Are you considering installing kitchen cabinets yourself? It may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it's actually quite simple. Think of it as screwing a series of boxes to the wall and to each other in the correct sequence. If your cabinet plan is correct, your main job is to find the best starting point and keep everything level. Installing kitchen cabinets can range from simple to extremely difficult, depending on the layout of your kitchen and the type of cabinets you are installing.
Without seeing the plan of your kitchen and the layout of the cabinets, it's hard to tell if you will succeed or not. However, with some tips and tricks, you can install kitchen cabinets like a pro. Here are some tips on how to install kitchen cabinets:
- Three-inch screws are needed to mount the wall cabinets to the wall posts. You will use smaller screws to secure the cabinets together and for other purposes.
- It's infinitely easier to install wall cabinets before installing base cabinets.
- Always remove cabinet doors while placing them on the wall.
This makes cabinets lighter and prevents damage to cabinet doors, hinges, and frames.
- Make sure wall cabinets are level when you install them. For a professional fit and finish, you must screw the cabinets together so that the front frames are flush and the space between the individual cabinets is closed.
- You'll use compression clamps to align and hold the frames in place while you screw the boxes together.
- Once the wall cabinets are installed, you can start with the base cabinets.
- These cabinets should be installed level, both from side to side and from front to back.
- Wooden wedges are used to level base cabinets. These thin wooden wedges allow you to easily adjust the height of the cabinets.
- As you level the cabinets, screw them together, ensuring that the front frames are flush and that the space between the cabinets is closed.
- Compression tweezers will become your best friend. Make sure they have rubber tips so that the cabinet frames are not damaged.
- Keep the clamps in place until all of the screws are placed between the cabinets.
- Once all the base cabinets are bolted together and in the perfect position, you can screw them to the walls.
- If you intend to sell the house in a few years, remember that the kitchen is often a great selling point, so those new cabinets can make a favorable impression.
- This will allow you and your assistant to simply place the cabinet against the accounting board, ensuring consistency and helping to hold the cabinet until the screws are in.
- Generally speaking, cabinet stores will have someone available to help them translate their measurements and sketches into real cabinets.
- If the cabinets fit tightly between two walls, you'll usually have to install a strip of filler on each side of the cabinet that is closest to the wall.
- In addition, all of the measurements must be absolutely precise.
- If you're installing upper and lower kitchen cabinets in the same place, make sure there's enough space between them for appliances and countertops (about 17 should be enough for most appliances).
- The two most common ways to attach upper cabinets to the wall are by installing a French slat or simply screwing them onto the back of the cabinets.
- If your kitchen remodel includes a fresh coat of paint on ceiling and walls, consider doing so before starting installation of cabinet.
While it's true that it takes a little skill, some time, and a useful pair of hands, it's entirely possible that even first-time homeowners can install a kitchen cabinet on their own. Kitchen cabinets have developed a kind of bad reputation - sure custom kitchen cabinets can be as expensive as you make them - but you don't have to spend that kind of money to achieve gorgeous results. In fact, opting for prefabricated cabinets and installing them yourself will allow you to stay within budget without compromising on appearance or quality. So find a friend (you'll appreciate it when it comes to hanging upper cabinets) and some tools - because now you have everything you need to know about installing kitchen cabinets like a pro!.
