What is the thing above kitchen cabinets called?

Author: Samara Schuppe  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Kitchen soffits are usually installed above your cabinets, closing the gaps between the cabinets and ceiling. While kitchen soffits were very popular in older homes, the style has fallen out of favor for many homeowners and interior designers.

What is the thing above cabinets called?

A kitchen soffit is a structure that extends down from the ceiling to cover the space above the upper cabinets. Soffits can be made of drywall or wood and are usually the same depth as the cabinets they are covering.

Should I remove my kitchen soffit?

Should you remove them really comes down to what you want. If they have never bothered you before and you planned to keep them, add the new soffit and move on. If you are remodeling to sell soon take them out.

What do you call the space above cabinets?

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.

Are kitchen bulkheads out of style?

Are Kitchen Bulkheads Out of Style? Bulkheads have been a popular kitchen design feature for many years and remain a popular choice in 2023. However, like any design feature, trends can change over time, and what's popular today may not be popular in the future.

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What does a bulkhead look like?

A bulkhead is a horizontal structure that extends from the ceiling, typically ending at the top of cabinetry. In contrast, a soffit is a horizontal box-like structure installed beneath a roof overhang. While both serve to conceal elements and create a finished look, their placement and primary functions differ.

How often do bulkheads need to be replaced?

If your bulkhead requires additional repairs or modifications and is more than 15 years old, it is recommended to replace the bulkhead with a new unit.

Can you remove bulkheads in the kitchen?

A: Bulkheads are installed for a few reasons - mainly as a way to house a mechanical service or installed by a home builder as a decorative (or not so decorative) reason. In most cases, bulkheads can be removed and replaced by taller upper cabinets and a crown moulding that goes to the ceiling.

What is the bulkhead above a cabinet called?

A kitchen soffit is a closed-in area above the cabinets. Soffits were a popular design included in homes in the mid-to-late 1900s. Today, however, homeowners don't appreciate the boxed-in feeling soffits give a kitchen, especially those extending past the cabinets' face.

Are soffits in the kitchen outdated?

Conclusion: Are Soffits Outdated? The answer to whether soffits are outdated is not straightforward. It depends on your kitchen's size, ceiling height, and your personal preferences. In many modern kitchens, eliminating the soffit can create a more open and contemporary feel.

What does a kitchen soffit look like?

A kitchen soffit is a built-in space between the top of your cabinets and your ceiling. Essentially, a cubby structured with 2x4's and drywall. Kitchen soffits are often 12-18 inches tall depending on the height of your cabinets and ceiling.

How much does it cost to remove and replace soffit?

Soffit replacement costs an average of $17 per linear foot, or $4,250 for a typical one-story home. However, these costs can vary depending on the material, project complexity, and other factors. Shop around for materials and labor to ensure you get the best price.

How often should soffits be replaced?

Most people will only consider a soffit and fascia replacement when they can see damage or wear and tear. But there are other factors to consider: The age of the soffit and fascia panels – The longer they've been installed at the property, the more likely it is that they will need replacing.

Should I remove kitchen soffits?

It depends on what you like and what's practical. Removing them can make your kitchen look taller and give you more storage, but using that high space might be a challenge. Plus, there could be important things hiding up there, like pipes or wires. If that's the case, it might not be worth it.

How to tell if a soffit is empty?

Just how big depends on what is lurking behind the soffits. The only way to tell is to cut a hole in the drywall big enough to shine a flashlight and get a good look around. If you're really lucky, it will just be empty space.

What is the difference between a bulkhead and a soffit?

Soffits describe the area between the top of cabinets and the ceiling. Bulkheads describe the structure that fills in that area. But because they go hand in hand, you'll often hear this area referred to as a soffit. You've probably also seen bulkheads in kitchens.

What are the things above kitchen cabinets called?

Kitchen soffits are usually installed above your cabinets, closing the gaps between the cabinets and ceiling. While kitchen soffits were very popular in older homes, the style has fallen out of favor for many homeowners and interior designers.

What does a bulkhead look like in a kitchen?

A kitchen bulkhead is a lower portion of the ceiling, acting as a sort of “step” between one space to the next. A bulkhead extends from the ceiling and ends in line with the kitchen cabinetry.

What is a cabinet riser?

Riser molding is a piece of cabinetry molding that goes in-between the crown molding and the wall cabinet. It's used to adjust for any discrepancy that there may be along the ceiling in terms of levelness. It is also used as a decorative molding, acting to improve the appearance of the space.

How much does it cost to remove a bulkhead?

If your basement bulkhead is more of a floodgate than a fortress, it might be time for an upgrade. Bulkhead replacement costs range from $200 to $4,000, depending on the condition of the existing door and the material. On average, replacing a bulkhead costs $1,750, excluding installation and removal costs.

What is the life expectancy of a bulkhead?

The lifespan of a bulkhead varies depending on the material, environmental factors, and maintenance. Vinyl bulkheads can last 20-30 years, while steel or concrete bulkheads might last 50 years or more with proper care. Regular inspections and timely repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of any bulkhead.

What is the average cost to replace a bulkhead?

The average cost of bulkhead replacement ranges from $500 to $3,000, with the typical homeowner spending around $1,750. This cost can vary based on several factors, including the materials used, labor involved, and any additional work required.

Are bulkheads necessary in kitchen?

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, bulkheads are often overlooked. Bulkheads are typically considered for a functional purpose such as for concealing overhead wiring or any obvious differences in ceiling heights. However, they are also increasingly being used to create a more modern kitchen look.

Why are bulkheads bad?

Bulkheads result in a sudden drop off, which is bad for salmon and people of all ages. The scouring action can also cause failure of the bulkhead as the base erodes away. Vertical wall bulkheads can accelerate erosion on neighboring properties if they are not tied into the same bulkhead sytem.

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