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Fix a garage wall for cabinets

Tom976 | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 7, 2022 01:42pm

Greetings;
      I have a garage wall that I want to hang cabinets on.   Its about 10 wide and 9 high.

About half the wall is concrete blocks.     The other half is standard 2×4 framing.
The wood framing has about 1 3/4″ offset with the concrete blocks.
(concrete blocks arent exactly flat a perfect either.)

So I am trying to put together the best way to straighten out a wall for me to install a few cabinets on. (after the framing is put in I will be putting drywall up)

I was debating about using 2×8 lumber horizontally to have a strong wood base to hold for the cabinets.    (I could build out the existing 2×4 framing with a bit more wood.  The concrete block isnt even load bearing.   Opposite side of those blocks are a gas fireplace.   
Thoughts and ideas on having a straight wall?   I’ve attached a pic.

Thanks
Tom

Reply

Replies

  1. User avater
    unclemike42 | Jun 08, 2022 07:05am | #1

    You could install a new stud wall over the whole thing. Either wood 2x or metal, depending on price and your preference.

    this will cost you a couple inches, but will be as straight as your skill and local material supply allows.

    In either case, you can install backing to make the cabinets easier to mount, and supported more securely. (or plan to use a cleat)

  2. calvin | Jun 08, 2022 07:26am | #2

    What cabinet layout are you doing?
    Floor to ceiling garage storage or including a countertop?
    Will the cabs cover the the entire wall left to right?

  3. Tom976 | Jun 08, 2022 09:22am | #3

    I'm trying to make some open floor space. (for the snowblower, lawn mower etc) The cabinets are steel 28w x 34 h wall hanging cabinets. Four of them would span the width of the garage nicely with a few inches left over. One side should be tight to the drywall the other side will have a few inches left over to store a ladder or something.

    Funny you mention about building out a wall. I thought about that. Pressure treated lumber on the bottom and 2x4 studs to build it out. That would probably make it the straight with the loss of a 4" on the floor.

    I was thinking about building out the wood framing with 2x4 and then putting pressure treated plywood over the whole thing. My concern is with the concrete block. While its not exposed to water (inside) the area can get humid and retain water. Putting plywood against the cement block may cause some wood rot down the road.

    1. User avater
      unclemike42 | Jun 09, 2022 11:53am | #4

      Water is an issue. (liquid or not) If you cannot find and eliminate the source of the water, you might want to make sure you allow for adequate ventilation to let it escape.

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