Not a Kitchen Question...

First_Timer_Ray · Jul 04, 2007 2:02 pm

But it has to do with cabnetry,

our house doesn't have a study, but we need somewhere to have our computer and books, so I thought that maybe a built-in wall unit might be a good idea?
We have a wall in our family room (approx 2.8m long) that should accommodate a computer nicely, and I've been toying with the idea of getting a unit made to fit (after it's built of course).
I've done a quick mock up (just using paint) of the sort of thing that I have in my head, but I'm sure that there'll be a reason why it wouldn't work, or some way to improve it.

How would a shelf up high go holding heavy books? Is it possible?

We really need somewhere that can not only look nice, but hide the paperwork and bits and pieces (and my teaching things) that are currently laying everywhere - on the desk, on the printer, on the floor next to the computer, etc etc.

Any suggestions???

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vanderlay · Jul 04, 2007 2:20 pm

I guess the obvious thing (you've probably already though of) is to take photos and measurents of the frame behind, and perhaps even ask for a several extra bits of timber (noggins??is that what they're called?) to be added to the frame so a heavy shelf can be mounted. Having the support behind the plaster to hold the unit would be tho most important aspect of adding the unit I would think.

Im sure wouldn't be a problem...

cuttingedgecabinets · Jul 04, 2007 6:48 pm

vanderlay

and measurents of the frame behind, and perhaps even ask for a several extra bits of timber (noggins??is that what they're called?) to be added to the frame so a heavy shelf can be mounted. Having the support behind the plaster to hold the unit would be tho most important aspect of adding the unit I would think.

Im sure wouldn't be a problem...

All house hold walls have enough studs to support overhead cabinets or shelves.

Just think about kitchen overheads. They are all screwed back to walls.

First_Timer_Ray · Jul 04, 2007 7:29 pm

Ok, assuming there is no problems attaching a heavy shelf up high, what sort of costs would be involved in getting something like this made?
Would it be more like $1K, $2K, $10K (rough idea)- assuming I get it made in panelart laminate to match the kitchen cupboards, and are cabinet makers able to order panelart or do they have certain retailers that you have to use?

Ray.

commodorenut · Jul 05, 2007 1:31 pm

I would be looking at approaching the company who do the kitchen for the builder.

That way you can get the cupboards & becnhtops to match.

On the bottom, use 2 floor carcasses at either end, a long bench top, kick panels & side panels to complete it.

Up top, use wall cupboard carcasses - with doors, shelves or whatever to suit.

Depending on your door & bench choices, and he overall sizes, I'm sure a kitchen company could knock it up for $3-4K or less fairly easily,

vpande · Jul 05, 2007 3:43 pm

That is a great idea. I have seen many of those in the old houses and are very practical. You might lose some flexibility in case you feel the need to rearrange furinture later on. Do you plan to eliminate the window in the second photo to accomodate the shelving?
Good luck .
vp

First_Timer_Ray · Jul 05, 2007 3:55 pm

Vpande - its not a window, but a cut out that is between the family and the back passage. We decided not to have it put in (it was no cost difference even though you'd think that putting one in would cost more) as then we'd only have the expense of buying plantation shutters to put in the cavity, and who wants a view from their family room to the bathroom/toilet?

Thanks for that commodorenut. I had no idea how much cabinetry costs, so at least we have some idea of the cost of doing it... a bit more than a computer desk, but then it makes up for not having a whole other room.

I don't think that it will be detrimental to the layout of the room in terms of wanting to re-arrange. There is sort of only one way for everything to face, so apart from taking a place where a couch could have gone, I think it's a good spot for it. As I said, we don't have a study, so everything needs to go somewhere.
Just didn't know how practical my idea was.

Ray.

cuttingedgecabinets · Jul 07, 2007 10:05 am

Just call a cabinet maker. They will be able to custom design and built it to suit exactly what you need.

One of the last desk fitouts I did I had to put two servers below bench into cabinets. I had to fit two extraction fans to either side of the cabinet and a vent into the front of the door. The doors were polyurethane with a timber venered benchtop.

BrdGrl · Jul 09, 2007 5:30 pm

Don't forget plently of powerpoints. But otherwise looks really good to me.

Ol'Painting · Jul 11, 2007 8:52 pm

Few basic design comments to your image…

• Add some drawers – they are good to hide a small clutter
• Extend cupboards to the ceiling. You will be surprised how much more space you get.
• Allow under desk open space wide enough for two people working at the table. You will lose one or two shelves, but you will be glad you did it.

Good luck!
Sounds like a great idea and fantastic project to do