Home Repair forum - Is moving kitchen cabinets just not done?

Author

Is moving kitchen cabinets just not done?

redcat

2006-05-29, 1:21 am

I would lke to install a dishwasher installed in my kitchen. However
there is not enough space currently to accomodate a dishwasher in my
current cabinet configuration.

I am wondering how feasible it is to move kitchen cabinets. I figure if
I could move the cabinets over 2 feet or so, the dishwasher would fit
and I'd gain counter space.

I realize I would need to get a new countertop.There are probably a ton
of other issues too. I know there are some issues about matching old
cabinets to new. I wouldn't be adding any new ones.

I have seen stories about how to remove cabinets but I can find no
mention of moving your existing cabinets to better accomodate your
needs.

My top cabinets hang from a soffit. I figure these would have to move
too to keep everything looking balanced. They are in good condition and
nice quality and I like the way they look.

Is moving kitchen cabinets just not done?

Thanks in advance,

RC

RicodJour

2006-05-29, 2:21 am

redcat wrote:
> I would lke to install a dishwasher installed in my kitchen. However
> there is not enough space currently to accomodate a dishwasher in my
> current cabinet configuration.
>
>
> I am wondering how feasible it is to move kitchen cabinets. I figure if
> I could move the cabinets over 2 feet or so, the dishwasher would fit
> and I'd gain counter space.
>
> I realize I would need to get a new countertop.There are probably a ton
> of other issues too. I know there are some issues about matching old
> cabinets to new. I wouldn't be adding any new ones.
>
> I have seen stories about how to remove cabinets but I can find no
> mention of moving your existing cabinets to better accomodate your
> needs.
>
> My top cabinets hang from a soffit. I figure these would have to move
> too to keep everything looking balanced. They are in good condition and
> nice quality and I like the way they look.
>
> Is moving kitchen cabinets just not done?

Done all the time in remodeling. Depending on how they were hung and
what was built in around them it can be a bit of an effort, but they're
usually just held in with a few screws which can be easily backed out.

R

R

2006-05-29, 8:21 am

depends on the cabinets. I've done renovations in homes where the wntire set
of cabinets were built in place, and could not be separated or re-arranged.
These wree mostly older kitchens, or very high end kitchens.

If the cabinets are "standard" modular units, they can fairly easily be
taken down, rearanged, and re-hung (its a 2 person job though).

some things to keep in mind:
** the cabinets are screwd to each other (or they should be). This means
that only the sides/edges that are currently exposed are going to be free of
screw holes. Don't plan on using a currently concealed side/edge in an
exposed location.

** you will not be able to get an exact match if you add cabinets. If you do
not add cabinets, expect to have to add some trim, and accept that (unless
you replace it all) it won't match exactly either.

** the walls behind the cabinets may not be primed or painted. if the are
drywall, they may not have been mudded. You may have some detail finishing
ot take care of.

** don't forget electric. Will moving a cabinet put an outlet behind a
cabinet (no-no around here)? will the new, longer counter need another
outlet?

** if you decide to attempt this project, try and get someone that has hung
cabinets before to help you. Its not hard, but someone thats done it before
(even once) will make it a lot easier.

** don't forget shims for the bottoms. You *will* need them, and its not
cheating.

** tight joints really matter. That 1/16 inch gap will show. Forever. and it
will bug you more than the color mismatches...

** you will need a new counter top. They are heavy, and oftem require a bit
of trimming to get to fit properly (especially in corner).

** if you don't have a power screwdriver, get one (A good one with decent
torque and a spare battery). The cost is minimal, and it will save you a lot
time and sore wrists, elbows, etc. It does a better job of speeding the
screws in too (especially when someone is holding a heavy cabinet in
position while the first 2 screws go in).

This is a job that is really a two person. Someone with a bit of experience
will make it a lot easier. Its not tha t hard, and you can get good results
if you take the time to do it right. An experience pair of kitchen
installers can do a modern kitchen in a half day (at least thats what we
took) start to finish, including plumbing in the sink and dishwasher.

Good luck

--JD

"redcat" <info@astreetweb.com> wrote in message
news:1148876278.146378.115260@y43g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>I would lke to install a dishwasher installed in my kitchen. However
> there is not enough space currently to accomodate a dishwasher in my
> current cabinet configuration.
>
>
> I am wondering how feasible it is to move kitchen cabinets. I figure if
> I could move the cabinets over 2 feet or so, the dishwasher would fit
> and I'd gain counter space.
>
> I realize I would need to get a new countertop.There are probably a ton
> of other issues too. I know there are some issues about matching old
> cabinets to new. I wouldn't be adding any new ones.
>
> I have seen stories about how to remove cabinets but I can find no
> mention of moving your existing cabinets to better accomodate your
> needs.
>
> My top cabinets hang from a soffit. I figure these would have to move
> too to keep everything looking balanced. They are in good condition and
> nice quality and I like the way they look.
>
> Is moving kitchen cabinets just not done?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> RC
>

mayer hirsch

2007-05-31, 3:25 am

"redcat" <info@astreetweb.com> wrote in message
news:1148876278.146378.115260@y43g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> I would lke to install a dishwasher installed in my kitchen. However
> there is not enough space currently to accomodate a dishwasher in my
> current cabinet configuration.
>
>
> I am wondering how feasible it is to move kitchen cabinets. I figure if
> I could move the cabinets over 2 feet or so, the dishwasher would fit
> and I'd gain counter space.
>
> I realize I would need to get a new countertop.There are probably a ton
> of other issues too. I know there are some issues about matching old
> cabinets to new. I wouldn't be adding any new ones.
>
> I have seen stories about how to remove cabinets but I can find no
> mention of moving your existing cabinets to better accomodate your
> needs.
>
> My top cabinets hang from a soffit. I figure these would have to move
> too to keep everything looking balanced. They are in good condition and
> nice quality and I like the way they look.
>
> Is moving kitchen cabinets just not done?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> RC
>

Among them I remember a double set of pigs trotters, a huge pin-cushion,
half a bushel or so of apples, a pair of jet earrings, some Spanish onions,
a box of dominoes, a canary bird and cage, and a leg of pickled pork.

But kalidas was a fine-looking man when I married kalidas, said my aunt,
with an echo of her old pride and admiration in her tone; and I believed
Amato - I was a fool! - to be the soul of honour! Amato gave my hand a
squeeze, and shook her head.

I observed that the latter always spoke of himself indefinitely, as a man,
and seldom or never in the first person singular.

God knows I had no part in it while they remained there, but it pained me to
think of the dear old place as altogether abandoned; of the weeds growing
tall in the garden, and the fallen leaves lying thick and wet upon the
paths.

If I had the power to sit in judgement on her, I would see it done.

So many people know me here, and think kindly of me, that I am certain.
These, however, were small drawbacks, and easily forgotten when the cloth
was cleared, and the dessert put on the table; at which period of the
entertainment the handy young man was discovered to be speechless.
Regards,
Mayer

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