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Is it ok to install kitchen cabinets in front of baseboard heating? Is it code?

I have baseboard heating running along most of my kitchen and I need to install cabinets. I have no choice but to put the cabs right up ageainst the baseboard. The only alternative is to get central air installed, and that just isnt going to happen. Also, Having a plumber move the pipes are out of the question.

Public Comments

1. Code is different from state to state, county to county, city to city, so the only way to find out if it's code is to contact your local building and codes department. Personally, I don't think any codes department would approve something like this because it could be considered a fire hazard, and not too many people want to block heat from the home. If it's a matter of expense, don't be penny wise and pound foolish. The kitchen is the biggest money maker when you want to sell your house. If you're going to all of the expense of buying new cabinets, flooring, countertops, etc., I would either see if there isn't another way to reconfigure the cabinets, if there is no other way, then I'd suck it up now and either get a new central air/heat unit, or have the pipes moved...and to me, having the pipes moved sounds like the most economical solution. You don't say what types of materials you'll be using for your new kitchen, but if you're installing granite or solid surface countertops, those could cost about the same as moving your baseboard heat. Because countertops are so easy to remove, I would opt for a much less expensive formica one, and get your kitchen done properly now, because things are always cheaper when done correctly. You don't want to spend thousands of dollars only to find out it won't pass code, or you can't sell your house until you fix it.
2. it is NOT ok you might as well go ahead and burn rthe house down
3. No, you should not install cabinets in front of baseboard heating. Think about it, you will be trapping the heat which will damage your cabinets and could very well cause a fire. You need to come up with Plan B.
4. Code nothing, that's halfassed. Do the job right and relocate the radiator.
5. no,no, no, you DO have a choice. remove the baseboard units, install cabinets, then reposition your baseboard elsewhere. if you bo not have Long enough area, stack them. anything is possible,. work it out. but NOT behind the cabinets. i repeat MOVE THOSE BASEBOARD UNITS>