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?
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 different 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 Style | End Panel Thickness (Door) | End Panel Thickness (Unit Material) |
|---|---|---|
| Altino | 18mm | 18mm |
| Carrera | 18mm | 18mm |
| Cento Graphite | 18mm | 18mm |
| Clayton | 19mm | 18mm |
| Linwood | 19mm | 18mm |
| Luca | 18mm | 18mm |
| Luca Gloss | 18mm | 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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