Bodging kitchen corner units smaller?

[bristolbaron]

I’m fitting a used kitchen as I’ve run out of cash! All’s well so far, except the corner units stick out too far to get an oven in the middle.

I could do with cutting the sides down and getting them back together in a shorter position. Is it even possible? It doesn’t need to last forever, or look perfect. I’m thinking screw/glue/dowel might do it? What’s the best way of getting straight cuts?

Worse case scenario I buy new corners but if I can make this work I’m a happy man!

[bristolbaron]

Thanks guys,

A bit more info..

The kitchen is long and narrow, at 225cm. I need to run units down both sides as the left has windows and the right will carry wall cabinets.

Offsetting the oven isn’t my favourite idea, as it’ll look unbalanced and I’ve then got the door right against units.

Gap between unit fronts at opposite sides is 104cm.

Current gap for oven is 38cm, so I need to find 22cm.

Doors either side of oven would need to be cut too. (11cm each) they’re plain handleless doors so I haven’t got to worry about centring a shaker style inlay.

I know the edges wouldn’t look great, but with the corner piece between the units I can at least hide the bulk of it.

Cutting the backs off would get me part way there, but I’d need to do the whole run both sides and would then need to run service pipes inside cabinets - time and money!

Edited by bristolbaron on Sunday 19th November 18:37

[bristolbaron]

It could well be a current range, The units are about 6 years old, but could be from anywhere. I’d imagine the colour would be discontinued though!

I was thinking about colour matching some smaller fronts, but would run into issues unless I did the lot.

A jig could be handy, I’m guessing I’d also need a router? Would also work for the worktops and no one needs an excuse to buy tools! If I bought a router could I use this to cut the sides down? I'm guessing i'd give a neater finish than a jig saw..

Edited by bristolbaron on Sunday 19th November 20:32

[bristolbaron]

timberman said:

A router would actually be the best tool for cutting both the doors the shelves and back panels as it will give the neatest and most accurate cut.

you don't need to spend a fortune but I would recommend one with a half inch chuck + get yourself a decent straight cutter,
you'll also need a straight edge you can clamp to the panels/doors to get a neat cut

once you've dismantled the units and cut the parts to size you can just fasten the sides and back to the shelves with screws rather than messing about with dowels as where the cabinets are situated the screws won't be on show anyway.

Okay, it's on! I've dismantled the units this evening, they weren't glued so that was a bonus.
I've sourced a router, I just need to find a straight bit [Will I need more than one?] and straight edge.. Can I use a spirit level for this or should I use an offcut of scrap metal? Or something else?!

Thanks all.

[bristolbaron]

Thanks both, I don't have the router in hand yet, so have no idea if it has a guide!
I've been meaning to get a decent level anyway and will need one for marking unit heights, my old plastic stanley is banana shaped!
Hopefully I'll have this all done by the weekend so will post up results.

Cheers

[bristolbaron]

campionissimo said:

Stabilo levels are your friend........

I've just picked up a 4 footer!

I have loads of spare parts so will be able to practice cutting the front panel before commiting, but reckon i'm set on cutting down the doors.

I've just had service pipes and electrics set for a central position, so off centre isn't an option.
If i take away the service viod, I still don't get my required 22cm, so this is pointless and would look weird.
If I butcher the edge of the doors, it's really not the end of the world. The whole kitchen including fridge, freezer, sink, oven and all units has cost me £285. I can't expect perfection at that price, its already exceeded expectations.

Once we've got over the initial outlay of renovating the whole house I can look into long term options, but these could yet include extending, so at this stage I can live with a couple of bad doors.

iwantagta said:

How about a solution which requires no cutting?

Simply flip the right unit over, screw the feet on the "top" and have it upside down. Just need to flip and reattach all the drawers etc.....

Like this;

Also gives you an exciting "chicane" every time you enter the kitchen.

Bing bang bodge. Job done.

Have 10 internet points!

[bristolbaron]

A quick update!

I painstakingly cut all the units down the 11cm required and have just started reassembly. First one complete, and decent cuts on the doors! Fingers crossed I’ll have the oven in over the weekend!

Thanks for all the advice.

[bristolbaron]

And the other side in and levelled up.
I’ve got 60.5cm between the units and was aiming for 60.. I can live with that!