My Experience With Cabinet Doors That Open Upward

As someone who enjoys cooking and spending time in the kitchen, I’ve always been interested in finding ways to make the space more functional and efficient. One trend that I’ve been particularly intrigued by in recent years is the use of cabinet doors that open upward. After doing some research and considering my options, I decided to take the plunge and install these types of doors in my own kitchen. Here’s what I learned.

What are Cabinet Doors That Open Upward?

Cabinet doors that open upward are exactly what they sound like – doors that swing open vertically rather than horizontally. This type of door is typically attached to the cabinet with hinges on the top edge of the door, and it opens upward with the help of a hydraulic lift system. This allows for easy access to the contents of the cabinet without having to reach over or around a door that is opened horizontally.

Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Cabinet Doors That Open Upward

Remove existing cabinet doors and hinges.
Install hinge brackets on the inside of the cabinet frame.
Attach the hinge arms to the door and the hinge brackets.
Install the hydraulic lift system on the inside of the cabinet.
Attach the lift arms to the door and the lift system.
Test the doors to ensure they open and close smoothly and without issue.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Using Cabinet Doors That Open Upward

Use in upper cabinets to store items that are used less frequently.
Install in lower cabinets for easy access to heavy pots and pans.
Consider adding glass panels to the doors for a modern touch.
Use in a pantry to store bulk items like cereal boxes and canned goods.
Install in a corner cabinet to maximize storage space.
Use in a home office to store supplies and paperwork.
Consider using doors with a soft-close feature for added convenience.
Combine with pull-out shelves for even more storage options.
Use in a laundry room to store cleaning supplies and detergents.
Consider painting the doors a bold color to add visual interest to your space.

Pros and Cons of Cabinet Doors That Open Upward

As with any home improvement project, there are both pros and cons to using cabinet doors that open upward. Here are a few things to consider:

Pros:

Easy access to items stored in cabinets.
Maximizes storage space by allowing for full use of cabinet depth.
Can be used in a variety of spaces throughout the home.
Hydraulic lift system ensures smooth and easy opening and closing of doors.

Cons:

May not be suitable for cabinets that are located above eye level.
Can be more expensive than traditional cabinet doors and hinges.
May require professional installation.
May not be ideal for cabinets that are heavily used or contain very heavy items.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I’ve been very happy with my decision to install cabinet doors that open upward in my kitchen. I find that they make accessing items in my upper cabinets much easier, and I appreciate the extra space they provide. I will say that the installation process was a bit more involved than I expected, and I did need to hire a professional to ensure that everything was installed correctly. However, I do think that the investment was worth it, and I would recommend this type of cabinet door to anyone looking to maximize their storage space and improve the functionality of their kitchen or other living space.

Question & Answer / FAQs

Q: Are cabinet doors that open upward more difficult to clean than traditional cabinet doors?

A: In my experience, cleaning cabinet doors that open upward is no more difficult than cleaning traditional cabinet doors. The hydraulic lift system does not get in the way of cleaning, and the doors themselves can be wiped down with a damp cloth just like any other cabinet door.

Q: Are cabinet doors that open upward suitable for all types of cabinets?

A: Cabinet doors that open upward can be used in a variety of spaces throughout the home, but they may not be suitable for all types of cabinets. For example, if your cabinets are located above eye level, upward-opening doors may not be the best option. Additionally, heavily used cabinets or cabinets that contain very heavy items may not be suitable for this type of door.