How to Install Kitchen Cabinets

For most people installing kitchen cabinets can seem like a daunting task. For those who are daring enough to give it a try they normally end by saying that it was much easier than they thought. Make sure you have the following on hand: the cabinets that will be installed, safety goggles, saw, drill, screwdriver, level, plywood, pencil, and cabinet installation screws. A cabinet jig is also handy but not required. Now let's go through the steps on how to properly install kitchen cabinets.
First make sure you have an extra hand as installing kitchen cabinets can be difficult for a first timer attempting to install cabinets on their own. Next grab a stud finder and pencil and mark the stud locations on the wall. Use a tape measure and measure from the ceiling to where the bottom of the wall cabinets will be located. Use a line level to create a line that runs the entire length of the wall. A ledger board can then be attached to the wall to create a temporary support for the wall cabinets.
Now that the prep work has been completed you will need to remove the doors and shelves from the wall cabinets to decrease the weight which will result in a much easier installation. Along with your extra hand, raise the wall cabinet into place and insert screws through the installation strip that runs along the interior back of the cabinet and into the stud. Toggle bolts can be used if you are only able to use one stud on that specific cabinet. The cabinets will also need to be connected to each other by drilling a countersink hole through the edge of the connecting face frames. A screw can then be inserted which will pull the joint tightly together. This should be done at both the top and the bottom portion of the cabinet.
Once all the wall cabinets are installed you can move onto the base cabinets. Start off by making sure the floor has been swept clean. Prior to installing the sink base cabinet you will need to mark off the locations of the plumbing so holes can be pre cut. Place the base cabinets into place and make sure all of them are level. Use shims underneath the cabinets that need to be raised in order to create a level platform for the countertop. Run screws through the installation panel into the stud. As with the wall cabinets, run a screw through the face frames to pull the joints tight.
A new set of kitchen cabinets can add a tremendous amount of value to a home and knowing that you were the one who created that addition value can be extremely satisfying. Now when you hear someone talking of dreading the thought of redoing their kitchen you can tell them how simple, fast and gratifying it is.

Clyde Andrews