Raising your kitchen or bathroom cabinets off the floor can dramatically transform the look and feel of your space. It creates a lighter, more modern aesthetic and, importantly, makes cleaning under your cabinets a breeze! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring you achieve a professional-looking result.
Why Raise Cabinets?
There are several compelling reasons to consider raising your cabinets:
- Improved Aesthetics: Lifting cabinets off the floor instantly modernizes your kitchen or bathroom. The visual space created beneath adds a sense of airiness and openness.
- Easier Cleaning: No more struggling to reach and clean under your cabinets! The added space makes cleaning a simple task.
- Increased Storage: Depending on the height you raise them, you might gain valuable storage space underneath, perfect for baskets, cleaning supplies, or even appliances.
- Updated Look: Raising your cabinets can be a cost-effective way to update your kitchen or bathroom without a full remodel.
Assessing Your Cabinets and Planning
Before you begin, careful planning is crucial:
1. Measure Carefully:
- Cabinet Height: Measure the height of your existing cabinets accurately.
- Desired Height: Decide how high you want to raise your cabinets. Consider the space needed for cleaning and storage. A few inches to a foot is typically sufficient.
- Material Selection: Choose a material for your risers that's strong enough to support the weight of your cabinets. Solid wood blocks, sturdy metal brackets, or even pre-made cabinet risers are all viable options.
- Leveling: Ensure you have tools to level your cabinets after they are raised (a level, shims, etc.).
2. Choosing Your Raising Method:
There are several ways to raise your cabinets:
- Solid Wood Blocks: This is a straightforward method using wooden blocks of the desired height. Ensure the blocks are sturdy and appropriately sized for your cabinets.
- Metal Brackets: Metal L-brackets offer a more robust and often adjustable solution. They can be secured both to the cabinet and the floor for stability.
- Pre-made Cabinet Risers: These are commercially available and often come with adjustable features for easy leveling.
3. Gather Your Tools:
You'll need:
- Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
- Level: To ensure even height.
- Drill: To secure brackets or blocks (if necessary).
- Screws: Appropriate size and type for your chosen method.
- Shims: For leveling uneven floors.
- Safety Glasses: For eye protection.
- Pencil: For marking.
- Optional: Saw (if cutting wood blocks)
Step-by-Step Instructions (Using Wood Blocks):
This method is generally suitable for lighter cabinets. Always consult a professional if you have any doubts about the structural integrity of your cabinets or your abilities to complete this project safely.
- Empty the Cabinets: Completely remove everything from the cabinets before beginning.
- Measure and Cut (if necessary): Measure the required height and cut your wooden blocks to size, ensuring they are sturdy and square.
- Position the Blocks: Place the wooden blocks under each cabinet leg or base.
- Level the Cabinets: Use a level to ensure each cabinet is perfectly level. Add shims as needed to compensate for uneven floors.
- Secure the Blocks (optional): For extra stability, you can secure the blocks to the cabinets and/or floor using screws. This is especially recommended for heavier cabinets.
- Reinstall the Cabinets: Carefully reinstall the cabinets, ensuring they are securely positioned on the raised blocks.
- Clean Up: Remove any debris and admire your new, elevated cabinets!
Raising Cabinets with Metal Brackets:
Metal brackets offer a more robust solution, particularly for heavier cabinets. The process is similar:
- Measure and Mark: Measure the desired height and mark the location for the brackets on both the cabinet and the floor.
- Attach Brackets: Securely attach the brackets to both the cabinet and the floor using appropriate screws.
- Level the Cabinets: Use a level to ensure the cabinets are perfectly level, using shims as needed.
- Reinstall Cabinets: Carefully reinstall the cabinets, ensuring they are securely positioned on the brackets.
- Clean Up: Remove any debris.
Maintaining Your Raised Cabinets
Regularly inspect the risers or brackets for any signs of wear or loosening. Tighten any loose screws and address any issues promptly to ensure the safety and stability of your cabinets.
By following these steps, you can successfully raise your cabinets and significantly enhance your kitchen or bathroom's appearance and functionality. Remember, safety is paramount, so take your time and proceed cautiously. If you're uncertain about any aspect of this project, consult a qualified professional.
