A word of thanks up front.

I have installed cabinets a couple of time for easy kitchen remodels
but I have come across a challenging (for me at least) installation
dilemma.

A typical installation requires one to install the wall cabinets, base
cabinets and then countertop. The challenge, and sure a lesson, is
that I have a cabinet (appliance garage) that is suppose to rest on top
of the countertop.

Base Cabinet - 34.5"
Countertop - 1.5" (ideal, we are going to tile)
Appliance Garage - 18"
Wall Cabinet - 36"

Is there any trick to the trade for installing an appliance garage and
getting the correct measurements so there is not a gap either between
the appliance garage and the wall cabinet? This assumes that the
appliance garage "rests" on the countertop (obviously secured to
the wall).

One option, not a favorable one, is to install the base cabinets, the
countertop and then the wall cabinets. This way you ensure no gap
exists and you can ensure all wall cabinets are of equal height.

Are there any other options available to me?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Thank you !

How big is the tile? Tom

On 13 Sep 2005 20:37:23 -0700, wrote:

A word of thanks up front.

I have installed cabinets a couple of time for easy kitchen remodels
but I have come across a challenging (for me at least) installation
dilemma.

A typical installation requires one to install the wall cabinets, base
cabinets and then countertop. The challenge, and sure a lesson, is
that I have a cabinet (appliance garage) that is suppose to rest on top
of the countertop.

Base Cabinet - 34.5"
Countertop - 1.5" (ideal, we are going to tile)
Appliance Garage - 18"
Wall Cabinet - 36"

Is there any trick to the trade for installing an appliance garage and
getting the correct measurements so there is not a gap either between
the appliance garage and the wall cabinet? This assumes that the
appliance garage "rests" on the countertop (obviously secured to
the wall).

One option, not a favorable one, is to install the base cabinets, the
countertop and then the wall cabinets. This way you ensure no gap
exists and you can ensure all wall cabinets are of equal height.

Are there any other options available to me?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Thank you !


build the appliance garage with a lip to scribe into place.

In article .com,
wrote:

Are there any other options available to me?

I cheat. I measure my way through and make sure I have an extra 1/16"
between the top of the countertop ( I make up a dry dummy if it involves
tile) and the bottom of the upper cabinet.
After the installation of the top, I slide the garage into place and and
slip a couple of cedar/composite shims under the countertop, lifting it
for a snug fit. Then I attach the garage to either upper cabinet or wall.

Recently there have been a few installations where I did the
countertops, where the corner/upper cabinet was taller than the upper
cabinets beside it. In that case, life is easy..just lift the corner
unit and drop it on top of the garage.

PS.. I never bother with backsplash inside a garage either, I terminate
the backsplash at the sides of the appliance garage.

On 13 Sep 2005 20:37:23 -0700, wrote:

Is there any trick to the trade for installing an appliance garage and
getting the correct measurements so there is not a gap either between
the appliance garage and the wall cabinet? This assumes that the
appliance garage "rests" on the countertop (obviously secured to
the wall).

Not really much of a trick but more of a pain. Depending on how the
appliance garage is built there are a few choices.
We always leave the garage loose for the hard surface guys. If they
know the measurement for the hard surface we will set the cabinets up
accordingly but still not install the garage. This will work most of
the time but not always. Some (if not all) manufactured appliance
garages are made in a way that they can be cut down a minimal amount
(usually at the bottom) if necessary. If your garage is made in such
a way, measure for what would be a tight fit with the tile and worst
case you can trim the garage.
We don't see too many tile tops here anymore but did have one tile guy
tell us to install the garage and he would tile around it. That made
us pretty happy but if I was installing the tile I don't think that
would be my preference.

Mike O.

Thanks for the reply. The tile is 12" x 12", 3/8" thick.

Much appreciated !

-shawn

Thank you for all your responses!! I guess when it is all said and
done, one of the solutions noted will make the most sense. If I get
the gap (between counter and wall cabinet) too small, I may need to
trim the appliance cabinet. If I get the gap too big, I guess will
have to shim (maybe even add some trim work).

Again, thank you!!