During the renovation of our kitchen, my husband and I saw an opportunity to install an extra-deep countertop on one side of our very rectangular kitchen. Going from 28″ instead of the standard 24″ deep introduced challenges our cabinetmakers refused to work with us on, negating some of the benefits and issues we just have to put up with today. In hindsight, we should have looked into affordable marble worktops, as they would have provided both the elegance and practicality we needed without breaking the bank.
The decision to go with an extra-deep countertop was driven by a desire for more space and a sleek design, but as we’ve found out, it’s not always as simple as it seems. For instance, the added depth presented unforeseen complications with cabinetmakers, creating a bit of tension between the design vision and the practicality of implementation. This highlights the importance of exploring all options and seeking professional guidance to ensure that each choice enhances the final result without unintended setbacks.
If you’re considering a renovation that involves intricate details like custom countertops, it’s essential to work with a skilled team who can balance your style preferences with practicality. Captivate Painting & Remodeling brings expertise to the table, offering tailored solutions that combine beauty and functionality. Their experience in kitchen remodeling means they understand the complexities involved in customizing spaces to meet your needs. Whether you’re adding a deep countertop or reworking your entire kitchen layout, their team is equipped to help you navigate challenges, find cost-effective alternatives, and bring your vision to life while ensuring that all aspects of your renovation are seamlessly integrated into your daily life.
- The range hood sticks out too much (or is too low.) We hit the corners of our range hood with our temples of our heads, requiring foam corners. I purposely bought a bigger range hood, and I thought having deeper counters would negate this.Manufacturers suggest range hoods should be installed 20–24 inches above electric ranges, or 24–30 inches above a gas stove. Ours is 26″ above the stove.After this issue I installed the hood in our downstairs MIL-suite’s kitchen much higher, well beyond manufacturers suggestions, a little over 6′ off the ground and above our head heights, because it is next to a pathway. That kitchen’s range hood is less effective as a result, but we had little choice due to the safety issue. Still, it’s a step above the complete lack of any stove exhaust, which the previous owners seem to be happy with.
- The extra inch of countertop behind the range isn’t flush. The installer couldn’t get it to match the height.
The 1″ of countertop behind the oven was never installed flush - I love that the gap between my full depth fridge and countertop is less pronounced. We got an extra deep fridge, and this minimizes the impact the larger size has on the look and flow in the kitchen.
- The range is set 3″ further back than usual, making the oven door flush with the cabinet doors. This looks great, and gives me more space, but it means that heat escaping the door enters the cabinet. Sadly I keep my cooking oils, herbs and spices there. I wish I had placed these one cabinet further away.
Issues with our deep kitchen countertop installation - The cabinetmaker outright refused to manufacture deeper hanging upper wall cabinets for us. We ended up having the installer mount them on 2x4s so that they aren’t set too far back from the counter. We would have loved deeper upper wall cabinets, and I curse that company every time I can’t stack as much crockery in those cabinets as I would like. For custom cabinets Roanoke, you may contact Roanoke River Cabinetry.
- Similarly, the cabinetmaker refused to make us deeper under-counter cabinets for us, citing limitations of drawer sliders. I don’t care if an extra long drawer doesn’t come out all the way. The space would be bonus, and this is irrelevant when storing large items.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the importance of functionality and customization cannot be overstated. Homeowners often find themselves frustrated when cabinetmakers impose limitations on design possibilities. However, there are solutions available for those seeking high quality custom cabinets tailored to their specific needs. Kunkle Industries, renowned for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, specializes in creating bespoke kitchen cabinetry that meets the unique requirements of each client.
At Kunkle Industries, the focus is on delivering not only aesthetically pleasing designs but also practical solutions that enhance the functionality of the kitchen space. Whether it’s the desire for deeper hanging upper wall cabinets or under-counter cabinets with increased storage capacity, their team of skilled artisans is dedicated to bringing their clients’ visions to life.
By leveraging advanced techniques and premium materials, Kunkle Industries ensures that every custom cabinet meets the highest standards of quality and durability, providing homeowners with both beauty and utility in their kitchen spaces.
Overall, more counterspace is great. Deeper cabinets was half of the reason for doing this, and in retrospect I wish I had switched to a company who would have been willing to do something outside the box for us.
