How To Shorten Kitchen Cabinets: My Personal Experience

A few months ago, I moved into a new apartment. The kitchen was spacious, but the cabinets were too tall, and I was having trouble reaching the top shelves. Since I couldn’t afford to replace the cabinets, I decided to shorten them myself. It was a challenging task, but I learned a lot along the way. In this article, I’ll share my experience and provide tips on how to shorten kitchen cabinets.

Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Remove the Cabinets

The first step is to remove the cabinets from the wall. This can be tricky, so make sure you have a friend to help you. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that attach the cabinets to the wall. Once the cabinets are detached, carefully lift them off the wall and place them on a flat surface.

Step 2: Measure the Cabinets

Before you start shortening the cabinets, measure them carefully. This will help you determine how much you need to cut off. Use a measuring tape to measure the height of the cabinets and mark the desired height with a pencil. Make sure you measure each cabinet individually, as they may vary in height.

Step 3: Cut the Cabinets

Once you have measured the cabinets, it’s time to cut them. Use a circular saw or a table saw to cut the cabinets to the desired height. Make sure you wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, when using power tools. Cut slowly and carefully, ensuring that the cuts are straight and even. After cutting the cabinets, sand the edges to remove any roughness.

Step 4: Reattach the Cabinets

After cutting and sanding the cabinets, it’s time to reattach them to the wall. Use the same screws and brackets to reattach the cabinets to the wall. Make sure they are level and secure before placing any items inside.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some additional tips and ideas to keep in mind when shortening kitchen cabinets:

Measure twice, cut once. Double-check your measurements before cutting the cabinets.
Use a level to ensure the cabinets are straight.
Consider painting or staining the cabinets to give them a fresh new look.
Install pull-out drawers or shelves to make it easier to access items in the cabinets.
Consider adding decorative molding to the top of the cabinets to give them a finished look.
Use a jigsaw to cut curves or rounded shapes in the cabinets.
Install new hardware, such as knobs or handles, to update the look of the cabinets.
Consider removing the cabinet doors for an open shelving look.
Don’t forget to sand the cabinets after cutting them to remove any roughness.
Take your time and be patient. Shortening kitchen cabinets is a time-consuming task, but the end result is worth it.

Pros and Cons

Shortening kitchen cabinets has its pros and cons. Here are a few to consider:

Pros:

Allows you to customize the height of your cabinets.
Can save money compared to replacing the cabinets entirely.
Provides an opportunity to update the look of your kitchen.

Cons:

Can be a challenging and time-consuming task.
May require the use of power tools, which can be dangerous if not used properly.
Shortening the cabinets may affect their overall stability.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Shortening kitchen cabinets was a challenging task, but I’m glad I did it. Not only did it save me money, but it also allowed me to customize the height of the cabinets to better suit my needs. I opted to paint the cabinets a fresh, new color and added new hardware to give them a modern look. I also installed pull-out drawers to make it easier to access items inside. Overall, shortening kitchen cabinets was a great DIY project that I would recommend to others.

Question and Answer

Here are some commonly asked questions about shortening kitchen cabinets:

Q: Can I shorten my cabinets without removing them from the wall?

A: It’s possible to shorten the cabinets without removing them from the wall, but it’s much more difficult. It’s easier to remove the cabinets so that you can work on them on a flat surface.

Q: Do I need to use power tools to cut the cabinets?

A: While it’s possible to cut the cabinets by hand, it’s much easier and more efficient to use power tools such as a circular saw or table saw.

Q: Will shortening my cabinets affect their stability?

A: Shortening the cabinets may affect their stability, so it’s important to reattach them securely to the wall. Consider adding additional brackets or screws for added stability.

FAQs

Q: How much can I shorten my cabinets?

A: The amount you can shorten your cabinets will depend on their construction and design. It’s recommended to only shorten them by a few inches to maintain their stability.

Q: Can I shorten cabinets that have crown molding?

A: It’s possible to shorten cabinets that have crown molding, but it will require additional cutting and sanding to ensure a proper fit.

Q: Can I use a handsaw to cut the cabinets?

A: While it’s possible to use a handsaw to cut the cabinets, it’s much more difficult and time-consuming than using a power saw.