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Wall cabinets as base?

splat | Posted in General Discussion on February 16, 2005 08:20am

I am remodeling my kitchen which has an OK size eating area but the prep area is this small, narrow galley kitchen off the side. The galley space is roughly 79″ by 77″ with a 31″ wide window at the end(see pict). The window isn’t quite centered leaving 26″ to the jamb on one side and only 20″ on the other.

On the 26″ side there will be 24″ base cabinets and should go in OK. On the 20″ side I am contemplating putting in 12″ deep wall cabinets. And pulling the wall cabinets ~4″ off the wall to leave space between the counter top and the window casing.

What concerns are there for using wall cabinets as base? Behind the wall cabinets I would build a frame with 1x boards to support the back of the counter and for attaching the cabinets to. Do the wall cabinets have the vertical strength? I’m planning on getting IKEA cabinets, which have particle board frames.

Any feedback on Ikea cabinets in general would be interesting as well?  I have a couple friends who are happy with theirs and consumer reports seemed to like them a lot.

eric

<Edit> i found a long thread on Ikea cabinets that was VERY down on them.  In my defense the kitchen is in a rental apt.  So I’d be more willing to spend money on durability than on style, which generally leads away from Ikea.  But more importanly the remodel is squeezing the timelines and I only have time for stock cabinets.  As far as I can tell Ikea makes a good off the shelf cabinet.


Edited 2/16/2005 2:24 pm ET by splat


Edited 2/16/2005 2:31 pm ET by splat

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  1. Tark | Feb 16, 2005 08:51pm | #1

    Splat,

    I also read the Consumer's Digest report on both IKEA and MillsPride cabinets that Home Depot sells as well. From a price-to-quality ratio, they are pretty hard to beat. There are certainly much better and nicer cabinets, but I would not hesitate to place either of these cabinets into a mid-level apartment or home.

    As for using wall cab as a base, I'd consider trying it, just be sure the dimensions are what you need. You can build a base out of 2x4's for the wall cabinets to sit on and place the toe kick in front and nobody should be the wiser (but again watch the dimensions so that the finish height is not too high. Alternatively, you can purchase base cabinets and cut them back to the depth you need, perhaps you can get 16' inches rather then just 12"

    Tark

    1. User avater
      basswood | Feb 16, 2005 09:46pm | #3

      sounds good to me...i have done this several times and have two photos of wall cabinets used as base cabinets at basswoodhomes.com on the resources page (basswood photo portfolio). i have feed back that the photo files are a bit large so the pages may load slowly. in one picture wall cabinets are used as the base of a bookcase, the other a kitchen doorway limited wall space. it makes for a good place to set keys, grocery bags, and in this case--sit down.
      not much counter space, but enough for small, occasional use appliances, a blender, toaster etc.Edited 2/16/2005 1:47 pm ET by basswood

      Edited 2/16/2005 1:48 pm ET by basswood

    2. splat | Feb 16, 2005 10:30pm | #4

      >Alternatively, you can purchase base cabinets and cut them back to the depth you need, perhaps you can get 16' inches rather then just 12"

      Interesting...the cabinet would probably need some bracing in back to keep square.  Perhaps, chopping off a couple inches from a base cabinet and screwing a 1/2" piece of plywood on would be easier than the wall cabinet route.

      eric

      1. MJLonigro | Feb 16, 2005 10:42pm | #5

        I've done alot of kitchens that have wall cabinets as base...it's a common design for space issues...build a 2x4 base for them to sit on...works every time..

        I have a wall cabinet as a base in an island at my own house...

        The problem with cutting a base in depth is that usually base cabinets have a drawer towards the top...if you cut the depth you have to buy shorter drawer glides and possibly even cut the drawer depth down, too...

        Check the spec sheets, some manufacturers offer 16" or 18" deep wall cabinets...Cabinet manufacturers realize that there products are used for a variety of installation such as bookcases, entertainment centers, etc...so they offer a broader range of sizes...

        Another option is to purchase vanity base cabinets...vanity bases come in 17" and 21" depth..the problem is that they ar eonly 30" tall as opposed to the 34-1/2" that kitchen bases are...but it may be something to look into....

      2. Tark | Feb 16, 2005 11:12pm | #6

        Bracing the cabinet should not be too much of a problem. Install 1x4's between the cabinet sides.

  2. User avater
    RichBeckman | Feb 16, 2005 09:14pm | #2

    I cannot address any of your concerns. I've not enough experience with cabinets to know...

    ...but I once suggested to a customer that using wall cabinets as base would perfectly solve the layout problem she was having (and it would've too).

    You would've thought I suggested that she convert the kitchen into a satanic ritual area. Wall cabinets as base! Horrors!!!

    LOL!

    They never did do anything to that kitchen!

    Rich Beckman

    Another day, another tool.

  3. User avater
    CapnMac | Feb 16, 2005 11:13pm | #7

    Usually the only "hiccup" with a wall cabinet as a base, is not having a drawer at the top to match the others.  In some ways, it's better, as the wall cabinet will often have adjustable shelves.

    If the cabinet line comes with sticks of "toe board" to cover over the plain-carcass toek kicks, just remember to get a bit extra for your site-made toekick.  Don't forget that you may need some non-stock finished endpanels, too.  Either are right easy to forget, and leave you waiting to finish an almost-done project.  Which can take the fun out of a thing.

    Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
  4. User avater
    JeffBuck | Feb 16, 2005 11:14pm | #8

    wall cab's as bases are done all the time.

    just gotta decide if U need a toe kick under there ...

    if so .. just build one outta 2x ... and skin.

     

    the problem I see is the Ikea cabs ...

    Ikea cab's are crap.

    so are HD knock down's ... the Mills Pride junk.

     

    I read your edit ... for that reason alone ... being a rental ... I'd look elsewhere.

     

    tough spot to be in time wise ... but Ikea stuff really is crap.

    Jeff

      Buck Construction 

       Artistry in Carpentry

            Pgh, PA

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