False bottoms in overhead cabinets

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False bottoms in overhead cabinets

January 22, 2017, 05:11:05 pm

Hi folks,

I did a quick search to no avail. I am thinking about running wires for outlets in the rear living area of a 2000 mid-bath. I already snaked a wire from the outlet outside the bath up to the TV cabinet (which was a bit of a challenge). So now it *should* be easy ;-)

As I was examining the cabinets I see that LD has run wires for the lighting and speakers in a false bottom of the cabinet, so you have a smooth interior and exterior surface.

Can someone that has run wires in there, or otherwise disassembled these cabinets, let me know about this raceway space. Is it possible to feed a wire (I'll be using 120V standard electrical wire, as we have an inverter in our LD). What kind of blocking is inside this false bottom.

Or can I remove the interior cabinet bottom, do my wiring, and then put it back. If this is the preferred approach, what is the best way to remove this bottom without damaging it. And do you know how the corners are made, and can I run wires to all cabinets through the corners?

Sorry for the basic question. I just didn't want to open something up and create damage if there is a preferred approach.

Thanks in advance for any tips, photos, links, etc.

S-

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #1 – January 22, 2017, 05:42:13 pm

Steven-

I found the false bottoms stapled down on our 1997-8 mid-bath. You can pry them up carefully, then put them back down with some #6 flat-head brass screws (the kind I found holding several removable panels). This is better than "fishing" the space; you can bundle your wires with those already there, follow the same paths and better avoid blocking.

If you think you might be back in the space, cut a corner off the bottom panel, so you can lift it more easily.

I was able to completely remove the interior of the cabinet over the sink this way, to repair a 120VAC wire I damaged while trying to mount a wine glass rack under the cabinet. I admit I was at my surly worst after that mistake. Doh!

Some of the wiring transits the inside of cabinets. You'll find it protected by wire loom. I recommend doing the same for any wire you add that will be in an open, "user-accessible" space.

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #2 – January 23, 2017, 02:20:40 pm

I've had the floors of my cabinets out many times, as I made various electrical additions and improvements. I pulled out all the staples, and I've never bothered to nail or screw the bottoms back in. They're a tight fit, and the contents of the cabinets hold them quite securely in place, with no need for fasteners. This way it's easy to take them out again next time I need access to that space. :-)

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #3 – January 23, 2017, 08:29:13 pm

Thanks l1v3fr33ord13 (which I'm taking to mean "Live Free or Die" -- are you from NH by any chance?). Appreciate the explanation and suggestion.

And thank you as well Andy for the time-saving step of highlighting that I don't even need to re-attach the false bottoms. Makes a lot of sense.

OK, so no excuses for me now. Time for some staple removal!

Very thankful for this group.

S-

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #4 – January 24, 2017, 06:26:29 pm

Steve-

Yup, we're New Hampshirians, or whatever is the correct term. The Wikipedia citation for the state motto ("Live Free or Die") is here.

Mark H

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #5 – January 24, 2017, 08:16:41 pm

Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13 - January 24, 2017, 06:26:29 pm

Steve-

Yup, we're New Hampshirians, or whatever is the correct term. The Wikipedia citation for the state motto ("Live Free or Die") is here.

Mark H

You're pretty savvy, Steve. I've looked at that handle since Mark signed on and never picked up on the cleverness.

I believe it's "New Hampshirite". I just read that residents of my home state of Indiana are now officially recognized by the federal government as "Hoosiers", a name we have been calling ourselves since the 1800s.

Chris

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #6 – January 24, 2017, 08:52:23 pm

Quote from: l1v3fr33ord13 - January 24, 2017, 06:26:29 pm

Steve-

Yup, we're New Hampshirians, or whatever is the correct term. The Wikipedia citation for the state motto ("Live Free or Die") is here.

Mark H

Hi Mark. We also live in NH -- Amherst, NH.

Just thought I would check to see where you are hailing from. We plan to hit the road in a couple of weeks for a few months anyways.

Thanks again for the tips.

S-

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #7 – February 04, 2017, 04:34:44 pm

Quote from: Steve and Carol Crisp - January 23, 2017, 08:29:13 pm

OK, so no excuses for me now. Time for some staple removal!

OK so maybe more excuses.

Can someone explain the process they use to either pull the staples or pull up the cabinet bottoms without destroying them. As usual, LD quality is both a blessing and a curse to the remodeler.

I welcome any tips from the experienced folks who made it sound straightforward

Thanks in advance (still freezing in NH).

S-

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #8 – February 04, 2017, 05:11:13 pm

Quote from: Steve and Carol Crisp - February 04, 2017, 04:34:44 pm

Can someone explain the process they use to either pull the staples or pull up the cabinet bottoms without destroying them. As usual, LD quality is both a blessing and a curse to the remodeler.

LD fits the cabinet bottoms snuggly, it can be very difficult to pop them out, the first time.
I sometime will use a couple of sheet metal screws, partially screwed into the bottom panel, missing the internal framing. The screw heads are use to pry against, helping to pull the staples up and out.
Be patient removing the bottom, I have found that swearing at it can be helpful.
Once the bottom is out, the staples are removed and a notch is cut, in the corner, or a large finger hole drilled, to assist in removing the bottom in the future.
After the mods are complete, reattach the bottom with a few sheet metal screws, to hold it in position and for a clean look.
Velcro can also be used to retract the bottoms.

Larry

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #9 – February 04, 2017, 07:09:11 pm

Steven-

Larry's idea to improve purchase on the panel is excellent. Here are a few more ideas:

1) Some panels may have a loose edge where they butt against other panels

2) Some panels have lights or other removable components underneath. Take the component(s) out, push up on the cabinet bottom at the edges from underneath (or, wedge in a small screwdriver and pry). I found that the palm of my hand worked well to bump the bottom panel up.

3) Using a cordless drill positioned in the door of the cabinet, drill a 1/2" hole in the panel (just inside the framing; this prevents weakening the panel too near the edge). You're going to put a hole or clipped edge in it to pull it up later, anyway. I never had to resort to that, as the suggestions above and Larry's methods gave me the results sought.

Once you have a staple up, move down the edge to the next.

I found the LD panels were surprisingly tough, and didn't split much around the staples. And, there's always the option of making a new panel if you bust one.

Mark H

Re: False bottoms in overhead cabinets

Reply #10 – February 08, 2017, 12:22:51 pm

Larry and Mark,

Thanks much for the suggestions. I will try those, but I think that will be postponed until after we depart. That looks like a project!

Instead, I've been building a pantry modeled after ones done by Andy and Larry. I decided to go with fixed shelves for strength. I'm almost done -- just need to cut the door and attach it all together. So that is the focus currently.

Thanks again for your tips. They will surely help me figure out how to remove the false bottoms.

S-

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January 22, 2017, 05:11:05 pm

Reply #1 – January 22, 2017, 05:42:13 pm

Reply #2 – January 23, 2017, 02:20:40 pm

Reply #3 – January 23, 2017, 08:29:13 pm

Reply #4 – January 24, 2017, 06:26:29 pm

Reply #5 – January 24, 2017, 08:16:41 pm

Reply #6 – January 24, 2017, 08:52:23 pm

Reply #7 – February 04, 2017, 04:34:44 pm

Reply #8 – February 04, 2017, 05:11:13 pm

Reply #9 – February 04, 2017, 07:09:11 pm

Reply #10 – February 08, 2017, 12:22:51 pm

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