DIY-kitchens - side panel height different size to cabinets, is it normal?

[asnoop20]

This is my first kitchen so it might be normal.

For wall cupboards I have standard height 720mm and one reduced, something like 600mm. All the end panels I've been supplied are 772mm, which means I have to cut them. This I think is a bit ****. Even with a sharp mitre blade it's likely the mdf will chip etc and be seen at the top. They may even end up looking better without end panels at all.

Just wondering if it's standard practice with kitchens or if diy-kitchens has cheaped out.

 

[Koolpc]

End panels can be longer because people sometimes fit a pelmet under the cupboards...

 

[asnoop20]

So really if you're not fitting pelmets (I'm not) then the finish may be better without an end panel assuming the colour doesn't stand out?

 

[asnoop20]

They're also sold me "stainless steel" handles which are zinc alloy. Not overly impressed!

 

[johnny2007]

Use a freud blade on a table saw, track saw.
Slice the finish end from the panel and keep it to one side.
Then slice the panel to appropriate length.
Finally, use good adhesive to stick the trim on the exposed MDF that of course you'd make sure it will end up at the top.
Use tape to hold the trim whilst adhesive dries.
I've always used fixall clear and nothing has ever come apart.
99% of panels need trimming, especially base ones.

 

[johnny2007]

They're also sold me "stainless steel" handles which are zinc alloy. Not overly impressed!

Send them back.
They're very good with returns.

 

[asnoop20]

Use a freud blade on a table saw, track saw.
Slice the finish end from the panel and keep it to one side.
Then slice the panel to appropriate length.
Finally, use good adhesive to stick the trim on the exposed MDF that of course you'd make sure it will end up at the top.
Use tape to hold the trim whilst adhesive dries.
I've always used fixall clear and nothing has ever come apart.
99% of panels need trimming, especially base ones.

Are you saying two cuts and join somewhere in the middle? I don't have vinyl trim to pick off, they're painted.

 

[foxhole]

They usually provide touch up paint to finish cut edges .

 

[aveatry]

I have gloss white doors on my units and used 2.4mm gloss plastic cut to size from the supplier. I had to buy a whole sheet cannot quite remember but between £50-£70 and out of this I got 2x 720mm wall cupboard end panels, 1 base unit end and also lined the kitchen window reveal, and had some cut off bits spare for future unknown jobs.
I stuck it on with stixall as that is a bit thinner than other modern poly adhesives.

 

[johnny2007]

Are you saying two cuts and join somewhere in the middle? I don't have vinyl trim to pick off, they're painted.

No, sorry.
I thought you had the laminated.
If painted, cut to size and keep the cut at the top.
Seal exposed MDF with oil based varnish.

 

[asnoop20]

They usually provide touch up paint to finish cut edges .

Do you have to request it? I didn't have any in the box.

 

[ETAF]

some are to fit others can be longer
for example IKEA do various size end panels - cover panels - they had
fitted the side of the min units - I think 80cm high so not including the plinth - then you could purchase 2.2m and 2.4m as indeed i did

or cut to size , we have just fitted loads of these units along with various size and coloured cover panels

 

[asnoop20]

I don't mind cutting the bottom ones, the worktop overhang hides the cut. For the wall cabinets I do feel diy-kitchens have cheaped out not manufacturing to size. Looking at the cabinets (dark blue + graphite) I'm considering not bothering with end panels. It's a bit annoying as it's £200 worth.

 

[asnoop20]

They say the reason they don't do end panels to the size of the cabinets is because people like to cut them to fit out of true walls. Thing is the panels are the correct size width wise so this can't be a valid reason. I think for the wall cabinets they should do two sizes depending on whether there's a pelmet ordered. It's surely not that hard to do two different heights instead of one that doesn't fit anything.

The handles they sold as "stainless steel" they say I should have gone onto the page description where some place down the page it says "stainless steel effect". Well shame they didn't add "effect" to the title. They'll take them back but only if I pay postage, which isn't happening as I ****ing hate companies misdescribing products. They'll see sense or have a part chargeback.

Other things; one panel iffy paint (happens), not enough brackets to hang the units, two handles missing. They don't do touch up paint/pens for many of the colours they sell.

Still worth it considering the price but feels like they're banging these out faster than they can manage!

 

[aveatry]

I don't mind cutting the bottom ones, the worktop overhang hides the cut. For the wall cabinets I do feel diy-kitchens have cheaped out not manufacturing to size. Looking at the cabinets (dark blue + graphite) I'm considering not bothering with end panels. It's a bit annoying as it's £200 worth.

My suggestion of the plastic sheets cut to size is £50-£70 although mine were white they come in different colours so you may find the blue or more likely graphite, failing that - black ? .