How To Install Kitchen Cabinets Over Baseboard Heating? Install Without Burning Yourself

Since you are here, I guess you are looking for how to install kitchen cabinets over baseboard heating properly.

You need to follow the proper installation way to ensure these things. Wanna know the way? I’ve got you! Here’s what to do;

This was a glimpse of the process. If you want to learn all the details and professional tips, stay tuned!

Here’s an overview of the installation:

Estimated Cost	Estimated Duration	Skill Level
$100	5 hours	Beginners

Can you build cabinets over baseboard heaters?

Yes! In fact, cabinets are built above the baseboard heaters in most of the households. This not only makes efficient use of the space but also enhances the aesthetic of the room. However, if you are thinking about doing it yourself, there are some things you need to be careful of. These are:

Damaging The Pipes

Do you know baseboard heaters are also called hot water baseboard heaters? This is because baseboard hot air is produced by hot water. This water is passed on the baseboard heater by the hot water pipes connected with it. So, you need to be careful not to damage the pipes while installing the cabinets. 

Cabinet Style

You need to find a suitable cabinet style for your baseboard heat wall. You must use the ones with an open bottom. You may ask can’t we choose any usual cabinets? The answer is yes. There are two ways you can use any regular cabinets. You can mount your cabinet on the wall or customize the bottom to match the baseboard heater.  Just like you do while installing the oven in the cabinet. If you have built-in cabinets, it is better to wall mount the built in cabinets over baseboard heat.

Proper Clearance

You must install the cabinets in a way that the airflow doesn’t get affected. Never put the baseboard behind kitchen cabinets or place the baseboard behind appliances. There should be at least 6 inches of clearance around the hot-water baseboard heater to work properly.

For example, if you have an 8-inch-tall hydronic convective baseboard, it is as tall as a standard baseboard trim. So, you should make sure to have ample clearance around it to maintain good airflow.

Well, then, can wood touch baseboard heater? Definitely, no. The wooden cabinets can swell or get warped because of the radiant heat from the heat source. 

Clearance will help to protect your cabinets from heat. So you won’t have to fix warped cabinet bottoms in the future. If you install cabinets while keeping these things in mind, you can definitely build cabinets over baseboard heaters.

Types Of Kitchen Cabinets That Are More Suitable For Installation Over Baseboard Heating

As I already mentioned, choosing the right cabinet style is extremely important for installation over the baseboard heating system.

Don’t have any idea about the suitable cabinets? No worries. Here are some of the cabinet styles to choose from;

Open-Bottom Cabinets

As you can tell by the name, an open-bottom cabinet is a type of cabinet where there is an open or recessed area at the bottom of the cabinet. It allows proper airflow of the typical baseboard unit.

Toe-Kick Cabinets

These cabinets are almost like open-bottom cabinets. The difference is that in open-bottom cabinets, there is an additional part of the cabinet that is recessed. But, in toe-kick cabinets, there is no such part. It is the toe-kicks, or you can say cabinet legs that make the open space under the cabinets.

Customizable Bottom Cabinets

These are the usual cabinets with an option to customize the bottoms so you can customize them to blend properly with your baseboard heat unit.

Wall-Mounted Cabinets

Wall-mounted cabinets are regular base cabinets. However, they are mounted on the wall like the upper cabinets to make the space for the electric baseboard heaters.

How To Install Kitchen Cabinets Over Baseboard Heating?

Woof! Finally, we have reached the part you have been waiting for so long. Don’t get scared by the long process. It looks long because I tried to mention all the details to help you achieve the best results. Are you excited to learn the entire process? Here you go; 

• Measure and Plan
• Prepare the Area
• Install Spacer Blocks
• Drill The Holes
• Secure The Cabinets

Measure and Plan

If you don’t have any previous experience in cabinet installations, here’s an important note. You need to measure and then install cabinets. Before starting the actual installation, always measure the dimensions of your cabinets and outline the cabinet wall.

If it is an exterior wall, find the stud first. Then, make the cabinet outline. It will make it a lot easier for you to install the cabinets. Just like you do with installing a backlash cabinet.

For the perfect clearance between the cabinets and the baseboard unit, analyze these dimensions and determine the clearance needed for proper airflow.

Now, choose the suitable cabinet style according to the clearance. According to the dimensions and your preference, you can choose open-bottom or toe-kick cabinets. You can also install a regular cabinet. In that case, you will either have to wall mount it or customize the bottom to match the heater unit.

Prepare the Area

Carefulness is the key element in these kinds of installations. So, you must prepare the area thoroughly to ensure both your safety and the best outcome. Start by turning off your baseboard heating system. Allow it to cool before starting to work. Remove all the other furniture, appliances, or objects from the installation area.

Install Spacer Blocks

If you are doing the installation alone, you will need a base to support your kitchen cabinets during the process. The solution is spacer blocks. 

Cut the wooden spacer blocks to fit between the baseboard heating unit and the bottom of the cabinets. Use the dimensions of the cabinet bottom and the clearance as a measurement for the blocks.

Use screws to attach and secure the spacer blocks to the wall. Use a leveler to make sure the spacer blocks are leveled. Readjust the blocks if needed.

Drill The Holes

Use a power drill and drill bit to drill the pilot holes in the baseboard wall. Drill the holes at a moderate distance. The distance should be the same for all the pilot holes.

Now, drill pilot holes in the back of the cabinet matching the ones in the wall. It will help you when securing the cabinets in the wall.

Secure The Cabinets

Place the cabinet on top of the space block. Align the cabinet holes with the holes in the baseboard wall. Secure the cabinet to the wall using threaded screws. Use shims to fix any gap between the cabinet and the wall.

If there are any leftover screw holes inside the cabinet, use wood fillers to repair screw holes in kitchen cabinets.

Although I tried to mention all the things you should know, there’s one thing that I can’t. It is the local codes and regulations.

As I don’t know where you are from, I can’t give you any specific directions about that. So, get familiar with your local codes and regulations and maintain them during the installation.

How Much Clearance Does A Baseboard Heater Need?

If you have come this far, you already know how important clearance is for baseboard heaters to work properly. But, do you how much clearance a baseboard heater needs? Let’s find out.

Factors	Clearances
Floor Clearance	At least 12 inches from the bottom of the baseboard heater to the floor.
Wall Clearance	At least 6 inches between the sides of the baseboard heater.
Top Clearance	6 inches between the top of the baseboard heater and any objects above it.
Furniture and Curtains	Large wall space between the baseboard heater and any other furniture or curtains nearby.

Tips To Install Kitchen Cabinets Over Baseboard Heating

Are you rushing to start the installation? Wait! I know we have already talked about the process. However, I have some professional tips for you to excel in the installation. These are; 

• Be careful while measuring the dimensions. The measurements must be accurate to install the cabinets properly.
• Install wooden blocks between the baseboard heating unit and the bottom of the cabinets to ensure proper clearance for baseboard heaters.
• For your baseboard heating system to work properly, choose the suitable cabinets.
• However, if it is a typical kitchen cabinet, modify the bottom to accommodate the baseboard heating unit.
• There should be sufficient space for airflow for the baseboard heating unit to operate efficiently.
• Turn off the baseboard heating system and remove any objects around it before starting to work.
• Use appropriate screws and brackets to secure the cabinets. Otherwise, there will be chances of unwanted occurrences.
• Always check the heating system after installation. This is to ensure it operates correctly with the new cabinet installation.
• You must follow the local building codes and regulations regarding installing cabinets over baseboard heating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Final Thoughts

Now you know the detailed process of how to install kitchen cabinets over baseboard heating. To make a quick recap,

Measure and make the layout. Plan all the necessary things. Prepare the area maintaining the instructions.

Then, install the spacer blocks around the baseboard heater. Drill pilot holes on the cabinet outline on the wall. Drill similar holes in the back of the cabinets.

Now, place the cabinets on the wall and secure them. There you have your cabinet over your baseboard heating system. 

It may seem like a long process but trust me it’s not. This is only because of the just the amount of details. So, stop worrying, gear up, and break a leg!

If you are interested in learning more about restoring a Cabinet , stay with- Restore Journey.