I’m back doing kitchen installs (among other things) working for a contractor. I did almost exclusively installs for close to 5 years just about five years ago. I’ve done a few in the interim.
About the time I was “in” it, built up mouldings became the rage, and apparently they still are, including topping the wall cabs with crown and such to meet the ceiling.
Early on I learned that this was a difficult if not impossible task considering that cabs are to be set level and flat and rarely is there a ceiling that follows suit.
Better designers I believe know enough to not spec this feature because of it’s inherent difficulties and less than stellar results despite the efforts of a well qualified carpenter.
So, what do you do when faced with this situation. I’m working on one now where the ceiling rises 5/8″ over 4-5 ‘.
The GC I’m working for is of no use, he mumbles and grumbles and some how expects me to wave a magic wand and everything will look pretty. He is clearly uninterested.
I took the initiative to point out the trouble to the HO who clearly understood the dilema and was ok with the resultant gap at the top of the crown. Not happy, but understanding. I did not build the ceiling, it is a 1970’s ranch.
I’m curious to see how others handle this.
I do remember a galley kitchen I did once with this feature and I coated the ceiling with Durabond and taping compound to level and flat. That’s not going to work here.
Eric
Replies
the only solution to this problem that I have been able yo come up with over the years is to use a vertical element as a valance to attach the crown to. Depending on the style of cabinet face and margin to the ceiling I may add one other peice as a soffit to bring the crown past the door face. This "L" shaped assemby provides a place to discretely lose a horizonal gap. good luck!
eric. I work with the kitchen supplier on a layout that won't #### me, yet will please the customer. You don't have that benefit as your boss would rather moan that perhaps plan ahead.
Here, I had an 1800-something porch expanded kitchen space. The ceiling was way off one corner to the other, and off in the two upper cab. runs to themselves. We used a wide backer, running that even with the level cabinets. Ran and cheated the crown to the ceiling. We knew this going in and planned for it. Those PLS-2's are a handy item in looking at a kitchen job.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
So, if I read you right, the crown is not parallel to the cabs but is to the ceiling.
I have less than 6' to install a verticall and a 3" tall crown.
If I hike it to the ceiling it will not be parallel to the cabs.
It is the ceiling that is out, I don't feel comfortable making two things wrong instead of just one.
The ceiling is not just out of level but shoots up after a bump. NICE!
Simple thing would have been to put 36" walls instead of taller and let the crown float instead of trying to force the opening closed.
I don't get "designers" sometimes.
EricIt's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
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I don't get "designers" sometimes.
All ceilings are flat in their little world.
Of course.
Stupid me!!It's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
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You're right eric. The crown ran with the ceiling. With the 4'' or so below, the flat ran level like the cabs. Tricks the eye. There were of course the quick dive and gradual curve. A little carving on the top of the crown (again, not enough to draw attention, just enough to minimize the dive) and letting it lay out a bit more........and veee-oh-lah as it is sometimes spelled.
With just the cabs and a 6-7'' void above, looked terrible. The flatstock and crown actually helped hide the dipsy do's.
Challenge isn't the word for it.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I'll post an update and some pics tomorrow. Too late now.
And thanks for the good words all!
EricIt's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
[email protected]
We designed this detail for the house we're renovating now. This home is 100 yrs old & you can imagine how out the ceiling/walls are. This will be on a dramatic ceiling with a bunch of recesses/coffers. You end up with a lot of space for "adjustment" with this detail. We are changing the shoe moldings to a bigger piece & will shave them down to hide some discrepancies. We're also going to bead the edge of the 1x's to meet the shoe moldings. I'll post some pictures as this progresses if you like.
Calvin has pretty much the best way to handle a short space to the ceiling. It's amazing how you can fool an eye.....Just don't try to fool a trimmer's eye!! :-)