Besides serving functional purposes, kitchen cabinets can enhance the look of your kitchen while adding convenience to the overall cooking experience. Knowing how to install your kitchen cabinets not only saves you time but also saves you a lot of money. If you are a DIY enthusiast who likes to be creative and work on things yourself, check these simple steps for kitchen cabinet installation.
Step-by-step guide to kitchen cabinet installation
Plan and prepare
Before beginning with the installation, it is necessary for you to plan and prepare first. Below is a list of the essentials you will need in the cabinet installation process.
- Kitchen cabinets and other hardware
- Measuring tape
- Masking tape
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Shims
- Wood glue
- Safety gear
- Pencil
- Stool or a ladder if the cabinets are to be installed at a height
Measure first
The first step in the installation process is to measure the kitchen space and map the layout of the cabinets, determining the dimensions of the cabinets. Keep marking these dimensions on paper so you don’t forget later. While mapping a layout of cabinets, keep in mind the windows or doors or any other obstruction that would change the layout.
Start with the upper cabinets
You should always start with upper cabinets. Mark the cabinet height on the wall and then install a ledger along the line that indicates the bottom of the upper cabinets. This will act as a temporary support for cabinets.
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Install cabinet units
Place the upper cabinets on the ledger board and make sure they are perfectly aligned. Once you have ensured the alignment, secure the cabinets to the wall studs in their place with the help of screws. Make sure you secure every cabinet properly and check the alignment after each cabinet.
Install lower cabinets
Installing upper and lower cabinets is a similar process. Start by marking the cabinet position on the wall and secure them to the wall studs with the help of screws. Make sure that they are properly aligned and even.
Once you have installed the lower cabinets too, secure each pair of adjacent cabinets with the help of screws. You can also take the help of a square to ensure that the cabinets are properly aligned and at a right angle before securing them with screws.
Another thing to note here is that if you have kitchen appliances or any other obstacles in between, make sure you leave proper space for them so there is no problem after the installation is complete.
Cabinet doors and hardware
You should read the manufacturer’s instructions while installing cabinet doors and other hardware, such as cabinet handles or knobs.
Check everything
Once you have installed the cabinets, carefully check the alignment and make adjustments if needed. You can add a personal touch to your cabinets by painting them as you like or decorating them.
FAQs
How do I ensure that my kitchen cabinets are properly aligned?
To ensure proper alignment, install a ledger board and place the cabinets on it and then secure them to the wall.
Is it necessary to attach cabinets to the studs?
Yes, it is necessary to secure cabinets by attaching them to the studs as it provides greater support, and there’s a much lesser risk of the cabinet falling off.
How do I decide the height for the upper cabinets?
Generally, kitchen cabinet height is around 18-20 inches, but it should depend on your height and preferences.
How long does it take to install a kitchen cabinet?
It depends on a lot of factors, such as the number of cabinets and the size of the kitchen, but it generally takes at least 3-4 days to install kitchen cabinets.
Can I reuse old cabinet hardware while installing new cabinets?
If your hardware is not damaged and matches the aesthetic of your new cabinets, then you can definitely use old cabinet hardware.
What if my floor is uneven?
If your floor is uneven, you can use shims to ensure proper alignment of lower cabinets.
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