[amdurant]

Can someone tell me how many rails are installed for upper cabinets? We want to let our framer know where we should plan for blocking between our stud walls to help better support the rails. I've searched the site and found where the top rail is mounted 2 1/2" below top of cabinet. Is there another rail at the bottom? Do all upper cabinets come with the appropriate amount of rails needed for installation?

[GardenOfDarwin]

The rails are installed at the top of the cabinets only. There's a tutorial on the suspension rail in Tutorials: Suspension Rail Installation.

You shouldn't need additional blocking to support the rail. If you can get at least 2 (although I think any rational person would recommend as many as you can get) screws into studs along the length of the rail, you have sufficient support. The rails have multiple attachment points, so there shouldn't be any issue with not being able to hit a stud.

As for how much rail you need - you need to calculate that based on the length of your walls. The rails are 80" or so...figure out how many you need based on length, taking into account any that must be cut - you can reuse leftovers elsewhere, providing again that you can get at least 2 screws in. Calculate how much you need/80" and order that many rails. Since it's a component system, everything you need is ordered separately. You'll do the same type of calculation to determine the amount of toekick you need.

Hope that helps!
Susan

[DulcineaK]

you only need rails for the top part of your uppers. and you have to order the rails. at my ikea they won't help you figure out how many lengths you need, but they come in 8ft lengths.

**edit to say that i should have said 80in lengths... dulci had a brain bubble. happens to us all Thankfully Susan already answered your question thoroughly ***

[Chuck]

You would need blocking only if your studs are metal - wood studs, whether 2x3 or 2x4's, are sufficient to carry the load of the rails and cabinets.

The rails come in 80" lengths (not 8 feet). If you're in doubt as to exactly how much you need, err on the side of caution and order an extra piece or two - you can always return any unused lengths (save your receipt!!!!)