Can you just leave the space above kitchen cabinets open? Generally, no, it is best to block the space above kitchen new cabinets to stop dust buildup, improve kitchen appearance, and often meet building codes. This space, often referred to as the void, needs proper finishing for a clean, finished look.
Why Blocking the Space Above Cabinets Matters
Many homeowners face the issue of an awkward gap between the top of their new cabinets and the kitchen ceiling. Leaving this space open creates several problems. It becomes a magnet for dust, grease, and cooking debris. It also looks unfinished, making a modern kitchen look sloppy. Properly covering space above wall cabinets fixes these issues fast.
Dust and Grime Traps
The area above cabinets is hard to reach. Dust settles there easily. When you cook, grease mixes with the dust. This sticky layer is difficult to clean. It can also look unsightly, even if you rarely look up there.
Aesthetics and Design Flow
Aesthetics play a huge role in kitchen design. A gap breaks the visual flow of the room. Finished cabinetry looks built-in and custom. Closing gap above fitted kitchen units makes the entire kitchen look sleeker and more professional.
Potential Pest Issues
Gaps can sometimes become entry points or hiding spots for small pests. Sealing this area makes the kitchen less inviting for unwanted visitors.
Methods for Filling Gap Above Kitchen Cabinets
There are several reliable ways to handle this space. The best method depends on the size of the gap, your budget, and your desired final look. We will look at solutions ranging from simple trim to full boxing.
1. Using Kitchen Cabinet Filler Trim
For smaller gaps, typically less than 3 inches, kitchen cabinet filler trim is the simplest answer. Filler trim is a thin strip of wood or material that matches your cabinets.
Installation of Filler Trim
- Measure the Gap: Measure the exact height and width of the gap at several points. Gaps are rarely uniform.
- Cut the Filler: Cut the trim piece slightly wider than the largest measurement. You will trim it down later.
- Dry Fit: Place the filler in the space. Mark the exact shape needed on the back edge if the ceiling is uneven.
- Shape the Edge (If Needed): If the ceiling slopes, you need to bevel or shape the top edge of the filler so it sits flush against the ceiling line. A jigsaw or table saw helps here, but careful sanding can also work for small adjustments.
- Secure the Trim: Attach the filler to the top edge of the cabinet using glue and finish nails or screws driven up from inside the cabinet. Use wood glue liberally for a strong hold.
This method is perfect for filling gap above kitchen cabinets when the space is minor.
2. Applying Crown Molding for Kitchen Cabinets
If the gap is slightly larger (maybe 3 to 12 inches) and you want a decorative finish, crown molding for kitchen cabinets is a popular choice. Crown molding adds a traditional, high-end look.
Choosing the Right Molding
Molding comes in many styles—simple, stepped, or ornate. Pick a style that matches your existing kitchen trim or the style of the cabinets themselves.
Installation Steps for Crown Molding
- Determine the Reveal: You need to decide how much molding will sit on the cabinet and how much will meet the ceiling.
- Calculate Angles: Crown molding is installed at angles where the wall meets the ceiling, and where the molding meets the cabinet face. You must use a compound miter saw to cut precise angles (often called inside and outside spring angles). This requires careful measurement.
- Coping vs. Miter Cuts: At inside corners where two cabinet runs meet, coping the molding (cutting the profile shape into the end of one piece) often yields a tighter fit than simply using two miter cuts.
- Fastening: Secure the molding first to the cabinet face, then fasten it up into the ceiling joists or use construction adhesive on the top edge if the ceiling is drywall and not load-bearing.
This method effectively sealing gap between cabinets and ceiling with style.
3. Using a Cabinet Top Filler Panel (Bulkhead/Bulkhead Enclosure)
For large gaps, especially those over 12 inches, using a full cabinet top filler panel or building a small soffit structure is the best approach. This creates a solid, seamless look, often making the cabinets appear custom-built right to the ceiling. This technique is sometimes called boxing in cabinets to ceiling.
Constructing the Panel Enclosure
This involves building a simple framed box or using large sheets of material (like plywood or MDF) to bridge the gap.
- Framing the Box: Build a simple rectangular frame slightly smaller than the actual gap dimensions. Use lightweight wood like 1x2s.
- Attaching the Frame: Attach the frame securely to the top of the cabinets and fasten it to the wall studs where possible. Ensure the frame is perfectly level.
- Skinning the Frame: Cover the frame with finish-grade material—this could be matching cabinet material, painted drywall, or even attractive wood panels. This material becomes your filler panel.
- Finishing Touches: Apply a simple trim piece or light crown molding where the new panel meets the cabinet face for a clean transition.
This is one of the most robust kitchen cabinet boxing ideas.
4. The Soffit Option: Soffit Removal Kitchen Cabinets
In some older homes, cabinets were installed under an existing soffit—a bulked-out section of wall or ceiling built to hide pipes or ducts. If you are installing new cabinets, you might consider soffit removal kitchen cabinets.
When to Consider Removal
If the soffit is merely decorative or was put there to accommodate old, shorter cabinets, removing it allows you to install taller, modern cabinets that reach the ceiling.
- Safety First: Before attempting removal, locate all utilities. Electrical wires, plumbing vents, and HVAC ducts often run inside soffits. Hire a professional if you suspect utilities are present.
- Structural Check: Confirm the soffit is not load-bearing. Most soffits are non-structural boxes, but it is vital to check before demolition.
If removal is not possible or too costly, you must proceed with one of the covering space above wall cabinets methods described above.
Material Selection for Gap Filling
The material you choose affects durability, appearance, and cost.
| Material Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood Trim | Small Gaps, Traditional Look | Durable, easy to paint/stain, classic look. | Can warp if exposed to high humidity. |
| MDF Trim/Panel | Medium/Large Gaps, Painted Kitchens | Stable (resists warping), inexpensive, smooth finish. | Does not hold up well if frequently wet; requires thorough sealing before painting. |
| Plywood/Cabinet Skin | Large Panel Fillers | Very strong, matches cabinet finish easily if veneered. | Requires more complex construction (framing). |
| Pre-made Filler Strips | Very Small Gaps (Under 1 inch) | Easiest to install, often comes pre-finished. | Limited sizes available. |
Preparation Work: Making Sure Your Cabinets Are Ready
Before you start sealing gap between cabinets and ceiling, the cabinet installation itself must be perfect.
Leveling and Plumbness
If your cabinets are not perfectly level, the gap above them will vary significantly.
- Use Shims: Use wood or plastic shims under the cabinet base (if necessary) to ensure the cabinet tops are level front-to-back and side-to-side.
- Check Plumb: Ensure the cabinet sides are plumb (perfectly vertical). Use a level on the cabinet doors or sides.
If the cabinets are crooked, any attempt to fill the gap will look wrong because the top edge of the filler material will also appear crooked relative to the ceiling.
Dealing with Uneven Ceilings
Most ceilings are not perfectly flat. This is the main challenge when covering space above wall cabinets.
- Identify High/Low Spots: Hold a long, straight edge (like a level or long piece of trim) against the ceiling where the cabinets run. Note where the ceiling dips or rises relative to the cabinet tops.
- Marking Filler: When installing filler trim or panels, you must trace the ceiling line onto the back edge of your filler material.
- Cutting the Profile: Use a jigsaw or belt sander to carefully cut this profile onto the top edge of the filler piece. This process ensures the filler sits tightly against the ceiling along its entire length.
Advanced Techniques for a Seamless Finish
To achieve the look of true custom cabinetry, pay attention to detail where the new material meets the existing cabinet faces.
Transition Pieces
When using crown molding or large filler panels, you need a smooth visual break where the new material meets the cabinet door frames.
- Overlap: Often, the crown molding should slightly overlap the front face of the cabinet (a reveal of about 1/2 inch to 1 inch) to hide any minor alignment issues between the molding and the cabinet face frame.
- Light Rail Molding: If you installed under-cabinet lighting, ensure your kitchen cabinet filler trim or boxing doesn’t interfere with the light fixture placement.
Finishing and Painting
The final look depends heavily on the finish.
- Painting MDF/Plywood: If you use MDF or plywood for a large panel filler, you must seal all edges and surfaces with a good primer (like a shellac-based or high-quality bonding primer) before applying the topcoat paint. This prevents “flashing,” where unprimed areas absorb paint unevenly.
- Staining Wood: If your cabinets are stained, use stainable wood filler, and then use a stain that matches your existing cabinetry closely. Practice staining on scrap pieces first, as filler materials take stain differently than solid wood.
Measuring for Success: A Quick Reference Table
Accurate measurement dictates whether the job is easy or frustrating. Always measure the space at least three times—once at the front, once in the middle, and once at the back of the cabinet run.
| Gap Size | Recommended Solution | Difficulty Level (DIY) | Key Material Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0″ to 3″ | Kitchen Cabinet Filler Trim | Easy | Filler strip, finish nails, wood glue. |
| 3″ to 12″ | Crown Molding for Kitchen Cabinets | Medium | Crown molding, miter saw, coping saw. |
| 12″ to 24″ | Cabinet Top Filler Panel (Simple box) | Medium-Hard | Plywood/MDF, 1×2 framing lumber. |
| Over 24″ | Built-out Soffit/Bulkhead | Hard | Framing materials, drywall/veneer panels. |
This table provides clear guidance for filling gap above kitchen cabinets based on size.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY
Deciding whether to tackle this job yourself or hire a professional installer depends on your comfort level with carpentry, especially angled cuts.
When to DIY
If your gap is small (under 4 inches) and you are only using simple trim, or if you are using large panel fillers where slight imperfections won’t be highly visible (because you plan to cover the panel with drywall or paint), DIY is achievable. Knowing how to install kitchen cabinet filler trim is a basic skill.
When to Hire a Pro
Hiring an expert is recommended if:
- Complex Crown Molding: You need complex crown molding installed across multiple corners. Getting spring angles and coping right takes practice.
- Large, Visible Panels: You are building a large panel enclosure that needs to look perfectly integrated with expensive cabinets.
- Structural Work: You plan on soffit removal kitchen cabinets, which involves potential hazard mitigation.
A professional ensures your solution for closing gap above fitted kitchen units looks custom-made and factory-installed.
Final Touches: Integrating Aesthetics
The final step is making sure the solution blends seamlessly. The goal is usually to make it look like the cabinets were intentionally built tall, not that a gap was later filled.
Lighting Integration
If you plan to add under-cabinet lighting, make sure your chosen method for covering space above wall cabinets does not prevent the installation of light rails or strip lighting. Sometimes, a slightly deeper filler panel is used at the front edge specifically to hide the lighting hardware.
Managing Heat and Ventilation
In some setups, particularly over the stove area, heat rises. If you are boxing in cabinets to ceiling completely, ensure that adequate ventilation paths remain, especially if the area directly above the stove is being fully enclosed. Modern range hoods typically vent outside, but you must confirm the enclosure does not block the necessary airflow path for the hood unit itself.
Conclusion
Blocking the space above new kitchen cabinets is not just an aesthetic choice; it’s a practical one for hygiene and overall kitchen quality. Whether you opt for simple kitchen cabinet filler trim, elegant crown molding for kitchen cabinets, or sturdy cabinet top filler panel construction, taking the time to properly finish this area elevates the entire kitchen space. By carefully measuring and choosing the right method—from simple sealing gap between cabinets and ceiling to complex boxing in cabinets to ceiling—you ensure your new kitchen looks professionally finished for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it okay to paint over the gap if I just caulk it?
A: Yes, caulking the gap and painting over it is a fast solution, but it works best only for very small cracks (1/8 inch or less) in an already perfectly level ceiling. If the gap is larger, standard paintable caulk will sag or crack over time, and it will look amateurish rather than finished. For gaps over 1/4 inch, use a flexible filler or trim.
Q: What if my gap is 15 inches wide? Should I try crown molding?
A: No. Crown molding is designed for a much smaller transition, usually topping out around 10 to 12 inches maximum before it looks disproportionate or requires impossibly large crown profiles. For a 15-inch gap, you must build a proper filler panel or a short bulkhead structure. This is essential for covering space above wall cabinets of that size.
Q: Does removing an old soffit always mean I can install taller cabinets?
A: Not necessarily. While soffit removal kitchen cabinets opens up space, you must confirm what the soffit was hiding. If it contains main HVAC ducts or significant plumbing stacks, removal might be structurally impossible or prohibitively expensive to reroute utilities.
Q: How do I find the right stain color for a wood filler piece?
A: Matching stain perfectly is tough. It is best to take a door or drawer front from your new cabinets to a paint or home improvement store. They have tools and experience in tinting stains to match existing wood finishes precisely. Always test the matched stain on scrap wood before applying it to the final filler panel.
Q: Can I use plastic filler strips if my kitchen is modern (no trim)?
A: Yes, if your kitchen is ultra-modern or European style (flat-front, handleless), using a square-edged PVC or laminate cabinet top filler panel that matches the cabinet material exactly can achieve a very clean, frameless look, mimicking the effect of boxing in cabinets to ceiling with a modern finish.