Are you planning to renovate your kitchen and upgrade the cabinets? Installing cabinets is easier than it seems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install your new cabinets in no time. You can easily do it yourself with some help from friends and family!
Planning and Preparing the Space
The first step to installing new kitchen cabinets is planning and preparing the space for the project. You’ll need to measure the room accurately, take into account any obstructions, and decide on a design or layout for your cabinets. It’s also important to remove any existing cabinetry or countertops before starting the project.
Once you’ve measured the space, it’s a good idea to draw out a plan of how you want your cabinets to fit in the room, including how large each cabinet should be. This will help you understand how much material you’ll need and what type of pieces your cabinet order should contain. You can even use software programs to help design this layout if desired.
It’s also important to plan for electrical outlets and switch boxes, as well as plumbing fixtures if applicable. A level surface is essential for laying out your cabinets so make sure all walls are flat prior to installation. Finally, carefully examine all surfaces of walls that will support new cabinets for damaged drywall or plaster that needs repair before installation begins.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Supplies
Before you begin the process of installing kitchen cabinets in your space, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials for a smooth installation. You’ll need a drill, screwdriver, level, tape measure, saw (if making any adjustments), shims (if adjusting for an uneven floor or wall), hammer, silicone caulk, putty knife, and cabinet screws.
In addition to your necessary tools and supplies for the task at hand, it’s important to consider what type of cabinet hardware you would like to install. This will include knobs and pulls that are specific to the style of cabinetry you will be installing. Also, make sure to purchase any hinges necessary for installation before you get started. Be sure to double-check that all items match the measurements appropriate for your particular installation space.
Assembling the Cabinets
- Start by assembling one side of the frame using the screws and cam locks provided in the kit, then attach it to the other side of the frame with more screws.
- Once this is done, use deck screws to mount it onto your wall.
- Repeat this process for each of your cabinets until fully assembled and in place on your wall.
Installing the Base Cabinets
Installing the base cabinets is typically the first step in kitchen cabinet installation. To do this correctly, you will need to make sure you have proper measurements, level surfaces on which to place your units, and a stable countertop. It’s important to take your time with this step as it will make all the following steps easier. Here are some instructions that can help you during this process:
- Make sure the wall surface is level by running a 4-foot level across it. You may need to use pieces of lumber between cabinets to create a flat and level surface upon which they will rest.
- Measure and mark your locations for each cabinet so that when you install them, they are even and correctly spaced apart from one another.
- If needed, use shims along each side of the cabinet where it touches the wall for extra stability.
- Securely fasten each cabinet in place using 1 ¼ inch wood screws or lag bolts. Level any uneven cabinets with shims if needed. Check to make sure no gaps exist between cabinets by using a straight edge.
- Repeat steps 2 through 4 for each base cabinet until all are secure.
- Install any filler pieces needing to close large gaps (if applicable).
- Double-check all connections once completed by gently tugging on each unit to make sure they’re secure.
Installing the Upper Cabinets
Once you have your lower cabinets in place, it’s time to move on to installing the upper cabinets. Before you get started, make sure that all the necessary tools are on hand. You’ll need your nails, a hammer, drill and drill bit set, screws, screwdriver, and/or power screwdriver with the proper bit, shims to level the cabinets, a level, and any other tools specified by your installation instructions.
Once you have the right tools to install your upper cabinets in place, it’s time to begin. Make sure that each cabinet box is leveled using a level and if needed use shims to adjust it until it is perfectly flush with the wall surface or countertops beneath them.
Next, measure from the bottom of your existing wall cabinets up to where you want them installed along a wall or ceiling, and mark each spot with a pencil so that you know where each cabinet will be attached.
Then grab one at a time for installation – Depending on how your manufacturer’s assembly process is set up – you will either be attaching them directly into studs in walls or anchored into countertops below. If assembling cabinets onto studs in walls then predrill holes for screws into framing before threading them in place but if attaching them onto countertops prevail then use screws that are much shorter than those used for wall mountings which provides greater stability when screwed through pre-drilled holes of fastened wood strips under cabinet frames.
Finally, secure all latching hardware components together and tighten them appropriately making sure they are properly secured while completing final adjustments and alignments between adjacent units before repeating steps 1 through 5 respectively with all remaining applicable units!
Adding the Crown Molding and Trim
The finishing touches are sure to give your kitchen cabinets a complete look. Start by measuring the length of each cabinet and cutting the crown molding to fit. Before you install it, make sure the trim pieces fit snugly against the top edge of the cabinet. Nail them directly into each wall stud for extra support. If you’re installing archways or doorways, take care to measure and cut those as well before installation.
Once all pieces are in place, use wood putty or wood filler to fill any gaps left between the door frames, baseboards, and molding. Sand down any protruding edges with an orbital sander if needed before applying a stain or sealant to protect your project from moisture damage in your kitchen environment. Finally, finish your project with decorative trim according to your personal taste!
Installing the Drawers and Hardware.
Installing the drawers and necessary hardware is the next step after attaching the cabinet to the wall or ceiling. Make sure that all your kitchen drawers and doors fit properly into their place, and then install the necessary items for them to function. During this process, you will need parts like drawer slides, mounting screws, a driller, and a screwdriver.
For installing cabinet drawers with face frames, begin by removing any existing drawer fronts from the cabinets. Then, mount the slide on which the slide will move forward and backward. Check if all rails are securely mounted in all locations before continuing installation.
- Line up mounting screws in their designated slots in the side assembly before firmly securing them into place with a screwdriver or electric drill.
- Once you have attached all pieces of hardware to drawers securely in designated locations, attach drawer faces as needed to finish the installation.
Refer to a local kitchen cabinet provider if unsure of what to do, or confused about the steps above. They would surely know how to assemble your cabinets for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to install kitchen cabinets?
You will need a drill, screwdriver, saw, hammer, tape measure, and a level.
What are the steps involved in installing kitchen cabinets?
The steps involved in installing kitchen cabinets are: measuring the space, cutting the cabinets to size, pre-drilling holes, attaching the cabinets to the wall, adjusting the cabinets, attaching the doors, and adding the hardware.
How long does it typically take to install kitchen cabinets?
It typically takes between 4-5 hours to install a basic set of kitchen cabinets.
Conclusion
To complete your installation, make sure to attach the door and drawer pulls, knobs or handles of your cabinets. Use one of the holes that best aligns with the pull, knob or handle and secure it with screws. Additionally, if you a have sink unit included in your kitchen cabinetry installation, attach the faucet on top of the sink. Finally, once all your cabinets are installed and properly secured to the wall make sure all gas pipes and/or electrical wirings are checked as necessary before using any machinery that runs via natural gas or electricity in your kitchen.
