Easy Process To Make Base Cabinets Out Of Wall Cabinets
It is possible that you can use a wall cabinet as a base cabinet which can be very feasible but it is totally dependent on the situation. One of the reasons for using a wall cabinet as a base cabinet is that you have insufficient size options. Dissimilarities betwixt a base as well as a wall cabinet are the measurements of the cases and the addition of a 4 1/2-inch toe kick on base cabinets where the cabinet connects with the floor. Normal base cabinets are 34 1/2 inches high and 24 inches deep. A stock wall cabinet is usually 12 inches deep but the heights can vary, 30 inches is the most common height. It is extremely easy to change a 30-inch wall cabinet into a base cabinet by securing a 4 1/2-inch platform of its own.
Things Needed
- Tape Measure
- MDF Or Scrap Material, 3/4-Inch Thick
- Circular Saw Or Table Saw
- C-clamp & Drill
- Drill Bit, Wood screws & Level
- Shims, Cabinet Clamps & Screwdriver
- Wood Glue & Cabinet screws
- Toe Kick Molding
- Finishing Nails Or Molding Adhesive
Step 1: Take Your Measurements
First of all, calculate the width as well as the depth of the wall cabinet in order to ascertain or establish the size of the platform. The platform covers the width of the front of the wall cabinet, however, it will be held back from the front of the case body to permit for a “toe-kick” area. Calculate the depth of the toe kick on your other base cabinets and then take into consideration that depth when you plan the slowdown of the platform. For instance, if you have a 30 inches wide by 12 inches deep wall cabinet, the measurements of your platform will be 30 inches wide by 9 inches deep, taking into assumption a 3-inch subtraction for the toe kick.
Step 2: Trim The Wood
Now, trim the 3/4-inch-thick material into 4 1/2-inch-wide strips. Trim the strips into the length ascertained or established by your measurements. Take into consideration the diameter & the extent of the material. For instance, if you are constructing a 30-inch-by-9-inch platform, then you would have two 30 inches strips and two 7 1/2 inches strips.
Step 3: Create The Frame & Screw The Joints Together
Strike the wood strips, having the two shorter side strips betwixt the front and back strips, and then fasten them together in place with a clamp, bringing into existence a rectangular frame. Double-check the dimensions in order to make sure the frame matches the final measurement of the platform. Drill two, uniformly placed pilot holes at every joint where the strips overlap. Screw all 4 joints together with the help of the wood screws. The platform will not be structural, because the cabinet will be attached to the wall, and you will not see it as soon as it is covered by the toe kick molding.
Step 4: Level The Platform & Make The Corners Even With The High Point
Now, place the platform on the floor where you are going to install it. Put down your level on the platform before identifying the “high point” on the floor. Fill in all 4 corners of the platform with a thin, often tapered piece of material, such as wood, metal, or stone(usually known as a shim) so that everything is even with the high point. Move the shim smoothly betwixt the floor and your platform at each corner. Double-check all 4 corners before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Set The Wall Cabinet On The Platform
If this cabinet will be in opposition to another cabinet, then you need to use cabinet clamps in order to fasten it to the adjoining cabinet with a clamp. Adjust the shims so that both the cabinets are level with each other.
Step 6: Stabilize The Platform
Next, cut the excess shim material that is extremely noticeable from underneath the platform. Secure or stick the shims to the underside of the platform in order to stabilize it. It is highly recommended to use polyurethane glue.
Step 7: Attach The Platform & Hang The Cabinet
Secure & affix the platform to the wall alongside screws. Fasten them into studs in the wall, with the help of screws, wherever applicable. Drill pilot holes across the cabinet hang rail as well as into the studs behind to hang the cabinet securely. Put down the cabinet on the platform and attach the cabinet to the wall studs with the help of cabinet screws. If there is a run of cabinets, secure the cabinets to each other with the help of clamps & then attach them to the wall.
Step 8: Install The Molding
Finally, secure & affix the toe kick molding in order to cover the platform, with the help of a molding adhesive & attach it with the help of finishing nails spaced 18 to 24 inches apart.