STILE

A stile is a vertical piece of wood that is an integral part of a cabinet frame. To form the frame, two stiles are joined by rails, which are horizontal pieces. In addition to its role in the frame, a stile may also refer to the vertical piece of wood that is inserted in the center of a cabinet opening. This center stile provides support and enhances the strength and durability of the frame, especially when the cabinets are constructed using particle board or MDF. Although center stiles were more common in older homes, they are still found in kitchens with traditional or rustic designs. However, the presence of a center stile may reduce the size of the storage opening and make it more difficult to store larger items. While it may not provide any visual appeal, a center stile is an important feature that adds to the structural integrity of a cabinet.