Cutting bathroom flat-pack cabinet for shelf

[Paul Tracey]

I am planning to purchase an under-sink bathroom cabinet, that already has a cut-out for the pedestal. The usual flat-pack thing! However, in my bathroom (rented flat), there is a small tiled shelf on the floor, at the back, 16cm high by 9cm wide, which is protecting pipes I imagine. So, I am thinking I can still make the purchase, but would then need to cut the appropriate area out from the back of the bottom of the unit.

I just wonder whether anyone has any suggestions before I tackle this. I have basic DIY skills and am happy for any suggestions.

 

[Tigercubrider]

It can be easy, depends on the cabinet design
I would probably make the cabinet and cut it afterwards to fit, adding some material to strengthen the area if neeeded

 

[Paul Tracey]

That is what I was wondering about, whether to assemble, then cut, or vice-versa. This is the unit I am looking at.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Does the obstruction go all the way into the corner?
You can buy legs in b&q etc that are steel tube with a flat plate on one end, and adjustable feet on the other
Or carefully cut the cabinet so that it"'s back is supported by the 16cm high "shelf" if strong enough
https://www.diy.com/departments/rot...niture-leg/254325_BQ.prd?rrec=true#icamp=recs

 

[Paul Tracey]

The 'shelf' starts at the pedestal then goes all the way to one corner. The unit is designed to fit under the sink, so, there isn't enough room to lift the whole unit to the same height as the shelf.

I think the only option is to cut the back of the unit so that the shelf becomes the support.

 

[JohnD]

photos please

 

[Paul Tracey]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/slY894Aw4rlvy2gT2

 

[JohnD]

You will have to cut out a notch from each side of the cabinet, so that the front feet rest on the floor and the back touches the wall.

I'd suggest cutting it so it does not rest on the pipework box, but fix it to the wall with cabinet hangers near the top of the side pieces, as used in kitchen wall cabinets. https://www.screwfix.com/p/nylon-cabinet-brackets-with-mounting-plate-10-pack/91611 If you see branded ones by Blum or Hafele, they may be better quality. You only need two. They are slightly adjustable up and down, in and out.

Let the front feet take the weight on the floor.

I think it will be easiest to cut the sides, and try them for fit, before you assemble the cabinet.

The cabinet would probably benefit from a stiffening shelf fixed rigidly to both sides and the back. You can probably use the piece you cut out from the bottom of the cabinet.

 

[Paul Tracey]

Thanks for that. I think I will cut before assembly, at least the sides. I may just assemble it with parcel tape and put in my desired location, just to get a better idea, before actually doing anything destructive.

Thanks guys.