Should you put plywood or drywall behind kitchen cabinets?

Author: Polly Macejkovic  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Air Circulation. One benefit of using plywood panels when hanging kitchen cabinets is that air can travel freely between the wall and the cabinet, drying potential water or damp. Cabinets around the stove, dishwasher or sink are more prone to dampness and water, meaning an increased chance of mold and decay.

Do you put drywall behind kitchen cabinets?

Drywall, which provides a smooth, flush wall throughout the house, is also beneficial when installed behind the stove and cabinets. While it's possible to cut and install drywall later, to fit around the cabinets after they're in place, you won't get the same professional results.

Should I put plywood behind drywall?

Absolutely. When doing a bathroom we would often install 1/2″ plywood onto the studs and then moisture resistant drywall. That way we always had solid backing for towel rods, etc. The same thing can be done anywhere.

Do you need to prime walls behind cabinets?

You definitely don't want bare drywall behind your cabinets, as this absorbs moisture and odors, and isn't as durable. That's why any new or repaired drywall should be primed before new cabinets are installed.

Should kitchen cabinets sit on subfloor?

It isn't necessary to have your kitchen cabinets sit on the subfloor, and it certainly isn't the desired option among contractors.

Sheathing The New Shop With Plywood AND Drywall! | Walker's Woodworks New Shop Build Out Pt. 3

What should I put under my kitchen cabinets?

Here are totally functional—and aesthetically pleasing—under-cabinet storage and organization ideas.
  1. Add a Display Shelf.
  2. Hang a DIY Utensil Rack.
  3. Add a Floating Dish Drainer.
  4. Mount a Wine Rack Underneath.
  5. Add Hooks for Hanging Mugs.
  6. Use Pot Rails to Store Cutting Boards.
  7. …Or to Hang Mugs and Utensils.

Does flooring go around or under kitchen cabinets?

A quick search online brings up a lot of debate on the issue, but no clear answers, so let us simplify for you: In our opinion, you are much, much better off laying your floor up to the edges of the units and appliances, rather than trying to install underneath them.

Can drywall be left unpainted behind cabinets?

If it's visible it should be finished. If you ever plan to clean it then it should be finished. If it will come in contact with water or grease will land on it then it should be finished. If it's behind a cabinet where you'll never see it then that's pretty common to leave it unfinished.

Do you need blocking behind cabinets?

It's always a good idea to have solid blocking behind drywall for fastening upper and lower cabinets. Instead of dimensional lumber, I use scraps of 3⁄4-in. plywood cut into 6-in. strips.

Should you paint drywall before hanging cabinets?

Cabinet removal can damage the drywall and expose areas that are unpainted. One of the biggest questions is when should you paint when installing new cabinets. Some people think it is better to paint before and others think it is better to paint after. Installing cabinets should be done after the painting.

Do you need plywood behind kitchen cabinets?

Air Circulation. One benefit of using plywood panels when hanging kitchen cabinets is that air can travel freely between the wall and the cabinet, drying potential water or damp. Cabinets around the stove, dishwasher or sink are more prone to dampness and water, meaning an increased chance of mold and decay.

Why is there plywood behind drywall in kitchen?

Plywood isn't typically put behind drywall, but there are a couple of reasons it might be: You need the shear strength of the plywood for structural reasons but don't want it to be the finished wall surface. You are going to hang a lot of stuff off the wall and need the plywood strength and anchoring for that reason.

Should you screw or nail plywood walls?

Nails are often preferred for structural joining, including framing walls, because they are more flexible under pressure, whereas screws can snap. Nails are also called upon when securing plywood sheathing for exterior walls, installing hardwood floors, and attaching siding and roofing.

What should I put between walls and cabinets?

While installing a cabinet in your kitchen or bathroom and unintentionally, there is space left between cabinet and wall. You can quickly fill this slight crack or a gap with the help of a caulk. In the market, caulk is in diverse colors. You can select those colors which are suitable for your cabinets.

Do I need special drywall for kitchen?

Green Board Drywall

Green board is made of the same materials as regular drywall, but its paper covering is coated in wax. It is also often used as a tile backer in limited wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and utility rooms.

What is drywall above kitchen cabinets called?

What is a Kitchen Soffit? Kitchen soffits are bulky box-shaped walls that connect the cabinets and the ceiling. Due to this, they are located at the top of the cabinets, extending from upper cabinetry towards the ceiling, and hide industrial elements such as plumbing, ductwork, vents, wiring, and pipes.

Should I leave a gap above kitchen cabinets?

It's not necessary that the kitchen cabinets have to touch the ceiling. It's completely dependable on your choice. So do you prefer the smooth, continuous appearance provided by cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling? Some people prefer the look of a continuous wall cabinet with no space above it.

Do cabinets have to go into studs?

The cabinets should always be screwed into the studs, not just the wallboard. You may decide to cut away some of the wallboard and nail blocking in place between some studs. Replace the pieces of drywall. You don't have to finish the seams with tape and compound, as they are hidden behind the cabinets.

Do you really need to line your cabinets?

Helps Prevent Moisture Damage to Cabinets & Drawers

Wood and water don't play well together. Raise your hand if you've ever put away a dish that's not completely dry. If you don't have a liner on your cabinet shelves, you can do some damage by putting away damp dishes.

Can you put drywall behind a stove?

Drywall is perfectly fine.

Tile would be even better, but drywall is normal behind a cooktop and is in fact relatively fire resistant.

What is behind drywall in kitchen?

Plumbing pipes of PEX, copper, or galvanized steel are found behind walls mainly to serve kitchens and bathrooms. Pipes will run vertically more than horizontally through walls. A common example would be a blue PEX and a red PEX pipe running vertically up from the water heater and main water supply in the basement.

Is it bad to have exposed drywall?

Drywall sheets and the compounds used in joints contain elements such as talc, calcite, mica, gypsum, silica, and even high-risk items such as mercury. When these sometimes-toxic particles are inhaled, upper respiratory conditions such as asthma and lung cancer can result.

Should vinyl plank flooring be installed under kitchen cabinets?

Generally speaking, while you can do it, you should avoid putting a floating floor under cabinets. Floating floors are not designed to hold the extra weight of cabinets, and over time they can damage the floor and cause more issues in the long run.

Is it better to do flooring or kitchen first?

Generally, it is much better to install your flooring before your cabinets; this is for many reasons, such as: The flooring contractor will not have to work around the exsiting cabinets, making the process quicker. The flooring finish can be applied after the cabients has been fitted.

Do kitchen cabinets go on top of hardwood flooring?

Traditionally hardwood flooring is more commonly installed prior to the cabinets and sanded and finished as one of the last steps, but with the increasing popularity of prefinished hardwood flooring the risks of damage during installation becomes greater.

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