Kitchen cabinet install on a shared condo wall (i.e., concrete)
7/28/2023 at 7:21:33 PM
Hi, we're diyers trying to install 60" width worth of cabinets, plus a soffit extension at the ceiling, beside our existing kitchen cabinets to get some extra storage. We live in a condo high-rise and the wall is a shared wall with the next unit.
When we tapped the wall, it sounded hollow, so we though we were good to go. Then we cut a hole in the drywall to see what's in behind and discovered it's a concrete wall, covered by 5/8" drywall. I'm not sure how the condo corp. affixed the kitchen cabinets that are there, but their approach may not be available to us; the cabinets that are there are the original ones.
Luckily, the entire stack (base cabs, countertop, uppers, soffit) is a floor-to-ceiling affair; the uppers are 47" high, so one everything can sit on the item below. Still, we want things to be reasonably secure.
What's our best option?
7/29/2023 at 12:04:17 AM
That is a fire wall, you cannot demo it. You can add 1x4 strapping then drywall over that to align with the cabinets attachment points moving that wall into the room by 1 1/4" or build a 2x4 false wall which will make room dimension 4" into the room and then attach to that, that method however will allow you wiring options as well. FYI: you must typically get permission 1st? from the condo board to do this work as it may compromise the existing structure depending on what you are doing? and as well the person living next to you. This can affect your insurance and if done wrong you may be ordered to return it to original condition if you do not do your due diligence 1st. This is typical! for these types of installs that I recommend. If your existing cabinets are just attached to the concrete with concrete anchors, you could probably do it the same way as well, if you get permission to do it that way.
7/28/2023 at 10:27:53 PM
I fully agree with the message above. This is a fire wall separation. In my own past experience the best way to affix cabinets on this specific wall is to use drop in anchors, or tap cons. Ensure the fasteners can penetrate the drywall (as well as any strapping) and embed into the fire wall separation( most likely filled concrete block or solid concrete) at least one inch and up to 1.5 inch (for heavier loads in the cupboard ie. dishes or canned goods)
7/31/2023 at 7:49:39 PM
Please email me pictures to office@crdevelopments.ca and I can assess the situation more.
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