Install a Cabinet

There is a trend among savvy homeowners who have a bit of DIY talent to purchase higher end cabinetry for the kitchen and defer the cost by doing their own installations. Hey, brilliant idea! Let's look at what type of work lies in front of you now.

Getting Ready for the Cabinet Install

Before you install the new, your first step will be to get rid of the old. Installing kitchen cabinets is a fairly labor-intensive task, so don't plan on doing everything yourself. You will need to call in a favor from a buddy at this point, or better yet, this is a great husband and wife project.

Keep in mind that many cabinets (especially higher end cabinets) can be very heavy - make sure that you and your partner are up for the task. When you are ready for demolition of the old, existing cabinets, you should first turn off the electricity and water supply to the kitchen area.

You will need some or all of the following materials and supplies when installing your new cabinets: new cabinets and hardware, level, screwdriver and screws, shims, clamps, pencil, toggle bolts, stud finder, and 1x2 plywood stock.

An important safety tip when installing cabinets: everyone working on the project needs to wear safety goggles for their personal protection.

Installing Your New Cabinets

Remove all the cabinet drawers and remove the cabinet doors (if they are installed). Mark each drawer and door as you go so that you can find the right drawer or door easily when you go to put them back on or in.

Find the studs in your wall and mark them in an inconspicuous place. You can use a stud finder for this purpose, or you can simply knock on the wall until you find the spots that don't sound "hollow".

Measure down from the ceiling to the place where the cabinets will be hung. Level the line where the top cabinets will hang. Screw a ledger board (this will help keep the cabinets straight) along this line and lift the corner cabinet into place.

Your partner can help you hold the cabinet steady as you bolt it to the wall by sinking two screws into studs that were marked earlier. If your studs are too far apart, you can use a toggle bolt to help ensure that the cabinet is stable. Follow this pattern to hang all of the top cabinets.

The bottom cabinets can be a bit trickier, especially the sink cabinet. Measure and mark the plumbing area and cut holes for the plumbing to enter the sink.

Again, start in a corner and work your way around the room by lifting the cabinets into place. Drill holes where the cabinets will be attached together and sink screws into these holes.

Place shims into the spaces between the sink cabinet and the wall and along the wall where the stud lines are. Make any adjustments and then screw the cabinets to the wall by sinking screws into the wall's studs.

Mount countertops, re-hang the cabinet doors, insert the drawers and install your cabinet hardware if you have it.

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