John Liu I appreciate your comments. Cabinet maker will use 3/4 plywood on those cab backs which I believe is enough for support but I like your plywood suggestion in case more is needed. Also, the idea of spacing the cabs apart was echoed by my firend, who is a builder. The reason I am asking is that 2 plumbers and 1 electrician seem insistent on pony wall and my cabinet maker as well. I think it makes everyone's job easier because it is obvious where everything goes, less creative problem solving. I started worrying that there were complex technical reasons, but they haven't stated so. Also, I'm told access won't be needed because everything will be updated and to code, but things change and stuff breaks. I guess access is avail. from crawl space, but I like making MEPs as accesible as possible for future issues. Thank you for an answer that is geared toward me reaching my goals.

No additional support needed if cabinet backs are 3/4". I guess if needed cable can be fished and pulled through the gap. Sounds like you are all good.

John Liu

I just corrected my post, the pros are insistent on pony wall, is what I meant, but they will just have to deal with what I decide upon. I may have Cabinetmaker put in the front cabinet and then have the electrician do his work and I'll pay Cabinetmaker to make a return visit to attach the back cabinet (which will be on site already). That way we can make adjustments if needed.

Would be interested why they insist - what is their reason.

John Liu thank you for asking. I asked plumber today! First, he says it makes their job clear cut, but he admitted that he can do it in the cab, no real structural issues. Second, the vent pipe is in the wall there and at the same plane as the previous pony wall, so plumber said the same pathway is desireable for least amount of pipe turns. So, I am going to push the front sink cab further back, which will give me a little more kitchen space. He is agreeable to fitting it in the cab or into a channel behind the cab (as you suggested). Eletrician was fussier, (mentioned it's "too industrial" within the sink cab) and Cabinetmaker doesn't approve of extra holes in the cabinets (a craft issue) and holds the belief that the 2 x 4 support is better for the countertops (which is IMO uneccesary).

I have a Studor vent, electric outlet a a garbage disposal under my sink. Code here required an air gap for the dishwasher so I dont have a high loop but the diswasher drain hose runs across the back of the sink cabinet to the air gap on the opposite side. Code here also required 2 outlets on the outside of my island cabinetry.

Conduit and outlet box in one cabinet

This outlet is behind the dishwasher and the electrician had to use a shallow electric box

Just showing you some ways the electric and venting can be done

badgergal That is very helpful!