Can I modify my kitchen cabinets to have overhanging tops for more legroom underneath while painting them?
Asked by Ilídio Caldeira 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 16, 2024
Hey there! So, I’m in the middle of painting my kitchen cabinets, and honestly, I can’t stand the cabinets under the island. They’re pretty useless because they’re so shallow. I’m thinking of changing them since I’m already painting everything, and I’m hoping to score a good deal on black cabinets today. The top isn’t even attached to them (not my doing, and that was a bit scary to discover). What I really want to do is have cabinets and drawers on one side, with the top hanging over so there’s actually room underneath for your legs when sitting (like in the second photo). Do you think this is doable? I feel like it could work, but I’ve never attempted anything like this before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Additional images of this island would provide more insight.
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I’m certain that the top isn’t attached to them, and to be honest, I don’t think the cabinets are attached to the floor either
First, we need to figure out how to secure the top to the cabinets below.
I’m curious if the previous owner needed more storage space and improvised by combining their own cabinets and island top.
if that’s the situation, i suggest delicately detaching the top, selling those cabinets, and purchasing cabinets specifically designed for the top from ikea or a similar store. these cabinets are slimmer and can be placed under the island surface to create seating space. secure them in place with silicone glue…
Hey , I was just thinking that it’s not very comfortable to sit there right now.
I don’t think those are proper base cabinets – they look like two random ones put together for storage and some counter space… I’ve done something similar in the past when I needed a quick fix… but now I’m glad I can do it correctly!
Those cabinets are mounted on some sort of support structure. you can achieve your goal by following the same approach.
I checked out a neighbor’s island and noticed their granite countertop is attached to base cabinets with an overhang and no additional support. I just need to get new base cabinets of the right size and secure them properly to the floor. I really dislike the ones I currently have. 😂
You’re able to extend up to 11 inches without any extra support.
Great news! It’s reassuring to hear because some sources online were recommending no more than 4 inches, but 12 inches should be plenty!
Be sure to give it a good test – for real. People often lean on the island as they stand up from a chair and you really don’t want it to collapse on them.
My power lifter buddy will test it out for me haha