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Victorian Restoration > Episode 12: Cabinets, Countertops, and Closets

Installing the Kitchen Cabinets

Project: Victorian Restoration, Episode 12, Part 1

Bob turns his attention to storage and workspace in the kitchen, where he assists with the installation of Merillat cabinets and Silestone countertops. In the master bedroom, Marcy Weisburgh (from California Closets) is designing the closet space, and, in the master bathroom, Bob is helping general contractor Charlie Tomaszewski install a new vanity.

Part 1: Installing the Kitchen Cabinets: Mark Van Sickle (from Merillat) installs the hardware on the new semi-custom cabinets in the kitchen of the Victorian restoration project house.

The Merillat cabinet doors and face frames are solid cherry in a cider finish. The cabinet end panels can be specified by the homeowner, or architect, to either match the cabinet fronts or to be made of plywood.

This set of cabinets has an unusual setup. It consists of three wall cabinets stacked on top of each other, creating a whole wall of cabinets like in a butler's pantry, while saving money by using standard overhead cabinets. (Solid end panels will be added to cover the seams of the stacked cabinets).

Mark shows off the cabinets' orgonomics-- the extra organizational features-- including a built-in wastebasket, a pull-out for cooking oils, a sink tray for scouring pads and sponges, an under-sink tote for cleaning supplies, and a dishtowel holder. The pantry unit also incorporates orgonomics with slide-out wire baskets that are easy to install and adjustable to different heights.

General contractor Charlie Tomaszewski explains that, when installing the cabinets, Jimmy first determines the high point in the floor, since old houses tend to be out of level. Then, he draws a level line across the wall from the high point and shims the cabinets up, so the tops correspond with the level line. After hiding the shims with a toekick, Mark installs the cabinets, by centering the sink base on the wall and working his way across.
Part 2: Discussing Silestone Countertops and Countertop Templating
Part 3: Installing Custom Closets

Located just five miles from downtown Boston, Bob's scouts discovered a Victorian-era house in a neighborhood of family homes on tree-lined streets that was past due for a full-scale renovation.

The home's new owners, a work-at-home family, have set goals to modernize the home's floor plan, update the building's mechanical and electrical systems, and add home office and work spaces for two busy professionals.

Also from Victorian Restoration

Episode 1 - Initial Tour
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Description:
This ambitious restoration project involves renovating a Victorian home, as well as a former dairy barn also on the property. In its new configuration, the barn will include two offices and an art studio. After a brief tour of the city, Bob meets with the home's new owner, Rikk Larsen, and contractor Charlie Tomaszewski, to discuss the work ahead.
Episode 3 - Moving the Entrance and Kitchen Layout
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Description:
Contractor Charlie Tomaszewski and crew are hard at work moving the front door of the main house to accommodate a new entranceway. In addition, Tomaszewski is using an air-driven palm nailer to finish up work on new support beams.<br> <br> Bob meets homeowner Julie Graham, who is working with Faith Allen from Merillat to create the new kitchen layout. Across town, Bob tours the Isaac Royall House.
Episode 4 - Electrical Systems and Wiring and Upstairs Framing
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Description:
Bob gets an update on the progress taking place at the Victorian renovation project. Rough electrical work is underway, as is the home's data and video wiring, which will form the backbone for the advanced communications, security, and entertainment systems. Workers are framing a new addition, and are also at work on the second floor, where a Kohler tub and new Pella windows are being installed.
Episode 5 - Roof Work and Lighting
Episode 6 - Skylight Installation, Roofing, and Painting
Episode 7 - Barn Insulation, Video Wiring, and a New Balcony
Episode 8 - Blueboard Installation, Landscaping, and a New Garage Door
Episode 9 - Work on the Driveway and Finishing the Deck
Episode 10 - Flooring, Glass-Block Walls and Floors, and Water Filtration
Episode 11 - Landscaping Begins, Flooring Continues, and Water Heater Installed
Episode 13 - Final House Tour

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