How To Articles


How To Install Kitchen Cabinets

By: Walter Sanderson

Common mistakes:

  1. Failure to secure cabinets into studs (each cabinet should be anchored into at least one stud, otherwise cabinets call fall off the wall over time creating a disaster)
  2. Selection of the wrong size of cabinets
  3. Selection of the wrong style of cabinets
  4. Selecting the base cabinets BEFORE choosing a sink (you should always find the size and style of sink first so that you select the correct size of base cabinet)
  5. Not knowing how many of which size of cabinet is needed for kitchen size
  6. Failure to remember to purchase hardware for the cabinets
  7. Not calculating in the correct number or appliances to be installed
  8. Failure to know when to call in a professional

Special Note:  Cabinets come in many sizes, styles, designs and finishes. Each of these variations can have a huge impact on how the final look of your kitchen turns out.


Materials Required Tools Required
Cabinet's
Shims
Screws
1"x2" wood strip or plywood		 Level
Screwdriver
Carpenter's Pencil
Clamps

AFTER the floor is installed and the cabinets are chosen and delivered, you are ready to mount them in the kitchen. By choosing a higher-end cabinet your kitchen will have a lasting value and a look that can’t be beat, however if you do the installation yourself you will save yourself a good chunk of change.

Basic Tips to Make Installation Easier:

  • Always mark your stud locations BEFORE getting started
  • Measure from the ceiling and mark a line where you want the cabinets installed
  • Remove cabinet drawers and doors. This will make them lighter and easier to handle during the installation process. (using a small piece of tape mark each drawer and door so you know where it goes when you put them back in place)
  • Hang the upper cabinets first; otherwise the lower ones will be in the way during installation.
  • Always work as a team with at least one partner for this project, cabinets can be heavy and are very awkward to handle and position correctly.
  • Using the 1” x 2”  strip of wood or plywood as a ledger board, now screw this ledger board into place along the line you marked earlier, this will help you hang the upper cabinets with less effort and will help keep them straight.

How To Install Cabinets:

  • Lift the upper cabinets into place and put onto the ledger board and line up where you want it, screw two (2) screws into place (1 on top, 1 on bottom) to hold it in place.(make sure they are in a stud, if the cabinet is not wide enough to reach from stud to stud, then use toggle bolts on the other side)
  • After you have finished installing the upper cabinets to the wall, start screwing them together inside the cabinet fronts.(keeping the fronts flush with each other)
  • Next, you will start on the base cabinets. Begin by placing the sink cabinet into the proper location. (this is usually the hardest cabinet to install because of the plumbing supply lines and drain involved)
  • You will need to set it as close as you can so that you can mark the locations of the supply lines and drain, then cut the necessary holes.
  • Now start maneuvering the sink base cabinet into place but don’t screw it into place yet as you may need to adjust it after getting the rest of the cabinets in.
  • Set the remaining cabinets into place and adjust them as needed.
  • Keep the cabinets fronts flush and using a level and shims secure them with quick clamps and then start screwing them together into place.
  • Once again after all the cabinets are in place start screwing them into the wall. (there will be some gaps between the wall and the cabinets and that’s alright because the countertop will hide this, worry about keeping the fronts flush).

That’s it; you’re done with your cabinets.  New, quality cabinets can make any kitchen sparkle!



Author Bio:

This article was written by Walter Sanderson, founder of this website, STL Home Rehabbers.  He has more than 15 years experience in rehabbing and remodeling homes.  For more information about him, you can check out http://waltersanderson.stlhomerehabbers.com/.


Article Source:  http://www.stlhomerehabbers.com/



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