Can You Put Kitchen Cabinets Against a Baseboard Heater?

Keep baseboard heaters 12 to 18 inches from cabinets or other flammable objects.

It's not advisable to put cabinets against baseboard heaters, for fire safety reasons. Twelve inches of clearance around a heater is a general rule, but check the local building codes. You may wish to hire a specialized contractor for such a project.

You May Lose Heat

Make safe decisions when attempting new construction.

If you're going to install or remove baseboard heaters to accommodate new cabinets, the first job will be to reroute the heaters away from where the base cabinets will be. However, as you remove some of the baseboard heating units, you alter the effectiveness of your heating capacity.

Cabinets Can Catch Fire

Don't take risks with fire.

Don't box heaters in or recess them into closed-up spaces. Baseboard heaters can transfer heat, causing wood in cabinets to dry out. Cabinets could also accumulate enough heat to start a fire.

Cabinet Contents Can Ignite

Spend the money and do it right.

Household chemicals contained inside base cabinets could also catch fire. Kitchen cabinets could contain insect foggers, paint thinner, air freshener, alcohol, lighter fluid or nail polish remover, any of which could ignite.

References

• Inspectapedia: Baseboard Heater Installation Guide
• Cadetco: Answers to Cadet Heaters Product-Specific Info