Kitchen Cabinets in Japan
 

I am building in Okinawa using an Okinawian contractor. I am trying to explain to them that kitchen counter tops at 80cm is too low. They've told me that the highest they can build these cabinets is 85 cm, still too low for our American family. I've asked them to build a base upon which to set the cabinetry. They have never done it before and cannot see a way to accomplish this. Does anyone have a video or link to a video that they can view so that they can see that this is done routinely in the US. They have tunnel vision and cannot see doing anything other than what they've always done. Help me help them out fo their box.

Basically build a pedestal with no bottom or top facing on it, for the cabinets to sit on. Really need to post pictures.

If they can not follow that simple concept then they need to go.

I agree. This is not rocket science. If the are building the cabinets they can build them to whatever size you you need.. If they are not being custom built, then they are made on a CNC and they would have to have a new program made to make the new size.
If 85 cm is all you can get then just build a base for the cabinets to sit on. You will need to add 2.5 inches. This will just give you a higher toe kick though. Surprising the contractor can figure this out.

This site amazes me ! I definitely see $ signs everywhere !

What are they used to doing, what do the cabinets look like, any toe kick?
Pics would be good

I have tried to word this as simple as possible

Dear Sir, kitchen cabinet height overall to be 87.63 cm. Please increase the toe kick height

TRANSLATED
親愛なる、 87.63CM に全体的なキッチンキャビネット高さ つま先のキック高大きくしてください

BACK TRANSLATED
Dear Sir, 87.63 CM overall kitchen cabinets to the toe kick height high please enlarge

I can see why you are having issues....... good luck

I used http://translation2.paralink.com/translator/default.asp

I wish I could thank you twice .. So thanks woody!

If there already built it's not rocket science to flip the cabinets over and add 3/4 plywood the width you want them higher and attach it with Kreg screws and some wood glue.
Done right it's super strong and the two pieces will be flush. The toe kick will cover up the seam.

They probably have already done what they are going to do, this thread is 6 months old.

I understand your problem
 

Can the convenience store help? lol. Unfortunately your easiest way out would be to hire another guy to to raise the cabinets after they leave. They just do not understand westerns are bigger than Asians. Save your breathe, they will never understand