skip to main content

gap between upper cabinet and wall, is this typical?

14 years ago

We are getting close to finishing up on details of our new build. Although our kitchen cabinets were installed about 6 weeks ago I didn't look at them in detail until yesterday when I was cleaning them in anticipation of loading them up. Since I'm a bit OCD I was also wiping the underside of the upper cabinets. On one wall we needed to have a 1" spacer at each end of the cabinet run in order for our full overlay doors to open properly. The light rail runs the full length of the face front of the cabinets so no gap is visible when the cabinets are looked at from the front. However, from underneath a 1" gap exists along each side wall from front to back that is the width of the spacer in that area. It can't be seen unless you are halfway upsidedown as I was when cleaning.

So here's the question: is this typical or should I complain. The cabinet installer has been great and I haven't had one complaint until now so I don't want to get too picky if this is normal. On the other hand I don't like having a 1" gap underneath my upper cabinets. Can anyone give advice on this? Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

User
14 years ago
That is normal installation practice. If it bugs you, then have your KD order a tall skin to cover the whole underside of your upper cabinets. It shouldn't cost that much extra to have that installed, and you'll be happier when you clean. Of course, you'll still have the gap on the top of the cabinets that dead insects and dust can fall in and become trapped by the lower panel instead of falling all the way through the gap, so you may want to do the same with the uppers or cover them with newpapers behind the crown molding.
Buehl
14 years ago
Typical....I have the same thing and I don't worry about it. Not only will someone to pretty much have to be a contortionist to see the gaps, but if someone wants to find fault w/my kitchen so badly....let them have at it! If that's the worst they find then I don't mind!
Related Discussions
Help - What to do with the narrow 6' gap in our upper cabinets
Q
Comments (23)
All great suggestions. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for the drawings, too, that helps a lot. Still don't know what exactly to do. I am kind of giving up on the idea of a pot rack on the open wall, as it maybe too narrow. I guess I will know better, when things come to place. The bump out is 12" in. The gap is actually 7 3/8" total, I think, so with the cabinetry, the gap will be about 6". I guess, it is hard to know exactly without putting the cabinets up, since our walls may not be all even, so I am holding of until we know better. On the other hand, this may interfere with the installation of the hood cabinet, too, as you have to install these pull outs before they are surrounded by other cabinets and it maybe better to have everything at hand. Trying to decide. Thanks again! Pinar
...See More
Help - What to do with the narrow 6' gap in our upper cabinets
Q
Comments (10)
How about a 6" pullout...can you order a 6" door and some sheets of plywood veneer w/same wood & finish as your cabinets? If so, you could make your own pullout...Rev-A-Shelf hardware (Ovis is one source, there are others) is available to complete it...but, as I recall, it has to be done before the when the cabinets go in, not after. Either you or your GC/carpenter could do this. [The plywood veneer would be used to build the face frame, if needed, and, perhaps the bottom of the cabinets.] See the linked thread as well. It has a lot of useful information and pictures. [If you cannot get the door in time, you may be able to at least install the hardware when the cabinets are installed and just attach the door when it comes in.] HTH! Here is a link that might be useful: Thread: Rev-A-Shelf Spice Racks for Fillers -- Have you seen these!!!!
...See More
gaps in between the kitchen cabinets and the walls
Q
Comments (3)
Can you show pictures? I have gaps too. Didn't have them when the cabinets were installed. In the summer they're not as large. In the winter I can slide a pinky finger in the gap. No one has an answer as to what is causing this (contractor or cabinet installer).
...See More
How important are the gaps between the hood and the upper cabinets?
Q
Comments (5)
You will need MUA with that hood and yes you need that many CFM with therange . I do not think you need a latger one and I agree it is easier to clean the way you have it.IMO the first hood is a bit overkill with a 8' ceiling I would probably do a simple hood but that is just me and any of those with thegap will be a focal point so no issue there IMO
...See More
flseadog
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you live wire oak and buehl. I just mentioned the gaps to DD and the first word out of her mouth was spiders. I probably shouldn't have told her because she would never have known otherwise. Oh well, I guess I'll ask the installer to put that skin over the underside when he gets back here to do the appliance panels. At least I know now that this is typical and not something he overlooked. Thanks again.

Related Stories

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Not Your Typical Tahoe Ski House

By Mary Jo Bowling

More modern than mountain lodge, this warm family home celebrates gatherings, games and snuggly goodness

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Lose Some of Your Upper Kitchen Cabinets

By Becky Harris

Lovely views, display-worthy objects and dramatic backsplashes are just some of the reasons to consider getting out the sledgehammer

KITCHEN DESIGN 24 Hot Ideas for Stashing Spices

By KitchenLab Interiors

Create a Mini Spice Pantry in a Wall, Drawer, Island or Gap Between Cabinets

DECORATING GUIDES Make Your Fixer-Upper Fabulous on a Budget

By Laura Gaskill

So many makeover projects, so little time and money. Here's where to focus your home improvement efforts for the best results

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

BEFORE AND AFTERS Houzz Tour: New Life for a Historic Georgia Fixer-Upper

By Becky Harris

Renovation restrictions didn't limit a couple's enthusiasm for this well-sited Decatur home

NATIVE PLANTS 10 Essential Native Perennials for the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest

By Pollination Press LLC

These adaptable native plants thrive in a variety of conditions and will provide flowers throughout the season

TASTEMAKERS Thom Filicia Takes On a Fixer-Upper in 'American Beauty'

By Becky Harris

Follow the 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' designer's lake house renovation and dive into his practical and valuable remodeling advice

SMALL HOMES My Houzz: Color and Vintage Style Jazz Up Tradition in Chicago

By Cynthia Lynn Photography

Orange walls and one-of-a-kind artwork enliven a small fixer-upper for a couple in Chicago's Hyde Park

TILE New This Week: 4 Rooms With Black-and-White Tile Style

By Mitchell Parker

Use patterned black-and-white tile on floors and walls to bridge the gap between traditional and modern looks

Sponsored

More Discussions

Nuage Quartzite - any water issues?

4

Shiloh rift sawn white oak cabinets in Straw

5

wide double under mount stainless sink

5

Kitchen sink location

4

Need help with kitchen remodel

1