How To Extend Kitchen Cabinets To Ceiling: Step-By-Step

What is the best way to extend kitchen cabinets to the ceiling? The best way involves building a box (a cabinet extension) on top of your existing cabinets, ensuring a seamless and professional look. This blog post will guide you through the entire process, from planning and demolition to building, installing, and finishing your cabinet extension to ceiling.

Image Source: i0.wp.com

Why Extend Kitchen Cabinets to the Ceiling?

Extending your kitchen cabinets to the ceiling offers several benefits:

• Increased Storage Space: Gain valuable storage, especially for items you don’t use often.
• Modern Aesthetic: Eliminates the dated look of the space above the cabinets, creating a cleaner, more modern feel.
• Easier Cleaning: No more dusty cabinet tops to worry about.
• Improved Lighting: A larger cabinet surface can provide a better backdrop for under-cabinet lighting.
• Increased Home Value: Upgrades like this are visually appealing and can positively impact your home’s value.

Planning Your Project: Essential First Steps

Before you start swinging a hammer, careful planning is key. This involves assessing your existing cabinets, measuring accurately, and deciding on the style and materials for your cabinet extension to ceiling.

Assessing Your Existing Cabinets

Examine your current cabinets. Are they structurally sound? Are the doors and hardware in good condition? If your cabinets are old, damaged, or simply not the style you want, consider replacing them entirely before extending them.

Measuring with Precision

Accurate measurements are critical. Measure the height from the top of your cabinets to the ceiling in several places. Ceilings are rarely perfectly level. Note the smallest measurement, as that will determine the maximum height of your cabinet extension. Also, measure the width and depth of your existing cabinets to ensure your extension matches seamlessly.

Choosing Your Style and Materials

Decide on the style of your cabinet extension. Do you want it to match your existing cabinets exactly, or are you looking for a complementary design? Consider the materials you’ll use. Plywood is a common choice for the cabinet box, while cabinet doors can be made from various materials, including wood, MDF, or thermofoil.

Consider these styles for filling the gap above cabinets:

• Matching Existing Cabinets: This creates a seamless look.
• Glass-Front Cabinets: Ideal for displaying decorative items.
• Open Shelving: Provides easy access to frequently used items.
• Crown Molding: Adds a decorative touch and can be used even without additional cabinet space.

Kitchen Cabinet Soffit Removal: If Necessary

Many older homes have a kitchen cabinet soffit (a box built above the cabinets). Removing this is necessary before extending cabinets vertically.

Safety First

Before starting any demolition, turn off the power to any electrical outlets or lights within the soffit. Also, wear safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself from debris.

Step-by-Step Soffit Removal

1. Locate and Remove Fasteners: Use a utility knife to cut any caulk or paint along the edges of the soffit. Then, use a screwdriver or drill to remove any screws or nails holding the soffit in place.
2. Pry Carefully: Use a pry bar to gently pry the soffit away from the wall and ceiling. Be careful not to damage the surrounding drywall.
3. Check for Obstructions: As you remove the soffit, be aware of any electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC ducts hidden inside. If you encounter any, consult with a qualified professional before proceeding.
4. Clean Up: Once the soffit is removed, clean up any debris and repair any damage to the walls or ceiling.

Building Your Cabinet Extension: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the planning done and the soffit removed (if applicable), it’s time to build your cabinet extension. This involves constructing a box that will sit on top of your existing cabinets.

Materials and Tools

• Plywood (typically 3/4 inch)
• Wood screws (various sizes)
• Wood glue
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Circular saw or table saw
• Drill with screw bits
• Clamps
• Level
• Sandpaper
• Primer and paint (to match your existing cabinets)
• Cabinet doors and hardware (handles, hinges)
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask

Cutting the Plywood

1. Measure and Mark: Based on your measurements, mark the plywood for the sides, top, bottom, and back of the cabinet extension. Ensure all pieces are square and accurately sized.
2. Cut the Pieces: Use a circular saw or table saw to carefully cut the plywood pieces. It’s better to cut slightly long and then trim to the exact size than to cut too short.

Assembling the Cabinet Box

1. Apply Glue: Apply wood glue to the edges of the plywood pieces that will be joined together.
2. Secure with Screws: Use wood screws to attach the sides, top, bottom, and back of the cabinet box. Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
3. Use Clamps: Use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries and the screws are tightened. This ensures a strong and square cabinet box.
4. Check for Square: Use a level and a square to ensure the cabinet box is perfectly square. Adjust as needed before the glue dries completely.

Adding the Face Frame (Optional)

A face frame adds stability and a more finished look to the cabinet extension.

1. Cut the Face Frame Pieces: Cut the face frame pieces from solid wood to the desired dimensions.
2. Attach the Face Frame: Attach the face frame pieces to the front of the cabinet box using wood glue and screws or brad nails.
3. Sand Smooth: Sand the face frame smooth and flush with the cabinet box.

Raising Kitchen Cabinets: Installing the Extension

Now it’s time to lift and install your new cabinet extension on top of your existing cabinets.

Preparing the Existing Cabinets

1. Clean the Tops: Clean the tops of your existing cabinets thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or grease.
2. Leveling: Check if your existing cabinets are perfectly level. If not, use shims to level them before installing the extension. This is critical for a seamless look.

Installing the Cabinet Extension to Ceiling

1. Lift and Position: With the help of another person, carefully lift the cabinet extension and position it on top of your existing cabinets.
2. Secure the Extension: Secure the cabinet extension to the existing cabinets using screws. Drive the screws through the top of the existing cabinets and into the bottom of the cabinet extension.
3. Check for Level and Alignment: Once the extension is secured, check again for level and alignment. Make any necessary adjustments.

Finishing Touches: Making it Look Seamless

The final steps involve finishing the cabinet extension to match your existing cabinets, adding doors and hardware, and addressing any gaps or imperfections.

Filling Gaps and Imperfections

1. Caulk Seams: Use caulk to fill any seams or gaps between the cabinet extension and the ceiling, walls, or existing cabinets.
2. Wood Filler: Use wood filler to fill any screw holes or imperfections in the wood.
3. Sand Smooth: Once the caulk and wood filler are dry, sand everything smooth.

Priming and Painting

1. Apply Primer: Apply a coat of primer to the cabinet extension. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a more uniform finish.
2. Paint to Match: Paint the cabinet extension to match your existing cabinets. Apply multiple thin coats for a smooth and durable finish.

Installing Doors and Hardware

1. Attach Hinges: Attach the hinges to the cabinet doors and the cabinet box.
2. Install Doors: Install the doors onto the cabinet box, ensuring they are properly aligned and swing smoothly.
3. Add Hardware: Install the handles or knobs onto the doors.

Cabinet Crown Molding to Ceiling (Optional)

Adding crown molding provides a decorative transition between the cabinets and the ceiling.

1. Measure and Cut: Measure and cut the crown molding to fit around the top of the cabinets. Use a miter saw for accurate cuts.
2. Attach Molding: Attach the crown molding to the top of the cabinets using brad nails and wood glue.

DIY Cabinet Extension vs. Professional Installation

While extending kitchen cabinets to the ceiling is a DIY-able project, consider the following before deciding to tackle it yourself:

• Skill Level: Do you have experience with woodworking and home improvement projects?
• Time Commitment: This project can take several days or even weeks to complete, depending on your skill level and the complexity of the design.
• Tools and Equipment: Do you have the necessary tools and equipment, or will you need to rent or buy them?
• Cost: Compare the cost of materials and tools with the cost of hiring a professional.

When to Hire a Professional:

• If you lack experience with woodworking or home improvement.
• If you are uncomfortable working with power tools.
• If you have a complex kitchen layout or design.
• If you want to ensure a professional and flawless finish.

Ceiling Height Kitchen Cabinets: Considerations

If you have high ceilings, you may need to consider additional factors when extending your cabinets.

• Accessibility: How will you reach the items stored in the upper cabinets? Consider using a step stool or ladder.
• Weight: Be mindful of the weight of the items you store in the upper cabinets. Ensure the cabinets are properly supported.
• Design: Consider the overall design of your kitchen and how the extended cabinets will impact the look and feel of the space.

Custom Cabinet Extension: Unique Solutions

For kitchens with unusual layouts or specific design requirements, a custom cabinet extension may be the best solution.

• Work with a Cabinet Maker: A cabinet maker can create a custom cabinet extension to perfectly fit your kitchen and meet your specific needs.
• Consider Unique Features: Explore options like pull-out shelves, built-in lighting, or decorative panels to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your custom cabinet extension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I extend cabinets to the ceiling myself? Yes, with proper planning, tools, and skills, extending cabinets to the ceiling is a manageable DIY project.
• How much does it cost to extend kitchen cabinets to the ceiling? The cost varies depending on the materials used, the size of the extension, and whether you hire a professional. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a basic DIY project to several thousand dollars for a custom installation.
• What if my ceiling isn’t perfectly level? Use shims to level the cabinet extension before securing it to the existing cabinets.
• How do I match the paint color of my existing cabinets? Take a cabinet door or drawer to a paint store for color matching.
• Do I need a permit to extend my kitchen cabinets? Check with your local building department to determine if a permit is required.

Extending your kitchen cabinets to the ceiling is a worthwhile project that can transform the look and functionality of your kitchen. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can achieve a professional-looking result and enjoy the benefits of increased storage space and a more modern aesthetic. Remember to prioritize safety, plan carefully, and take your time to ensure a successful outcome.