Replies

1. 
   MJLonigro | Nov 15, 2005 03:49am | #1

   For stock cabinets...base cabinets are 34-1/2" high

   Wall cabinets typically start at 54" above finished floor (AFF) and if they are 30" tall cabinets go to 84" AFF, 42" tall cabinets are 96" (AFF)

   Center you blocking on those dimensions and off you go...

2. 
   JDRHI | Nov 15, 2005 03:55am | #2

   Typically, cabinets are attached directly to the wall studs. "Bracing" is not necessary, but blocking is often a good idea.

   There are no "set" heights though. Each kitchen receives specific attention determined by the cabinets and layout.

   Example......if a 12" wall cabinet is going to fall between two studs spaced 16" OC, solid blocking between the studs, where the top and bottom of cabinet will land, is a good idea. Again....no hard and fast rules for heights....how tall are your cabinets? Whats your backsplash height? Etc.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

1. 
   DougU | Nov 15, 2005 04:37am | #6

   I used to install all the cabinets in the HFH homes and they always insisted on putting blocking in for me.

   I'd tell them where I wanted it(needed to humor them) and everytime they'd set the bottom end of the blocking at 36" off the floor and the bottom end of the upper at 84". I think they did that on 3 or 4 houses before I could convince them that I really didnt need it!

   Doug

3. 
   Matt | Nov 15, 2005 03:56am | #3

   Are you talking about blocking between the studs?  To tell you the truth, most people don't use any unless there are some very small wall cabinets - say 9" wide...  Generally, veteran cab installers don't need them.  Those guys are pretty darn good at finding studs.

   To answer your Q though, if you wanted some for the base cabinets the top of the blocks would go at about 36" off the floor.  For the wall cabs, the bottom of the wall cabs are about 18" above the top of the base cabs so the bottom of the blocking would be at about 54".  As far as the top of the wall cabs, it depends on whether you are using 30" or 42" cabinets.  There are other sizes too.

   BTW - I discourage the use of blocking in exterior walls unless it is really necessary.  It interferes with proper installation of insulation.

   Another random thought is that if you are to have a range hood or vented over range microwave that are to vent through the wall to the exterior, make sure there is not a stud in the way of where the duct needs to go later.

   
   

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   Edited 11/14/2005 7:57 pm ET by Matt

4. 
   gdcarpenter | Nov 15, 2005 04:07am | #4

   If it's an interior wall I like to use blocking between the studs so I don't have to hunt for  studs and can screw wherever I think best. I use scrap 2x6 or 2x8 material with the top of the lower blockers about 36" high and the net higher row has the bottom of the blocker about 52" high, top most blockers at height of top cabinets.

   Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

1. 
   Matt | Nov 15, 2005 04:19am | #5

   Interesting that you call 'em "blockers"  I've never heard that terminology and live in the same city as you...  (actually I'm in Apex).

1. 
   gdcarpenter | Nov 15, 2005 05:43am | #7

   Could be you've never heard the term on account of I'm not really a local. I'm a displaced Cannuk, married to a Jersey girl I met in Bermuda, and moved here from Little Rock. What do you call those things that you put between studs to screw cabinets to.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

1. 
   Matt | Nov 15, 2005 06:11am | #8

   Blocking... 

   Welcome.  How long ya been in NC?  I've been here only 12 years or so and am a transpalnt from across the border... the Virginia border :-)

   A guy I work with is cannuk - well sort of - I think his wife is and he at least speaks the language...

2. 
   jeffwoodwork | Nov 15, 2005 07:41pm | #9

   " What do you call those things that you put between studs to screw cabinets to."

   I think those are called water pipes.

   Never have had the need for blocking, if one small cabinet misses the stud it can be held up by the other cabs next to it.  If it is a stand alone or on the end of a run then it may need something.

   Jeff