Knockout
Definition:
In cabinet construction, a knockout refers to a pre-scored area in a cabinet or cabinet component that is designed to be easily removed or “knocked out.” This feature allows for the easy installation of plumbing, electrical connections, or hardware, without requiring additional cutting or modification by the installer.
Key Features:
- Pre-Scored Section: A knockout is usually a thin, perforated section of material (wood, MDF, or metal) that can be knocked out with a simple tap, often using a hammer or a mallet.
- Functionality: Knockouts are commonly used to create openings for pipes, wires, or other utilities that need to pass through the cabinetry. This makes them particularly useful in kitchen and bathroom cabinet installations.
- Application: The knockout can be found in areas such as the back panel of cabinets, cabinet sides, or sometimes in the base for plumbing hookups, like under-sink cabinets, or in cabinets intended to house appliances like dishwashers.
- Ease of Installation: Knockouts simplify the process of making precise holes, ensuring a cleaner, faster installation and reducing the need for power tools or additional labor.
Why Are Knockouts Important? Knockouts save time and labor during cabinet installation, especially in cabinetry where utilities such as plumbing or electrical wiring need to be routed. By providing a pre-made, easily removable section, they eliminate the need for custom cutting, ensuring a neater, more professional finish. Additionally, knockouts help preserve the integrity of the cabinet by reducing the chances of damaging the surrounding structure.
Common Uses for Knockouts:
- Plumbing Installations: In kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, knockouts allow space for drain pipes, water supply lines, or garbage disposals.
- Electrical Access: For cabinetry used to house appliances like dishwashers or microwaves, knockouts may provide access for electrical wiring.
- Ventilation and Airflow: Some cabinets feature knockouts to accommodate ventilation systems or HVAC components.
Related Terms:
- Cabinet Back Panel
- Cabinet Installation
- Pre-Drilled Holes