How close to the basement door should kitchen cabinet run begin?

8 years ago

I have a 1960s kitchen where the floor plan includes the doorway to the basement. The door opens 30" into the room, and I could certainly begin my cabinet run at 31" for clearance but that wouldn't feel right. You would certainly come into the room and the cabinets would be "in your face". And when you carry laundry baskets up and down the stairs there would be some maneuvering, i'm sure. Obviously I'm not going to go that close, but I would like a discussion on how close this cabinet run should be to that doorway, as there are currently no cabinets on that wall, and I would like to come around the corner and put some there. I could do an angled end, but I would prefer maximum counter real estate if possible. FYI there is an outside entrance at the top of the stairs. the stairs come up from the basement and go straight out the door, but they also turn left from the landing and into the kitchen and this is where it's just simply in the way.

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Comments (5)

simstress
8 years ago
I have no practical experience with this. I'd say 12" clear distance would keep it from feeling cramped.
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Roanoke Woodworking Inc.
8 years ago
This is your existing space? Is it possible to tape the floor, or better yet, put a box or other obstacle where you might want the cabinet line to end. There is no "set" answer, just what is comfortable for you.
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Judy Mishkin
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
is there other access to the basement? you might want to consider maneuvering a new washer, dryer, furnace, hot water heater, second fridge, chest freezer, whatever if this is your your 'best' access.

if you have another large hatch for all of the big occasional stuff, for a couple weeks set up a large sheet of cardboard at various angles here and find your sweet spot so you dont bang the heck out of your new cabinets. and take into account less careful members of your family. i dont allow my husband to vacuum the kitchen any more, he bashes around too much.
Brian Lee
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, my current space and there is another entrance to the basement -- the back door is right at the top of the stairs. I like the box idea, so I'll give that a shot.
Jordan Z
8 years ago
I would recommend you maximize the space and keep the distance between fixture and door 6" or less. That being said, if it fits your design concept you could have an open end/shelf option at the end of the cabinet. By not boxing it in like a traditional closed cabinet I think it will maximize your storage without making the entrance feel clustered. Let us know what you decide and good luck with the project!