Install a Kitchen Cabinet

Install Kitchen Cabinet

If you are planning to install kitchen cabinets in your newly remodeled or renovated kitchen, you are among the brave new sect of homeowners who are learning how to do it themselves and save big.  We have compiled some tips to help you install kitchen cabinets easily and efficiently.

Tip #1

Take accurate measurements when ordering your cabinets.  If you are replacing the existing cabinetry in the kitchen, you can easily measure the existing cabinets to get the right size for your kitchen.  Measuring is particularly vital if you are ordering custom kitchen cabinets which usually cannot be returned because you measured inaccurately.  Double check your measurements and you’ll be fine.

Tip #2

You will need an assortment of tools and supplies other than the cabinets to get started.  Most installations will require: both a 2 foot and a 4 foot level, power drill with bits that are up to ¼”, squeeze clamps with rubber tips, belt sander, screw gun, table saw, trim lumber, and various other items that might be unique to your installation. It is also helpful to have a hydraulic jack to help you hoist the cabinets into place; these can be rented at most home centers, or you can rely on a buddy to hold the top cabinets in place while you mount them, or vice versa.

Tip #3

Most cabinets will come with screws; if your cabinets do not, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions and purchase the screws that you will need.  Drywall screws are never adequate enough to hold kitchen cabinets and heavy cookware or dishware sturdily and safely.  Make sure that the screws you use go at least 1 ½” into the center part of the wall stud (which means you will likely need at least three inch long screws.  Smaller screws can be used to attach cabinets to each other and for mounting doors and hardware.

Tip #4

While some folks will advise to install the base cabinets first, this can mean that you will be reaching over them and worrying about damaging them while installing the top cabinets.  For this reason, lots of professional installers start with the top cabinets and do the base cabinets last. Either way is fine.  Remove the doors from the cabinets when attaching them to the wall to make them easier to manage weight wise, especially if you do not have a hydraulic jack.

Tip #5

Work from the corner cabinet and outwards around the room. This allows for your cabinets to be plumb and flush, rather than starting outwards and working in.

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• Install a Cabinet