[ryanphx]

I have installed by Adel Med Brown cabinets as follows, from top down:

- CEILING (approx 8')
- Light Rail/Trim piece
- 39" Upper Cabinets
- Backspash
- Lower Cabinet w/legs
- FLOOR

I am attempting to give my fridge a built-in look. As such, I am using the 88" cover panel on the side. Should this panel go from floor to ceiling trim? I currently have it installed flush with the ceiling trim, which is leaving a gap of about 6" at the bottom.

Has anyone else had this problem? Ideas or solutions?

[d1482]

I just read your post and am in the same situation. My ceiling height is 96", and I bought the same 88" panel to also get the built in look for my fridge (I haven't gotten that far yet to install it). There is a larger panel (I believe the dimensions are 36x96", the link for it on Ikea's website isn't working right now). You could use this larger panel and cut the width down to size, which would give you the correct height.

You could also leave it mounted with the upper trim, buy a regular side panel (30" height) and cut 6" off to fill the bottom gap. While there would be a seam this way, I doubt anyone would notice it.


Let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Mary

[torrus]

The 36x96" panel is used to 'build in' the fridge, this can be done together with bumping the fridge cabinet out from the wall so that it lines up with the front of the fridge. The large panel is then cut to the required depth to cover the side of the fridge.

[ryanphx]

Thank you for the suggestion. I was thinking that the 96" panel is probably the best way to go. I have attached a photo of the current 88" panel installed, note the gap at the bottom.

Installing a small piece at the bottom is another good option - you correct, it probably won't be noticeable. I still need to have my tile put in (everyone told me to do this after the cabinets were installed). So, not sure if the panel should go to the floor now (and grout around it) or set on top of the finished tile. The second route seems cleaner to me.

Thanks!

[GardenOfDarwin]

Make sure you put your refrigerator up on a piece of plywood equal in thickness to the tile+substrate, or you'll never get your refrigerator out for cleaning/repairs/replacement without tearing up your floor.

How much of a gap do you anticipate having after the tile is in? The toekick is 4 1/4" and would typically be used in this situation -- tack it on the side of the panel at the floor level. You could also add a decorative piece of trim. If you find Tim and Joyce's blog, there's a picture of their treatment. I've got to run and make breakfast!

Welcome to the forums!
Susan

[DesignDiva]

Make sure you put your refrigerator up on a piece of plywood equal in thickness to the tile+substrate, or you'll never get your refrigerator out for cleaning/repairs/replacement without tearing up your floor.

Better yet, tile under it! And the range, too.

[ryanphx]

I was definately going to tile unde the fridge and under the range. I am now thinking perhaps to just have the tile put in now, and then install the base cabinets on top of that.

Any thoughts/experience/pros/cons to this approach?

[lockburn]

I've heard you should also tile under the dishwasher. If it leaks, you'll see the water (vs soaking into the subfloor), and as well you can pull it out if it needs repair.

[torrus]

By tiling first you have the option of changing the design later on, if this is not important, tile under the range, dishwasher and fridge.

[designenvy]

Torrus if you bump the fridge cabinet out does it just "rest" on the fridge? Or where does it get it's support from?