Get matched with top cabinet makers in Pasadena, TX

Before making any big plans, climb up a step ladder and closely examine the top of your cabinets. You’ll get to see what sort of clean-up work needs to be done, but you can also check for any unexpected obstacles. Sometimes this space holds electrical boxes, wiring, or even plumbing components. Those will affect plans to install a new layer of cabinets or shelves.

There is no official name for an open gap between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. However, when that area is covered with a boxy shape to hide wires or pipes, this is known as a soffit. In some cases, this area may also be hidden with a bulkhead, a lower ceiling area that fits just above the cabinets.

If you’re looking for shelving that will stand up to years of heavy stacking, plywood is the clear winner against MDF (a.k.a. medium-density fiberboard). Plywood is a sturdy material that resists sagging, warping, and splitting, making it the perfect fit for shelving in a variety of spaces. For sheds, garages, and other environments that aren’t climate-controlled, wood or plywood is a must, as moisture and humidity will cause MDF to warp over time. While MDF is the more wallet-friendly material, it should only be used for storing lighter items in a climate-controlled space. 

While it’s possible to purchase RTA inset cabinets that you assemble yourself, DIYing the installation may not be advisable unless you have advanced carpentry skills. That’s because the cabinet boxes, drawers, and doors all need to be perfectly level and precisely aligned in order for everything to open and close properly. This becomes even more challenging if your walls aren’t plumb or your floors and ceilings aren’t perfectly level.