Many homeowners are troubled by the gap between the cabinet and the soffit or ceiling. Most of them are conflicted about this gap and are unsure how to fill in gap between cabinet and soffit or ceiling.
If the gap is left open and unfilled, it might cause problems for homeowners. Gaps can provide an entrance for insects or rodents and pests make shelter in it. They can damage the wood of cabinets in a few days without your notice.
Moreover, dust and debris can be challenging for you because it is very challenging to clean the narrow gap between the cabinet and the ceiling. You may need some special tools to clean this surface. You can waste your daily time by doing it.
If you don’t want to waste your time daily, then give a few minutes to this detailed article in which I have explained 5 simple ways to fill the gap between cabinet and soffit or ceiling. Read this guide and get rid of kitchen cabinet install gap problem.
What is a Kitchen Soffit?
A soffit is a horizontal, boxed-in structure between the top of the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. Soffits are commonly used in kitchens where the cabinets do not extend to the ceiling, leaving a space above them.
Kitchen soffits help hide the electrical wire, plumbing pipes, and ventilation ducts. Soffits also make it easy to install under cabinet range hood in the kitchen. The duct will run above the soffit.
Why there is a gap between cabinet and soffit?
There are many causes of gaps between cabinets and soffits or ceilings but I have listed some common causes and explained a little bit about each of them.
Standard size of cabinets: The cabinet makers are not concerned about whether you have installed a soffit or not in the kitchen. They make the cabinet according to their standard size which leaves a gap when we install cabinet in the kitchen.
Installation errors: Poor installation is a major cause of the gap. If the cabinets and soffit are not aligned correctly during installation then it will leave a visible gap between them.
Uneven or sloping ceiling: If the ceiling has a slop or it is installed unevenly, then it may cause to leave a gap when we install kitchen cabinets and soffit.
Shrinkage or expansion of materials: Temperature and humidity shrink or expand the wooden cabinet and ceiling. After some time when the material goes to its appropriate position, it will lead to a visible gap between them.
5 Ways to Fill Gap between Cabinet and Soffit
Now in this detailed article, I will explain 5 simple and effective ways to fill in gap between cabinet and soffit or ceiling. You can enclose space above kitchen cabinets easily if you have some knowledge about using tools.
Fill gap by caulking
If the gap is very thin then it is the easiest way to fill the gap cabinet and soffit. You can fill the gap in no time with very little effort.
Make sure the surface area is cleaned and there are no dust particles and free of debris or moisture. Caulk needs a clean and dry surface for its stickiness. If you find it, then wipe the surface with a cloth.
Place masking tape on both sides of the gap. This tape works as a barrier to keep the caulk line straight. After applying the caulk remove the tape, it helps create clean edges and prevents the caulk from spreading beyond the chosen area.
Use a color of caulk that matches the color of your cabinets, if available or not bought yet. Cut the caulk at 45-degree angle and put it into the caulk gun. Carefully apply caulk beneath the gap between both sides of the masking tap.
Before drying, smooth the caulk with any caulk smoothing tool, a putty knife, or your finger. After that with extreme care, remove the masking tape.
Fill gap by using trims
You can fill the gap by using wooden trims easily if the gap is not too large. Measure the gap along the length of the cabinet and cut the trim accordingly. Cut the trim at 45 degrees if you have to make a corner joint and place them adjacent to each other.
Apply some adhesive behind the trim and place it over the gap. Make sure the trim is properly aligned with the soffit. Press the trim firmly for some moments to stick it to the cabinet.
After that, use nails or screws to add strength and durability to the trim. Carefully place the screws in the soffit or ceiling after finding the studs with the help of a stud finder. Paint the trim with the matching color of the cabinet if needed.
Related post: How To Cover Gap Between Cabinet and Floor?
Fill gap by LED lights
The creative and aesthetic way to fill the gap between the cabinet and ceiling is the use of LED light strips. Choose the lighting strips that fit with the dimensions of the gap. For easy installation, look for strips with adhesive backing.
Clean the surface of the soffit where you have planned to place LED strips. Remove the adhesive backing from the strips and place it in the desired place. Press the strips for a few moments to stick them on the surface.
Now the LED stripe required a power connection for its work. You may plug them into an existing electrical socket or use a low-voltage transformer developed especially for LED illumination. For appropriate wiring and electrical connections, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Install upper cabinets
If you have limited space and want to get rid of an outdated soffit, remove it and install the upper cabinets away from the wall to the ceiling, leaving a space above them. You can place a second row of cabinets above them.
Screw a 2×2 inch board on the top of the cabinets along the length and 0.7cm back from the front edge of the cabinets. Use a stud finder and detect the studs in the ceiling. Draw a line on the ceiling that will be adjacent to the board that we installed on the top of the cabinets.
Screw the upper 2×2 inch board on the ceiling into the studs. After that, place 2×4 blocks at the corners, and after some intervals of distance and screw them between both boards that are placed on top of the cabinet and to the ceiling.
Now, place plywood sheet at the front of both boards that we have placed on top of cabinets and to the ceiling. Put nails or screws that go into the upper and lower board. Fill hairline gaps with caulk. Paint the plywood with matching or contrasting colors with cabinets.
Related post: How to Hide Gap Between Dishwasher and Cabinet?
Fill gap by Crown molding
Crown molding is used to enhance the appearance of the ceiling. Here we use it for both purposes not only to fill gaps. Measure the gap and cut the crown molding. Cut edges of crown molding at 45 degrees to make corner joints by using a miter saw.
Apply some adhesive to the back of the crown molding and place it on the top of the cabinets and ceiling. Ensure that the molding is aligned with the cabinets. Secure the crown molding with nails or screws.
Ensure that they are long enough to penetrate the cabinets but not so long that they break through the cabinet material. Sand the edges of the crown molding and paint with a color that precisely goes with your cabinets.
FAQS
Can you remove soffit above kitchen cabinets?
Yes, you can remove soffit above kitchen cabinets. I know after removing it will look awkward but there is also a solution. You can install upper cabinets away from the wall and add a second row of cabinets above the cabinets. Moreover, you can make a window or leave an open space after painting.
How do you enclose space above cabinets?
Simply install the upper cabinets away from wall which will enhance the space of your kitchen. Instead of wasting space above the cabinets install a second row of cabinets that goes to the ceiling. Make a frame of 2×2 inch board and place it above the cabinets. Now place a plywood sheet in the front of the frame and screw it.
What can I do with soffit above cabinets?
If you want to repair your old soffit then there is a solution. Paint the soffit with a color that matches or contrasts with the color of your cabinets and the ceiling. Moreover, you can install wallpaper over the soffit that will enhance the attractiveness of your kitchen.
Conclusion
Filling the gap between a cabinet and a soffit is a crucial step in achieving a polished and seamless look for your kitchen or any other space where cabinets are installed. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that no unsightly gaps or spaces are left behind.
By following these steps, you can successfully fill the gap between your cabinet and soffit, achieving a professional-looking result. Remember to take your time, pay attention to detail, and work with precision to ensure a flawless finish. GOOD LUCK!
