Kitchen Cabinets, break up or one big one

[jaguar36]

I'm getting started on building some kitchen cabinets, which is going to be a U-shaped design.  (See the pictures)  Each leg of the U is about 6' long.  I originally was planning on just make them 3 separate boxes, which would make working on them and moving them around alot easier.  However I noticed that the original cabinets were all one piece, and after looking around it seems that most higher end cabinets tend to be built in larger blocks instead of standard 24" wide pieces.

So the question is should I build them as three seprate pieces or just one big cabinet?

 

[mleny77]

If I was going to build them on site, I would do it as one unit. As an off site build it would be easier to assemble and finish them as separate units. 

 

[WastedP]

I think it depends more on how easy it will be to get larger cabinets into the house.  Whatever you or the installer are comfortable with should be your guide.  If it's face-frame cabinetry with a half- or inset overlay, I like larger boxes.  If it's frameless, it won't matter how large the individual units are.

Also, I only mention this because of my own opinions about it, but I think you will hate having the dishwasher jammed in a corner like that.  I'd move it to the peninsula and make the cabinets under the window shallower.  You could delete the corner cabinets let the window breathe a little instead of boxing it in.

 

[kevinculle]

For me I limit my cabinet builds to 36" (914mm) wide units for a number of factors:

-Stock yield...when working with roughsawn lumber the longer your parts are the poorer the yield as any bow or twist requires more stock removal to get to a clean piece, also easier to work around defects
-Compatibility with shop...you'll need long benches, outfeed tables, room to move and work around work in process, longer clamps, etc.
-Portability...as the build progresses and you assemble and install hardware things get heavy and awkward with 3/4" carcass base cabinets, I like drawer units but the undermount soft close slides add about 40 pounds to a 4 drawer unit.  In my kitchen build I had 3 identical 27" (686mm) wide drawer bases that weighed about 140 pounds (64kg) each.
-Moving the finished piece...I'm in a basement workshop whose stairs are 7 up, 180 degree turn and 7 up and that can be a deal breaker!

 

[jaguar36]

Thanks, I think I'm going to just build them as separate pieces.  I generally work alone, and if I make them all one piece I'm going to need help every time I need to move them around for anything.  Doesn't seem there is a really a strong reason to make them all one.

Also, I only mention this because of my own opinions about it, but I think you will hate having the dishwasher jammed in a corner like that.  I'd move it to the peninsula and make the cabinets under the window shallower.  You could delete the corner cabinets let the window breathe a little instead of boxing it in.

This actually is the current layout of the kitchen, and I'd agree the dishwasher isn't in a great spot.  I'm not sure there is a better one though.

Any other thoughts or comments on the layout and design are welcome!

 

[Peter_C]

Any other thoughts or comments on the layout and design are welcome!

How you lay the room out with a table or other furniture might change everything, but have you considered completely changing the kitchen around? Shorten the second window, making the sink side kitchen counter full length. Putting in an island, right where you have "Kitchen" written on the drawing, which could be used in place of a table (That is probably what I would do, since you have a dinning room). Put the fridge somewhere else with pantry cabinets on each side. That would open up the walk way. Reversing the entire kitchen? The breakfast nook just seems really narrow by the photos. Putting the fridge where the stove is with pantry's on both sides? Then moving the stove to the island. The current layout leaves the corner next to the dishwasher almost inaccessible except utilizing pull out shelving which is popular these days. Same for the other side of the sink, unless it is accessible from the backside. The sink should be centered at one of the windows. Can door ways be moved? The windows could be moved either direction too, IE right window to the left to make room for cabinets on the wall, along with making both windows the same size, nice and big. Maybe reuse the right window and ditch the left one moving both up to clear the counter tops with no cabinets above the windows for a more open feeling.

Personally I am all about drawers in a kitchen. A deep drawer with a second drawer inside is perfect for pots and pans with small pots and lids on the top pull out. The pantry can be a cabinet door with lots of full depth drawers inside, especially if it is fridge depth. Drawers allow easier access to things. I also like a built in microwave, but NOT over the stove. A built in hood with the fan in the attic will keep it quit so you are more inclined to use the hood.

Start drawing up all kinds of changes and see if anything flows.