Soffit
Also known as: Bulkhead
The enclosed area between the tops of wall cabinets and the ceiling, forming a boxed-out section that hides ductwork, wiring, or structural elements. Soffits were common in older kitchens but modern designs increasingly eliminate them by extending cabinets to the ceiling for more storage and a taller, more dramatic visual line. When soffits remain, they are often finished with drywall and crown molding.
In practice
If your kitchen has a soffit, either scribe the cabinets and crown to it, remove it to run taller uppers, or box it out and trim it to match — removing usually requires checking for hidden ducts and wiring.
Common questions
What is the soffit above kitchen cabinets?
The boxed-in section between the cabinet tops and the ceiling — builders used it to close the gap; many remodels remove it for taller cabinets.
Should I remove my kitchen soffit?
If it is empty, removing it lets you run 42" uppers or stacked cabinets to the ceiling — but soffits often hide ductwork, plumbing, or wiring, so open a small section first.