Reach New Heights: Extending Kitchen Cabinets to the Ceiling

Extending kitchen cabinets all the way up to the ceiling is an impactful upgrade that can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Not only does it create a custom, built-in appearance, but it also adds valuable storage space and makes the most of unused vertical real estate. Here are some of the key benefits of utilizing the space above your existing cabinets:

• Creates the Illusion of Taller Ceilings: Eliminating the empty gap above your cabinets tricks the eye into perceiving higher ceilings, making your kitchen appear more open and spacious.
• Adds Storage: Taking cabinets to the ceiling provides new surfaces for shelves, drawers and other organizational systems, allowing you to store more items conveniently within arm's reach.
• Maximizes Vertical Space: Unlike floor area, vertical space in a kitchen often goes unused. Extending cabinets upwards takes advantage of this underutilized zone.
• Provides a Built-In, Custom Look: Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry has a polished, upscale appearance, as though the cabinets were designed specifically for the space.

In addition to added storage and aesthetic appeal, removing the open area above wall cabinets also eliminates a prime spot for grease, dust and grime accumulation. The extended cabinet face creates a smooth, easy-to-clean surface from countertop to ceiling.

Measuring Your Kitchen and Assessing Feasibility

While extending kitchen cabinets vertically can provide fantastic benefits, not all spaces are suited for the upgrade. Carefully taking measurements and evaluating your kitchen layout are key first steps:

• Room Height: Make sure there is adequate height for extended cabinets. Lofty, 2-story ceilings over 10 feet may diminish visual impact.
• Obstructions: Look for soffits, ceiling details like beams or track lighting and mechanical elements that could get in the way.
• Existing Cabinets: Assess cabinet box size, hinge style and adjustment range which dictate how high they can be elevated.
• Windows and Doors: Note where wall cabinets intersect with windows, which may block extension short of the ceiling.

If your space has limited height or obstructions, consider alternative options like adding a few taller-than-standard cabinets or installing a custom built-in shelving system. Assuming the area above base cabinets is free and clear up to the ceiling, extension becomes a very viable option.

Cabinet Specs and Finish Selection

With ample room for extension confirmed, next decide on cabinet specifications:

• Box Size: Standard is 12-inches high but can be increased to 18 or even 24-inches for more storage.
• Door Style: Glass fronts maintain an open, airy aesthetic while solid recessed panel doors offer a traditional vibe.
• Finish: Stained wood cabinets provide warmth while painted units blend seamlessly into ceiling and walls.

Narrowing down size and finish choices informs accurate project budgeting and material purchasing.

How to Extend Kitchen Cabinets Step-by-Step

Once prep work and planning are complete, the cabinet extension process involves several key steps:

1. Remove existing crown molding where cabinets will be extended. Set aside undamaged pieces for reinstallation later.
2. Using a circular saw with fine toothed blade, trim back wall cabinets to proper height in order to slide them upwards.
3. Cut filler strips from plywood or MDF to cover gaps left above trimmed cabinets. Prime and paint filler pieces to match wall color.
4. Attach wood cleats securely into ceiling joists or drywall anchors where cabinets meet ceiling for reinforced support.
5. Carefully lift and securely fasten trimmed cabinets onto added cleats and lower filler strips using finish nails and construction adhesive.
6. Replace or add new matching crown molding at seam of ceiling and elongated cabinet tops for a built-in custom appearance.

Added Supports and Structural Reinforcements

For safety and durability, properly bracing elevated cabinets is a must. Corner supports, extra cleats or brackets and reinforced shelves forestall any wobbling, sagging or collapse under heavy loads. Builders often screw back panels directly into wall studs or add plywood strips bridging units for enhanced stability.

Interior Storage Solutions for Extended Cabinets

Once structurally sound cabinets reach all the way up, it's time to outfit the newfound vertical storage capacity through smart organizational systems:

• Install roll-out trays for easy access to items in back reaches of deep wall cabinets.
• Pull-out shelves bring spices, oils and other essentials right to countertop level while closing off dust.
• Lazy susans maximize use of hard-to-reach corner cabinet space.
• Stemware holders, mixer docks and other specialty racks optimize organizational opportunities.

Glass-front cabinet inserts also prevent climbing step stools to see what's inside upper storage areas. LED under and interior lighting further helps spot items residing on high shelves.

Finishing Touches: Paint, Lighting and Accessories

Apply the final flourishes to complete your lofty, expanded cabinets:

• Stain or paint filler strips and new cabinet additions to match existing kitchen decor.
• Consider under-cabinet lighting to brightly illuminate countertop prep zones.
• Install crown molding for a seamless, built-in look.
• Add glass door inserts to maintain an airy aesthetic.
• Attach side trim pieces for any visible unfinished cabinet box edges.

By attending to all exposed surfaces and adding task lighting, the elongated cabinets blend in as though part of the kitchen's original design.

Taking proper care of upgraded extended cabinets preserves structural integrity and aesthetic appeal:

• Dust cabinet exteriors, tops and interiors regularly to prevent grease buildup over time.
• Use degreasers formulated for kitchen cabinet cleaning to easily cut through soils.
• Inspect units intermittently for loose hinges, sagging shelves or other damage.
• Immediately address any leaks or moisture issues to avoid deterioration of cabinet materials.
• Retighten case fasteners, pulls and knobs if loosening over years of use.

By promptly dealing with minor repairs before they become major, your expanded ceiling-height cabinets maintain optimal function and visual panache for maximal enjoyment.