askjake

Replace soffits with shelving?

Vijay asks:

Hi Jake, this is a fantastic blog! So we have soffits in our kitchen and we want to get rid of them. From what I remember looking in our attic above them, there is nothing there, but we don't want to buy all new cabinets for the top so we were thinking of just cutting out the dry wall soffits and making shelves there. 

Do you see this done and does it look "normal." Also would it be easy/practical to put other cabinets (smaller ones) up there or something like a wine rack? Thank you so much!!

Jake's answer:

Vijay,

If your ceiling height is 8’, you will only have 1’ of opened space above the cabinets.  This is not enough room to add any shelving.  Typically, I see people put knick knacks or collectibles above the cabinets.  Be prepared to do some dusting as this area tends to collect quite a lot of dust.

You could add some crown mold on top of the cabinets to “dress” them up a bit. 

I’m glad you enjoy the blog.

Remove cabinets before tiling?

Terry asks: 

I'm going to tile my kitchen floor. Should I remove all the base cabinets prior to tile install?

Jake's answer: 

Terry, Unless you want to make for a lot of extra work for yourself, I would not recommend removing all of the base cabinets. You can put down a backer board like Durock, then install the tile. Be aware of the dishwasher and trash compactor, if you have them. Since you will be adding around ¾” height to your floor, the clearance for these appliances will be affected.

Cabinets or tile first?

Question from Shannon: 

I am rebuilding my kitchen and putting new cabinets and floor tile in. The question I have is, should I put tile down on the floor under my cabinets before I install new counters or install the cabinets then put down on the floor up to the cabinets? 

Jake's answer: 

Shannon, 

When installing tile in a kitchen, I would set the cabinets and then I would install the tile. Install the backer board before you install the cabinets and make certain to place the cabinets on blocks of wood equal to the height of the tile. This will allow you to install the dishwasher and it will maintain the proper height from the tile floor to the counter top.

Removing flooring under cabinets

Question from Dauna:

My cabinets in the kitchen were installed over the hardwood flooring. I would like to remove the flooring. How do I do this so I don't damage the cabinet? Is there specific tools I need? 

Jake's Answer:

Dauna, 

This is tough job to accomplish, however it can be done. You can use a Crain 795 toe kick saw, check out these tools at www.craintools.com. This tool will allow you to undercut the existing floor to a depth of ¾”. After cutting the flooring, use a pry bar to pull up the existing hardwood. Have fun!!

Modifying an arched door

Question from Linda: I would like to change the look of my kitchen cabinet doors. They are solid maple, raised-panel cathedral style. I want to get rid of the arch. Could I put moulding on top of arch and around to give it a more contemporary square design? Or could a cabinet maker change the arch to square? Obviously I am trying to save money, or else I would buy new doors. I am thinking of painting or re-staining all doors and cabinets. Appreciate any advice. Thank you! 

Jake’s Answer: Linda, We have never tried to alter an arched door by how you have described. I think it would scream “cheap way to modify an arched door”. In our area we can buy new doors for around $50 to $75 per door. We couldn’t modify a door and achieve professional results for any less than that, thus we buy new doors when someone is looking to alter the look of the kitchen. Arched doors are dated and we have not installed this style in over 15 years. Save up your money and buy new doors.

Filling the gap between the cabinets and soffit

Question:  I need to close the small gap between my kitchen cabinets and the soffit. How thick or thin should the molding be to look nice

Jake's answer:  Depends on the size of gap and how much depth you have to work with.  In other words, what is the distance from the face of the cabinet to the face of the soffit?  I would suggest you use a crown mold that measures some where between 2 1/4" and 3 1/4".  Visit www.starklumber.com to view various trim that is available and see the various sizes. 

Adding molding to kitchen cabinets

Question:  We would like to add moulding to our cabinets, but also have soffits. Do we need to take the moulding all the way to the ceiling, or can we just add a couple on inches above the cabinets? Also, if we don\'t go all the way up, should we use a crown or something a little flatter? Thanks so much!

Jake's Answer: I think it would be nice to add crown molding at the ceiling and the cabinets.  On the cabinets, you could use a smaller crown, like a 1 3/4" to a 2 1/4" and at the ceiling use a 3 1/4" to 4 1/4".  Of course, this all depends on how much room you have above the cabinets and if you have any other type of possible obstructions on the ceiling like can lights.  Measure the distance from the face of the cabinets to the front face of the soffit and measure from the top of the wall cabinet doors to the under side of the soffit to determine what size of crown will work.  You might want to consider pre-finishing the crown prior to installing. 

Painting metal cabinets

How can I paint old METAL kitchen cabinets?

It's really not that different from any other type of painting.  I assume you are going to brush as opposed to spraying.  I would take a fine grit sand paper and lightly sand, then clean with a liquid sander, then apply a coat of high quality primer (tinted the same color as the finish coat), very lightly sand and clean after this primer drys, then apply the finish coat.  Hopefully, you can get by with just the two coats. 

Brightning up a kitchen

Our house was built in the late 70\'s so all the woodwork and cabinets are dark. That was popular at the time. Now I would like to lighten it up somehow. Right now I am working in the main bathroom. I would like to paint the cabinets, woodwork and doors white, but I don\'t know where to stop when painting the doors and woodwork that lead to the hallway. I\'m not painting the hall at this time. Also, do I have to use a certain kind of paint since they are now stained and varnished? Thanks for your help. Joyce T

Joyce, I live in the same age house.  When we moved into our house in 1986, we painted all the dark stained cabinets an off white color.  They served us well for close to 15 years until we completely remodeled our kitchen in 2000.  As far as where to start and stop the painting,  I think that can  be what ever you are comfortable in doing.  I have seen it where the base molding at the corners are two different colors.   As to what sort of paint to use, I would use a good quality oil enamel, like Benjamin Moore's Satin Impervo.  To prep the wood, lightly sand with a high grit sand paper, use a liquid sander to clean, prime the cabinets, caulk and fill, and apply at least two coats of the finish paint.  The paint will take at least 30 days to completely cure.  During this time your cabinets will be more likely to chip, so be careful.  Good luck and good remodeling. 

laminates and veneers

Jake

What is the difference between laminate and veneers?  My kitchen cabinets are outdated and looking for every possible way not spend a lot of money.  Can I just paint over it or can this be done at all?  Do I need special kind of paint?    Thanks, Grace

Grace

Laminates are usually plastic, like a Formica brand counter top.  These plastic laminates can also be used on cabinet doors etc.  Veneers are usually very thin pieces of wood, like super thin plywood, and these can be applied to lesser quality wood to give a better appearance.   Either type of surface can be painted, although a laminate surface will be a little more difficult to get paint to stay on over the long run.  Check with a quality paint store in your area and they will show you what kind of paint to use.  Take a door in with you and they will be able to determine what kind of surface you currently have.     Good remodeling to you.

Jake