The Complete Guide to Putting a Kitchen in Your Basement
If you've ever dreamed of expanding your living space, adding a kitchen to your basement can transform an often unused area into an entertaining hotspot or private in-law suite. With the right planning and elbow grease, your basement can become the perfect spot for casual family meals, hobby baking sessions, or extra storage for overflow dishes.
Installing basement kitchens does require careful consideration to address potential moisture issues, ventilation, and getting plumbing and electric set up properly. But with the right approach even first-time DIYers can create a beautiful and functional cooking space.
Planning Your Layout
Starting with a good layout is crucial when putting a kitchen anywhere, but especially in a basement. You'll need to consider the space you're working with, how you want to configure appliances and cabinets, and where key infrastructure like plumbing and electric will run.
Choosing a Layout
Small galley or L-shaped layouts are common basement kitchen options since they make efficient use of the space. Island designs can work well in larger open basement areas. Focus on allowing good traffic flow through the working "triangle" between sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Be sure to allow room for all needed appliances, countertops, and cabinetry. Keeping things compact is often the best approach for smaller basements. Frame in any appliances along the walls, allowing adequate space for opening doors and drawers.
Measuring the Space
Start by carefully measuring the full basement area you want to use for the kitchen. Use a laser measuring tool or tape measure to get accurate room dimensions. Mark on the floor with masking tape where cabinets, appliances, and fixtures may go based on your initial layout.
Make note of ceiling height for cabinetry as well as any protrusions like beams or ducting. Also check for any existing plumbing or electrical that needs to be factored in or potentially relocated.
Creating a Floorplan
With measurements complete, sketch out some basic floorplan ideas. Experiment with different configurations on paper, keeping practical use of the space in mind. Frame in all needed elements from cabinets to appliances on your drawings.
Iterate until you have a layout that makes the best use of the space available. Include accurate dimensions and mark your planned locations for plumbing, electrical, and the kitchen vent needed for removing humidity and cooking odors.
Waterproofing and Moisture Control
Basements are notorious for moisture issues, so waterproofing is a must for any kitchen project. Look for signs of leaks, mold, or high humidity before getting started. Consider hiring a professional waterproofing company if major leaks or drainage issues exist.
Evaluating Moisture Problems
Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for any signs of water damage or mold growth which indicates moisture problems. Use a hygrometer and take dew point readings to check humidity levels. Address any underlying leaks before installing finishes.
A full inspection by a basement waterproofing contractor can identify more subtle issues. This includes checking perimeter drains and assessing any need for improved drainage or sump pumps.
Sealing the Foundation
Sealing foundation cracks and openings is the first line of defense. Use hydraulic cement to patch any cracks and seal around pipe penetrations. Applying waterproofing sealants or epoxy coatings to both the floor and walls adds an extra layer of protection.
Installation Options
Interior perimeter drainage using gravel, drain tile, and sump pumps is a common approach. Exterior drainage requires excavating but helps direct water away from the foundation. French drains offer an effective option if soils have good drainage.
Installing vapor barriers under the slab or over walls also helps prevent moisture passing through foundation surfaces. Proper ventilation is important too to reduce humidity buildup. A dehumidifier can help maintain safe humidity if natural ventilation is insufficient.
Plumbing Installation
With the space prepped, it’s time to get the kitchen’s plumbing in place. This includes connecting sink drainage, water supply for fixtures, and any appliance hookups like for dishwashers or ice makers. Planning everything out is key for a smooth install.
Plan Plumbing Locations
Map out exact locations for the kitchen sink, supply lines, and drainage based on your floorplan. Run drainage downhill whenever possible. Make sure plumbing locations are easily accessible for installation and future repairs.
Consider introducing access panels if plumbing runs behind enclosed walls. Also confirm drain lines can tie into existing plumbing stacks or dark waste lines.
Install Drainage Piping
Run rigid drain pipes from all fixtures to a main waste line. Use proper venting to prevent gurgling drains. Place p-traps under the kitchen sink and any other fixtures to prevent sewer gas from entering.
Adhere to plumbing code requirements for slope and materials. Avoid underground joints that could later leak. Insulate any supply pipes that run through unheated basement areas.
Connect Water Supply Lines
Use copper, PEX, or CPVC piping to route water from the main house supply to the kitchen sink and appliances. Install accessible shutoff valves so water can be easily turned off.
Size supply pipes to provide adequate flow and pressure. Also include a whole house shutoff and backflow preventer if not already present. Test all new plumbing for leaks before finishing walls.
Electrical and Lighting
Sufficient power and lighting are prerequisites for any functional kitchen. Plan circuits for lighting, outlets, and hardwired appliances before starting electrical work.
Electrical Load Planning
Calculate total electrical load needed factoring in lighting, receptacles, appliances, ventilation fans, etc. Confirm your main panel can support added circuits or arrange for an upgrade if needed.
Also choose locations for new circuits and any required conduit runs based on your kitchen layout. Leave wiggle room for potential changes down the road.
Install Task Lighting
Illuminate work areas well using recessed ceiling lights, undercabinet lighting, or low-hanging pendents. LED lights minimize energy use and emit less ambient heat. Install any electrical backing needed for hardwired fixtures.
Add Switches and Outlets
Follow electrical code for placement and spacing of outlets and switches. Make sure there is an outlet for the refrigerator within the required distance. GFCI protection is needed for outlets near water sources like the kitchen sink.
Wire Appliances
Run dedicated 240-volt circuits as needed for hardwired appliances like stoves and dishwashers. The microwave may also require its own 20-amp small appliance circuit. Include a junction box with conduit for plug-in appliance locations.
HVAC and Ventilation
Proper ventilation keeps kitchen humidity and cooking odors from accumulating. It also prevents mold and moisture damage. A powerful range hood vented outside is highly recommended.
Include Exhaust Fan
An exterior-vented range hood installed over the stove captures humidity and odors at the source. Look for a CFM rating adequate for a full kitchen rather than a basic recirculating unit.
Run metal ductwork directly to an outside vent. Match duct size to fan CFM to maximize airflow and efficiency.
Consider Make-Up Air
Compensating for powerful kitchen exhaust by bringing in outside air can help avoid a vacuum effect and depressurization. This may simply involve an opening window, or a dedicated make-up air system that balances air supply and exhaust.
Heat and AC Extension
To extend the main HVAC system, install supply and return ductwork running to the basement area. Locate wall registers or floor diffusers to evenly distribute conditioned air without excessive noise.
Cabinetry and Counters
Ready-to-assemble or custom cabinetry tailored to your layout helps maximize storage and functionality. Combine with durable, attractive countertops sized to provide ample prep and serving space.
Design and Order Cabinets
Sketch cabinet configurations including drawer size and placement. Factory-built cabinets make the process easier but custom cabinetry can maximize usable space.
Choose cabinet fronts to match the style of the rest of the home. Opt for moisture-resistant materials to withstand the basement environment.
Install Cabinets
Assemble cabinet boxes per included instructions, then mount them securely to the walls. Use shims and/or scrap wood to compensate for any unevenness. Take care to keep cabinets properly leveled.
Add doors, drawers, and hardware once the cabinet boxes are all securely installed. Make sure doors and drawers operate smoothly and align uniformly.
Add Countertops
Butcher block, quartz, granite, and high-quality laminate countertops all work well for basement kitchens. Match the overhang to cabinet depth for proper support. Carefully cut any openings needed for sinks.
Adhere countertops to cabinets using manufacturer's recommended products and procedures. Seal seams with silicone caulk to prevent moisture intrusion.
Flooring
Choosing flooring that can withstand moisture is key in basement kitchens. Tiling or water-resistant luxury vinyl floors are better options than bare concrete or carpeting.
Choose Flooring Wisely
Tile, brick, high-end vinyl plank, and sealed concrete stand up best to potential moisture from spills, leaks, and high humidity. Avoid permeable materials like laminate, hardwood, and carpeting.
Raised subfloors can also help protect floors. Look for vinyl and laminate flooring rated as 100% waterproof with attached underlayment.
Install Flooring
Prep the concrete floor so it's clean, dry, and level. Follow all manufacturer instructions for laying tile, vinyl plank, or other water-resistant flooring. Allow proper expansion gaps.
Use a premium waterproof adhesive designed for concrete subfloors. Carefully cut flooring to fit around any pipes, posts, or protrusions.
Consider Radiant Heat
Installing a hydronic radiant heating system under the floor adds comfort while also providing some moisture control. This does require adding a boiler and pumping equipment.
Finishing Touches
Final details like trim, paint, and decor elements help complete your basement kitchen transformation. Functionally test all appliances, plumbing, and lighting before finishing.
Paint/Drywall
Finish off any unfinished walls or ceilings with moisture-resistant drywall. Be sure to prime and paint all surfaces with quality latex paint. Add backsplash tile or alternate finishes as desired.
Add Backsplash
Protect the walls behind sinks and ranges with backsplash tile, stainless steel, or other backsplash materials. This also adds visual appeal. Use a caulk or grout that matches the backsplash color.
Install Appliances
Slide stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers into place once surrounding finishes are complete. Test and make any needed adjustments before use.
Examine the owner's manuals if appliances ever operate abnormally. Running a few empty loads helps season dishwashers.
Complete Final Details
Add drawer organizers, shelving, kitchen tools, and any furniture like carts or stools to complete the space. Seal any gaps at countertops or between backsplashes and walls with caulk.
With good planning and research, adding a kitchen in your basement can gain you a second fully-equipped cooking space without the major expense of an addition. Focus first on any necessary structural, moisture, and ventilation improvements to create a lasting foundation.
Then it's on to the fun part - picking finishes and creating exactly the look and functionality your home needs whether for entertaining, extra storage, or increased convenience. In many homes, the basement presents the perfect hidden spot to expand into.