The shelf above the sink lights the dishwashing process. It finally went up today.

As recounted in my last post, we had a sudden and catastrophic failure of the cabinets that housed most of our dishes and glassware. They also supported a light above the sink. I’ve been slowly working on replacing that light ever since. This was my process:

Michael and I found a small cabinet in the clearance aisle of our big box hardware store.

We modified it by taking off the kick plate platform and adding 3/4” plywood top and bottom. The shelf hangers are attached to studs and are rated for more weight than this cabinet will ever hold.

I did have to add another 2x4 cross piece on the back of the wall to attach the shelf hangers. Luckily, this area was still accessible. Not so further up, which is why there is only one shelf hanger on top. I used the shelf hanger instead of a more … — I did have to add another 2x4 cross piece on the back of the wall to attach the shelf hangers. Luckily, this area was still accessible. Not so further up, which is why there is only one shelf hanger on top. I used the shelf hanger instead of a more unobtrusive L bracket because 1) I had it, 2) it fit, and 3) I couldn’t attach anything to the top of the cabinet because there’s not enough room to get a tool up there, so I needed to rely on the leverage of length.

The cabinet had to go up first in order to figure out where shelves would fit. I won’t be using this same method when I build my permanent kitchen, but I fear I won’t get to do that for several years yet.

The next step in the process of replacing the sink light was moving the stove. This is also related to shelf location. My next project after the sink light is constructing a 28” long wall, 4 feet high, to act as a side-splash between the stove and t… — The next step in the process of replacing the sink light was moving the stove. This is also related to shelf location. My next project after the sink light is constructing a 28” long wall, 4 feet high, to act as a side-splash between the stove and the walkway into the dining room.

Moving the stove allows short people like me to reach the counter space in the corner, effectively doubling our usable space. Worth building a small wall!

The next step was to take down the rest of the shelves from the wall and patch all the holes made during the catastrophe.

Every time I worked in this area, I had to clear out everything used for cooking and washing dishes from breakfast, then replace it all in time to prepare supper.

I did wash the walls and ceiling before patching. Then I used a good primer. I also moved the paper towel holder to under the new cabinet. Michael is cleaning dandelions, which have been great as cooked greens and fresh salad.

It took a couple of days to paint due to using different colors. A little of that yellow goes a long way. I will paint the lower cabinets, but they were not integral to getting the sink light up.

Yesterday I installed the backsplash and rehung one shelf.

Today I got the new shelf hung. We are back to having light over the sink. Whew. I will put in more shelves on the wall next to the stove when another bout of rainy weather arrives.

I hope to get my own thumbs up from the Grand Girl at the end of May.