Do you desire a touch of contemporary charm in your cooking space? Welcome to the world of floating kitchen cabinets! The design is a classic, elegant masterpiece that blends seamlessly with other kitchen fittings. The cupboards make the tiniest kitchen open and inviting with this style. There are countless advantages of this fixture.
You need a complete guide with tips to get the best out of this stylish and innovative design. Floating kitchen cabinets top considerations are storage needs, accessibility, wall strength, weight capacity, compatibility , and space. Also, you must consider the budget allocation for this project and seek professional help. So, get ready to explore the top tips for this efficient installation, pros, and cons. But first and foremost:
What Are Floating Kitchen Cabinets?
The traditional design for cabinets is usually floored. All the fixtures extend on the ground and can have a total height to the ceiling. But the floating kitchen cabinets attach to the wall and the top. The installations can connect to the wall or hang from the ceiling but do not stand on the floor. Some designers refer to them as wall-mounted cabinets.
9 Installation And Mounting Tips For Floating Cabinets Kitchen
When installing floating kitchen cabinets, there are tips to look out for. The topmost is following the manufacturer’s instructions. This tip applies to ready-to-install shelves. Each brand and style comes with guidelines. If your project is entirely DIY, follow the directions. Here are more installation and mounting tips;
- Consider Storage Needs
What are your storage needs? This consideration will go vis-a-vis the space. You need more space for more kitchenware or a large family. A restaurant kitchen requires extra storage space hence the need for floating kitchen cabinets. This list is endless. It is possible for your storage needs to overwhelm the space available.
For this reason, you might have to downsize some items by donating some kitchenware. Do not hold onto old and broken appliances and utensils. Dispose of them to create space for new and valuable cookware.
2. Accessibility
Accessibility to your floating kitchen cabinets is a factor that many homeowners and designers forget. For convenience purposes, you need fixtures that you can access. Too high storage space will be a nuisance. If your ceiling and walls are high, lower your floating cabinets to a considerable and comfortable height. Also, too low floating cabinets can hit your head and cause cuts and falls.
3. Compatibility With Existing Design
Another top consideration before installing floating kitchen cabinets is compatibility with the existing design. Ultimately, the fixtures must have aesthetic appeal and match other fixtures and items in the room. Consider your overall kitchen style and plan before the process. The new installations should be sleek and offer a modern look. Examine the colors, finishes, and materials so that they do not damage your kitchen’s aesthetics. You can maintain a minimalist, contemporary, or traditional look by selecting the proper cabinet design.
Compatibility With Existing Design: Takeaways
- Mind electrical fixtures on your kitchen wall
- Consider existing plumbing designs.
- Consider the colors, shape, and texture of the cabinets.
- Showcase your style by incorporating a design that complements your kitchenware, e.g., glass cabinet doors.
- Focus on visual balance to avoid unproportional fixtures.
- Consider lighting integration like LEDs, bulbs, and pluck lights.
4. Weight Capacity
What are your weight expectations? Your floating kitchen cabinets can carry a considerable weight but not as heavy as standing ones. When deciding on the weight capacity, have in mind the items you will store and their weight. That will help you to get robust hardware like heavy-duty brackets, screws, and boards. Flimsy materials on wall-mounted cabinets crumble due to kitchenware.
5. Wall Strength
As a layman, you may not gauge your wall strength. But fixing a heavy floating cabinet on a timber kitchen isn’t logical. You have the option to consider the ground cabinets. Whether a kitchen remodels or a fresh installation, you need a professional contractor. He will analyze your wall strength and compare its structural integrity. If the studs are strong enough to support a floating kitchen cabinet, you can proceed with the installation.
Wall Strength: Takeaways
Evaluate the wall strength of your kitchen by considering the following;
- Wall density
- Materials
- Wall studs
- Reinforcements
- Mounting hardware
6. Space
An apartment or dorm kitchen space cannot have the same installations as a farmhouse cooking area. The latter has expansive space and will have a distinct design. Floating kitchen cabinets in such a house may be on the wall rather than the ceiling. You may want to utilize the ceiling space in an apartment as the floor space is limited. Evaluate the entire kitchen’s space and layout while considering the room’s placement, appliances, countertops, dining, and other elements.
7. Budget Allocation
Some floating kitchen cabinet installations involve a mega project that requires a large budget allocation. On the flip, there are low-cost fixtures. It depends on your ability. Going overboard means you will forfeit other allocations to fund your project. A professional designer will hand you a budget all-inclusive with each item’s cost and timelines. To avoid being duped, get several quotes and make a comparison.
8. Professional Touch
Indeed, DIYs can save you dollars! But they can mess you up and end up with a costly remodel of your kitchen. Seeking a professional touch when planning for a floating cabinets kitchen is wise and gives you a smooth and safe process. All you will need to provide is resources and be there to oversee your work. For efficiency and perfect results, allow your kitchen a professional touch.
9. Licenses
Finally, you must comply with the law. Depending on the project, get the relevant legal documents for installations. If you are fixing a pre-assembled unit, you may not require the licenses, but it is ideal to seek guidance from the building department in your state. Your contractor, too, should have professional permission to work in your establishment.
Pros And Cons Of Floating Cabinets For Kitchen
It seems all juicy with floating kitchen cabinets! The countless benefits include space-saving options, flexibility, and great aesthetics. But there are disadvantages too. Here are the top pros and cons of these fixtures.
Pros Of Kitchen Floating Cabinets
- Space-savers: A floating kitchen cabinet can utilize space you may never use. The ceiling above your kitchen is enough to add more storage and make your tiny kitchen appear more prominent. Space saving is a significant challenge for small kitchens.
- Easy cleaning: Elevated off-floor Cabinets are easier to clean. That’s unlike standing cabinets that hide dirt and moisture beneath them. The obstacles and crevices accumulate dirt and dust, making maintenance difficult. With a floating kitchen cabinet, all the edges are visible and easy to clean.
- Flexibility: This design is flexible regarding styles, colors, finishes, and sizes. You can customize a floating kitchen cabinet to match your kitchen decor.
- Excellent visibility: Elevating cabinets allow you to easily see and access any items you want. The level is convenient as you do not need to stoop. Unelevated kitchen cabinets require you to yield to access kitchenware or ingredients.
- Water and moisture: Unless you are steaming your kitchen, water, and humidity do not threaten your floating kitchen cabinets. The elevated design protects against possible water leakage in your kitchen.
Cons Of Floating Kitchen Cabinets
- Storage limitations: A kitchen with floating shelves and cabinets has less storage space. You can only store a few items like plates and dishes. The floor-mounted ones have more storage options.
- Risk of falls: Tiptoeing compromises floating kitchen cabinets. It is riskier if you do not have a stool to step on. The sick and aged might find reaching items on high-level cabinets difficult.
- Weight limitations: Fixing massive floating cabinets is difficult due to weight capacity and space. And even if you have expensive ones, you will watch what you store in there. Otherwise, the entire cabinet will come crumbling down.
- High budget need: Floating cabinets require more materials and a higher professional installation requirement. These can go overboard the available budget.
- Professional installation: If you want a kitchen remodel with floating kitchen cabinets, hunt for a professional installer. The nature of structure requires professionalism to guarantee quality.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, floating kitchen cabinets offer a winning combination of style, functionality, and space-saving benefits. The cabinets elegantly hover above your floor and create a modern visual appeal. You can optimize your storage efficiency, provide flexibility, and enhance accessibility in your kitchen. Consider factors like space, weight limit, existing design, budget, wall strength, and others I detailed above.
