Raising the height of your kitchen cabinets is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward project, depending on just how much height you want to add.
One of the most common ways to raise kitchen cabinets is by using a base kit. This consists of plywood, furring strips, and other mounting materials to make a platform for your existing cabinets to rest on, providing additional height without any permanent modifications to the cabinets themselves.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, then you can always directly modify the cabinets themselves. You can add pieces of wood to the sides or bottom of the cabinet boxes, or even to the underside of the counter-top itself, depending on the design of your cabinets.
You can also use other types of materials such as metal brackets.
For either option, it’s important to plan out your design beforehand to make sure that it’s structurally sound and that all of the measurements are correct. It’s also a good idea to check local building codes to ensure that any modifications you make are up to code.
Finally, when adding additional height to your kitchen cabinets always keep in mind the weight of the items that you’re putting inside of them. It may be necessary to add additional supports to ensure that the cabinets are able to carry the weight.
Can you raise existing kitchen cabinets?
Yes, you can raise existing kitchen cabinets with a few simple steps. The first step is to measure the existing cabinets and then decide how tall you want the cabinets to be. Make sure to purchase the proper materials and hardware for the job which includes lumber, brackets, screws and nails.
The next step is to use a reciprocating saw to cut off the bottom of the cabinets and remove the old countertop. After removing the countertop and bottom of the cabinets, you can add new legs or risers to the cabinets to raise them up.
Secure the new structure with nails and screws, and then install the new countertop. Make sure to fill any gaps with caulk and paint the new structure if desired. With these simple steps, your existing kitchen cabinets can be raised in no time!.
Why are kitchen cabinets raised off the floor?
Raising kitchen cabinets off the floor provides a couple of practical and aesthetic benefits. Firstly, it prevents wet or damp floors from damaging cabinetry, especially when you have a spill. It also raises them up so they are more easily reached, providing easier access and more storage space.
Another reason for raising kitchen cabinets off the floor is that kitchen floors aren’t always smooth and even. It’s common to have small variations in height, which can cause kitchen cabinets to lean or tilt if they directly rest on the floor.
Raising them off the ground allows them to be level and prevents any unsightly gaps or shelves that are not correctly aligned. Finally, raising cabinets adds extra design appeal and style – it creates the illusion of height and space, making the kitchen look taller and more open.
How high should a cabinet be off the floor?
The ideal height for most kitchen cabinets, including base cabinets and wall cabinets, is 18-30 inches off the floor. The height of the cabinets from the floor should be influenced by the user’s height and comfort level.
Tall users may prefer higher cabinets for easier access to items in the back, while shorter users may prefer lower cabinets that are within more comfortable reach. Additionally, it is important to measure the height of any appliances and other items you plan to store beneath the cabinets to ensure there is enough clearance.
If you are installing cabinets in a bathroom, keep in mind any additional items that may be stored beneath, such as a laundry hamper, and plan for adequate storage and clearance.
What is the purpose of the toe kick in kitchen cabinets?
The purpose of the toe kick in kitchen cabinets is to provide space at the base of the cabinet that allows users to comfortably access items stored inside of it. This makes it easier to reach items that may be hard to reach from the top of the cabinet.
For example, if you are only able to reach a certain height, items stored in the back of the cabinet can be accessed by standing in the toe kick space and reaching up and over. Additionally, kitchen toe kicks can help visually frame the cabinets and keep feet from making contact with the cabinetry, which can potentially cause damage over time.
Additionally, because the toe kick is installed flush with the floor, it can help create a smoother transition between different flooring or wall materials and the cabinetry, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing look.
How far off the floor should cabinets be?
The exact distance cabinets should be off the floor depends on the size of the cabinet and the available space in the room. Additionally, it also depends on if the cabinets will be fitted with a base or not.
Generally, cabinets are placed 18 to 20 inches off the floor if there is a base installed underneath, and 34 inches up from the floor if there is not. However, these measurements may be altered depending on the height of the room, the preferences of the user, or the size of the cabinets.
It’s important to consider how cabinets will be used to determine the optimal height for them. For example, if the cabinets will be used for storage, it may be beneficial to have them higher up in the room, so items can be accessed more easily.
It’s important to take your individual needs into consideration when deciding on how far off the floor your cabinets should be.
Should kitchen floor go under cabinets?
It is generally advisable to have kitchen flooring go under the cabinets. This helps to create a more unified look as the cabinets can be set level with the flooring and therefore appear to be more seamlessly integrated into the room design.
Another benefit of having the flooring go underneath the cabinets is that it will help to protect them from any potential water damage that might occur from spilled liquids or from steam off from the stove.
This will minimize the amount of maintenance and upkeep needed for the cabinetry, potentially leading to a longer lifetime of use. Additionally, this method of installation can camouflage any discrepancies between two different types of flooring that may have been used in the adjacent areas.
In conclusion, having the kitchen floor extend underneath the cabinets is generally a recommended practice that can yield aesthetic, practical and protective benefits.
Why don’t you put flooring under cabinets?
Putting flooring under cabinets is not necessary or recommended in most cases, for a few reasons. First, cabinets are typically installed on top of the subflooring, rather than below it. The cabinets’ weight sits on the floor, so there is no need to cushion them or provide further support from underneath.
In addition, because of the way cabinets are constructed, most receive limited water and spills, meaning there is usually no need to protect the flooring under the cabinets. Finally, since there is no risk of water damage, the cabinet installation itself provides the necessary protection for the flooring.
Considering the fact that putting flooring under cabinets likely won’t add any additional benefit, it is usually not a necessary step in the installation process.
Can I put my cabinets on a floating floor?
Yes, you can put your cabinets on a floating floor. However, considering that most cabinets are quite heavy, it’s important to make sure the floor is sufficiently reinforced and has proper support. The floating floor should be thick enough and provide a stable base for the weight of the cabinets.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the cabinets are properly secured to wall studs or joists, so they don’t move or sink into the floor. If done properly, you should have no problems putting your cabinets on a floating floor.
Can I install floating floor under kitchen cabinets?
Yes, it is possible to install floating floor under kitchen cabinets. Floating floor installation involves laying individual boards on top of a foam underlayment, then securing the boards together using a tongue-and-groove system.
Floating floor is great under cabinets because it provides an optimal surface for cabinets and appliances to rest upon, making it both stylish and functional. Installing floating floor under kitchen cabinets requires insulation between cabinets and the floor, additional padding to reduce sound and movement, and the correct adhesive for your floating floor’s material.
To ensure proper installation, it is always best to consult a professional. With all of the correct materials, tools, and access to an experienced installer, installing floating floor under kitchen cabinets can be a good investment, adding style and value to your home.
