Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Removing Kitchen Bulkheads

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Big John
05-11-09, 11:55 AM
I was going through a possible remodel with my wife last night and she mentioned removing the bulkhead above our existing kitchen cabinets. Is this a job that a novice DIY'er could undertake? I have done some drywall work, but am by no means an expert, but I'm not afraid to take on any project.

Thanks for the help, love this forum.

marksr
05-11-09, 12:42 PM
I assume you mean the soffit above the cabinets. If there is nothing in it, you can remove it but sometimes there is electrical, plumbing or HVAC duct run thru it. You need to try and determine if there is anything inside the framework that would complicate the job.

Are you planning to replace the cabinets?
Just Bill
05-11-09, 04:01 PM
Also, sometimes they are built as part of the wall/ceiling and the drywall does not go inside the soffit. But usually, it is added after all the drywall was finished and it is simple to remove. There may be 1x3 nailers that drywall or paneling is nailed to, but that all comes off easily, with a few nail noles to fix.

Big John
05-12-09, 06:55 AM
Thanks for your thoughts, yes I am speaking of the soffits, I do not plan on replacing the cabinets, my initial thoughts are that there is not duct work running through them, but there definitely is electrical.
marksr
05-12-09, 02:51 PM
You will probably have to take the upper cabinets down in order to remove the soffit and tie the drywall in with the existing wall. Most cabinets are installed with screws. Look for them on the cabinet framing just under the shelves.