Ask Tom & Leslie

Lower Kitchen Cabinets

Dear Tom & Leslie,
I've just moved into an 81 year old house with 10' ceilings.  The previous owners upgraded the kitchen, but to get to the top shelf of the cabinets, I need to stand on the top step of a 3 step stool.  At times I wonder if they serve oxygen at that height!  Also, because the floor wasn't plumb, it appears that they mounted the lower cabinets on a platform to get them to mount properly.  Consequently, the countertops are at the bottom of my rib cage.  In 15 years when I reach the ripe old age of 70, I can't see me stepping on that ladder to get to things!  I want to remodel, but everything I see in magazines show these humongously tall upper cabinets And I have no idea as to what to do about the bottom cabinets.  5'2" is not unusual for women.  Do they make cabinets for people my size? 
Many thanks,
Paula Campos
Catonsville, MD

Paula,
You might want to think about having custom made lower cabinets that work for some one of your height.  This way the counter can be at any height you need and not under your armpits.  The cabinets do not need to have door they can be open shelving so you can easily access and display your belongings.  To save on costs you can have the same upper cabinets installed much lower to help you save on oxygen costs.
Thanks for listening!
Tom & Leslie

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