Make the Most of Your Kitchen With Ceiling-Height Cabinet Extensions
If your kitchen feels cramped and cluttered, one way to open it up without a full remodel is extending your existing cabinets up to the ceiling. This simple upgrade can add 25-30% more storage space by utilizing all that wasted vertical real estate above your cabinets. The end result looks custom, built-in and makes your kitchen appear taller. Read on to learn how extending cabinets to ceiling height is an affordable DIY weekend project that will transform your kitchen's functionality and style.
Benefits of Utilizing Vertical Space
Standard kitchen cabinets are typically 36 inches tall with an 8 to 10 foot ceiling height, leaving 2-4 feet of empty space above. Filling this gap with extended cabinetry serves many purposes:
- Gain 25-30% more storage without losing floor space or cabinet footprint
- Reduce clutter by getting items off counters and fully utilizing interior cabinet space
- Visually raise ceiling height for an airy, expansive look
- Achieve a custom, built-in appearance for upscale style
- Add character with glass doors, open shelves and lighting
Unlike a full kitchen remodel, extending just the upper cabinets is an affordable project that makes better use of your existing layout. And it still achieves the major benefit of more storage without sacrificing accessibility of lower cabinets.
Planning Your Extended Kitchen Cabinets
The first step is taking measurements of your current kitchen cabinets from top to bottom, width and depth. This allows you to design extended frames to match. Note interior shelves, drawer placement and any specialty storage. Also account for potential obstructions like soffits, ductwork or pipes.
When designing plans, allow for a 2-3 inch gap at the very top for crown molding to transition smoothly to the ceiling. Avoid exceeding recessed lighting by more than 6 inches. Draw up detailed plans indicating where new extended cabinetry will go and required materials to build matching frames and doors.
Matching Storage and Style
Match the interiors of extended cabinets to existing cabinets for seamless function. Reuse doors and fronts for a unified look. Keeping the original cabinet boxes provides an instant template for building new frames. Custom doors can also be made to emulate the same size and style.
Lighting and Electrical Considerations
Factor in any lighting electrical components that intersect the cabinet space. Outlets, under cabinet lighting and hanging fixtures may need to be relocated or rewired through new framing. Led rope lights lining the top of extended cabinets create brilliant task lighting.
How to Extend Kitchen Cabinets Step-by-Step
Once you've prepped with detailed plans, extending cabinets is a relatively straightforward woodworking project. Follow these steps:
Build New Cabinet Boxes
Construct basic frames from plywood or boards cut 1-2 inches wider and taller than existing cabinets. Assemble a box using screws, nails and glue. Place and attach directly on top of original cabinets. Box in any gaps around soffits, ducts or pipes.
Prep Doors for Rehanging
Use existing or custom made doors for a cohesive look. Remove doors from cabinets carefully keeping hinges intact. Sand, fill any holes or imperfections, then prime and paint doors to match new extended frames.
Install Doors and Add Finishes
Pre-drill holes to attach door hinges in correct placement on new extended cabinet frames. Test fit doors and make any adjustments. Add hardware like knobs or pulls. Install crown molding at the top and caulk gaps for a seamless built-in look.
Extending cabinets opens up storage possibilities like roll-out shelves for spices or glass doors to display dishware. Accent lighting truly makes the extra height an architectural focal point. Edit out lower cabinets to create an airier, modern feel. Most importantly, unlocking all that previously unused vertical space reduces cabinet clutter and makes your kitchen more livable.
With some measurements, basic carpentry skills and a weekend of work, you can gain up to a third more storage capacity in your kitchen. No major demolition or rearranging required! Extending cabinets to the ceiling is one of the most budget-friendly ways to get a brand new, custom look that transforms how you use your kitchen everyday.