recommend using door material filler panels. The plinth is not edged down the long sides, so wouldn’t be a suitable product to use as a filler.
You don’t need to leave a gap either side, the fillers will be sufficient.
Hi for the clayton kitchen the end panels are 19mm thick. But the pelmet is 25mm thick? If I was to frame a wall unit how would this work, would it not look a bit odd? I wouldnt be choosing the modern pelmet but the plain one instead.
Hi Adam, if you were wanting to have the same thickness all the way around the units, you would need to use the end panels above and below the wall units. These would need to be cut down to the size that you require these to be. Using different sizes can create a nice effect. You can see some examples of Clayton kitchens on this page here. If you were to go for a more modern look, you would usually use the pelmet as both cornice and pelmet (above and below wall units)
Hi. I’m currently looking at Linwood. I am in the same predicament as Adam. I do not like the cornice option so am looking into framing the wall units. I do not like the depth of the pelmet and would prefer the frame to all be one (smaller) depth.
I realise you can use end panels to achieve the 19mm all the way around, as stated above. However, in and effort to save costs, I wonder if I could use plinth or filler for the top of the wall units, which are also 19mm in depth?
Are the door material end panels, plinths and fillers all finished on the front, back and four edges? If not how are each of these products finished?
Many thanks,
Samantha
Hi Samantha, the door material end panels and fillers are finished on all edges, however the plinth is finished on the front and back so there is raw edges on the long sides of the plinth.
Hi. I’m currently about to buy the Linwood and am in the same predicament as Adam as do not like the cornice or the pelmet.
In order to help me make a decision re framing wall units, can you advise if the following DOOR MATERIAL products are finished on front, back and all four edges, or otherwise?
Panel
Plinth
Filler
Thanks,
Samantha
Hi Samantha, the door material end panels and fillers are finished on all edges, however the plinth is finished on the front and back so there is raw edges on the long sides of the plinth.
Hi, I hope someone can help me over the weekend please! I am planning to put 2 x 800mm double wall units – 575 high next to each other each other above my sink. We can’t use the larger 720 high wall units due to a structural downstand and wanting a reasonable clearance above the sink. I would like to finish this arrangement with plinth, cornice and end panels. But I can’t see end panels the right height, are they available or what can we use? Cutting down will leave a raw edge I’m guessing. Many thanks.
Hi Caroline, you would need to choose the closest sized end panel and cut it down to size. The exposed end would then go at the top and it would never be seen, as it would be near the ceiling.
Hi I am looking to buy a shaker style kitchen with the same colour units so i can keep the cost down on end panels
my question is at the end of my base units could i use the laminate work top as end panels ??
cheers Kellie
Hi Kellie, We cannot see any problems with this and we have done this in our showroom with a laminate worktop. The worktop would need to be edged on both sides though, so that there are no exposed edges.
Hi I need a Luca white gloss end panel for a 300 deep 2300 high lader cupboard. Both front and back edge of this will be visible. If I cut down a 650 deep end panel will a raw edge then be visable? I can’t see one 300 deep.
Hi, the end panels are finished on all 4 sides, so if you cut it in half vertically, you will have 1 raw edge visible. There are no tall 300mm deep end panels available on our website. If you give our sales team a call on 01977 608 418 then they’ll be able to advise you on if there is a workaround for this issue.
I am purchasing Norton Carbon units with Graphite Carcasses. I have 2 units at each end of the unit run . A tall Oven Housing at one end with a long run of wall units ending with a Dresser Unit at the other. I have allowed for a Tall End Panel and a Dresser Panel at each end but in terms of appearance and colour match if I should allow for 2 extra End Panels on both sides of each of these units & to cover the Oven Door edges and Dresser drawers on both sides. Please advise
Hi, you would usually only put the end panels where there are visible sides, not against wall or anywhere else they aren’t required.
Hi,
It was really a query in respect of the 2 sides that are adjacent the Wall Units as there is 490mm under the wall units of exposed carcass at each end. I finally figured it out and realised that they will need full height panels as well as it would throw the line of the base units below out by 20mm relative to the wall units. Thanks for your prompt reply though.
Hi,
I’m wondering if your in-frame kitchens also need end panels? What would it look like without end panels? And what would it look like with end panels but no radius end? (I’m looking at the Ayton bespoke)
Thanks,
Brid-Aine
Hi, end panels on all kitchens are mainly optional and are used to cover the ends of units if the colour is different from that of the doors. The image below shows a tongue & grooved end panel being used at the end of a dresser unit as the unit is a completely different colour.
Hi. We are building an island which includes pan drawer units. Do you have to remove the drawers to fix the end panels on?
Hi, end panels are usually screwed in from the inside, so that no screws are visible. You would need to remove the pan drawers to do this to gain access to the back.
Do you need extra end panels with a built in washer, dishwasher etc. Or do the appliance doors just butt up to adjacent unit without leaving any gaps either side?
Hi, end panels are only required when they are on the end of a run.
Hi, are the alabaster carcasses a good match for the Malton alabaster doors? Thanks
Hi, yes they are and they are the recommended carcase for the door colour on our website when you select it.
Why are your tongue and groove end panels 20mm taller than the units and 50mm taller than the walk in larder?
All end panels are oversized so you can scribe them to your walls and floors if they run out.
Good Afternoon,
I am looking at the Luca Matt Handleless kitchen in white. I noticed that it recommends to use end panels/plinths etc. that match the doors. Is this because it is a handleless kitchen? I am not bothered about continuing the handleless look with the end panels, so would it look OK to use carcass end panels as needed instead of the handleless end panels?
Hi,
The kitchen units, although white, are not as bright/crisp nor have the soft sheen that the doors have. It really is personal preference which you choose but ordering in door material will ensure that all the visible parts of your kitchen (plinth, cornice, pelmet, end panels & doors) all look the same.
Thank you for clarifying.
Do the panels have grooves at the top like the handle less doors? Or is it only the handle less doors that have the grooves? I would like the end panels to have the same finish as the doors but not the grooves.
Hi,
The end panels do not have the handle groove. They only have the same finish as the doors.
Surely if you add end panels to the side of a unit, it will add an extra 18-25mm to the width of the unit and the door won’t line up to the edge?
The end panels go on the outside and do add another 18-25mm to the side of a unit. The door covers the unit fine and the end panel comes out so it is inline with the door.
Look at the unit to the left of the sink to see how some units are encapsulated with an end panel either side.
Thank you.
One final question… What panel would you use for the back of a peninsular? I noticed that there is a back panel for a peninsular available in the size I need (1800mm) only in the carcass material.
Hi,
The best thing to do is give the sales team a call on 01977 608 418 and see if one can be made in your chosen door style.
Great, thanks for that.
I am going to be putting a tall unit up against a base unit, which will mean that half of the side of the tall unit will be on show. Is there an end panel big enough to cover the side of the wall unit?
Hi, we have tall end panels that will cover the side. All end panels are shown on the page below.
https://www.diy-kitchens.com/kitchen-units/plinths-panels-and-accessories/end-panels/
Right now I have a freestanding american-style fridge freezer (about 900 wide by 1800 tall) which is between 2 high units, which are joined by above the FF by some shelves. The high unit at one side where the worktop begins is also finished by side panel.
I want to replace these with one of your kitchens, but will be having a high unit then the FF then the worktop will begin immediately after that. So…
1) Can I get a side panel which will be the size of one of your high units?
2) Will this panel be rigid enough to not need to attach to a tall unit, only the base unit which will support the worktop, and whatever is above the FF?
3) If the answer to 2 is yes, are there any shelves/units that will span between one tall unit and a end panel, to fill the gap above the FF?
We supply end panels available for base units, wall units and tall units so we can supply a full size panel.
We would suggest for additional support fixing the panel to the base unit, plus either a bracket from the panel to the back wall or floor.
In regards to shelves if you would like matching door material shelves, these would be ordered as panels and cut to size.
I am designing a kitchen where there are base units are next to and I between my free standing washing machine and dishwasher. Do I need any end panels on the sides where the appliances are? I am looking at the linwood range with lamp grey doors and light grey carcases
Hi, if you have freestanding appliances under your worktop then you can do the following.
(1) If your doors are a good match for the carcases then simply return the plinth down the side of the units right up to the wall. The light grey carcase is brighter than the Linwood lamp room grey doors. The stone grey carcase is more of a match for the doors. It may be worth ordering some carcase samples and a door sample before committing to anything. https://www.diy-kitchens.com/samples/carcase-samples/
(2) If you want a nice clean finish each side of the units where the appliances will go then a base end panel would do this really well. Base end panels in the Linwood range would be about £47 each.
There is no extra charge though for changing your carcase colour, so this would be the cheapest option.
I hope this helps
hi. I am fitting cento wenge plinths and would like to use iron on edging to seal the cut ends. Do you have this available?
Hi, the page below allows you to buy the edging tape that you need. https://www.diy-kitchens.com/searchresults/wp39/
Quick question regarding your end panels specifically for the Luca gloss range.
I have a design laid out which would incorporate a fair few end panels and awkward boiler to house. Being the cost conscious person I am can you confirm whether the Luca high gloss range end panels are finished on both front and back edge (the lips not flat sides) as if they are the design would allow me the flexablity to use fewer end panels
Thanks
Hi,
The Luca end panels are finished on all 4 edges.
How does a row of wall units above a worktop butt up against a tall unit for an integrated fridge/freezer? Do I need a spacer panel between the two, or an end panel on the tall unit, or both?
Many thanks.
Hi,
It depends on the door style, on some styles you will need a tall end panel and in other door styles the carcase is a good match to the door, so no tall panel is required.
Thanks
Hi,
I’m looking to add an end panel to a base unit. They panels measure 900mm – but isn’t a base unit 720mm plus legs at 150mm giving a height of 870mm.
I presumed the worktop would overlap the end of the run of units, so the end panel would butt up underneath. In this case, do I need to order a MFC end panel?
Hi,
Your measurements are correct and the end panel would need to be cut to size. The worktop would then overlap the end panel to give a seamless finish. Whether you order an end panel in door or unit material, both can be cut by you or your kitchen fitter to size, when you fit your kitchen.
Hi – really useful information on this site – many thanks.
One question I do have though is that if adding end panels would be be worth mentioning to people that they would need to build the thickness of the end panels into their overall measurements for each run of wall/base cabinets.
I have tried looking on the site for details re the thickness of the universal carcus matching cabinet ends but the product only details the width and length not the thickness.
I note that the for the end panels that are made of the same material as the doors the thickness is detailed on your site as being 28mm – can you confirm that the universal end panels are also 28mm?
Many thanks
Hi,
I have updated the article below to cover your points and question. The section called “Considerations to make” is where you will find the additional comments and information.
Useful article – thank you. I’m looking to install a full height (2m +) end panel in a position where some parts of both sides of the panel will be visible. It will come at the end of a run of both wall and base units, next to where we will put our free standing fridge freezer and will prevent anything falling of the worktop down the side of the fridge. Are there any end panels in door material that are fully double sided? If I am reading the description of the end panels correctly the reverse side is only partially finished. If not, is the tall end panel in unit material finished on both sides?
Hi,
Some end panels, depending on kitchen style, are finished on both sides. When placing your order if you could ring the sales team on 01977 608 418 then they will be able to advise you on the end panels available or if one can be made the way you need it.
How do fix Cornell oak end panels to base units?
Hi,
The end panels would be screwed in from the inside of the unit, which butts up to the end panel.