Kitchen cabinets are not just utility fixtures. They add to the aesthetic sense and feel of the kitchen. Master interior designers have their signature layout of both wall and base cabinets that are often copied by homeowners and contractors alike.
If you have some woodworking experience from high school or some flop job joint, you may not have to spend big bucks to hire a kitchen cabinet contractor. The work is simple and straightforward if you can take proper measurements, saw sheets into corresponding pieces, and hammer nails into their place.
In this post, we are going to share some essentials that will help you in your next kitchen cabinet installation process.
Removal of Old Cabinets
Old cabinets just come off easily. They are soldered to the wall using screws and nails and it takes both strength and patience to take them out. Before straining your arms in pulling out the cabinets, locate each and every screw to ensure you are just removing the cabinets and not the wall. After removing the cabinets, remove excessive caulk from the edges by using a knife.
Ensuring Efficiency
If you are doing a grand-scale kitchen cabinet installation operation for the first time, it could be overwhelming for you. It is best to deal with every phase step by step. This will prevent any frustration and screw-ups. On a more practical note, start from the top and then move to the bottom gradually. Installing from corners allows you to work freely without getting anything in your way.
Removal of Drawers & Doors
Home Improvement Contractors of Arlington MA or any other place are aware that cabinets often come with pre-installed doors and drawers. Leaving them as they are can save you time. But it will make it harder for you to install the cabinets in the wall because they will be heavier and cumbersome to handle.
Stripping the cabinets from their doors and drawers will give you the freedom to screw them with the wall without straining. Make sure you mark the constituents before removing them so that they can be installed back to their original places.
Benchmark Line
Before commencing your work of cabinet installation, draw a benchmark line. It can at any height of the room. The main purpose of this line is to make sure the cabinets are installed at a perfectly leveled height. This line will go throughout the perimeter of the kitchen and you can sketch a base point for any fixture by measuring from or to the base and wall.
Support for Cabinet Weight
Installing kitchen cabinets in its place is usually a two-man job so you do not have to worry about handling it all alone. Still, to make the process easier, place a cleat along the wall that goes through the length of the cabinets in the bottom. This is an effective way to balance the cabinets. There are chances of the cabinet slipping forward, but you will have more grip and easy reach to install it properly.
Usage of Nails During Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Nails are often used by professionals instead of screws during a kitchen cabinet installation because of their easy handling and relatively firm grip. They are normally used behind the cabinets to save the façade. When you are using nails, make sure to locate and nail the studs for lasting installation.
You can also make a small hole in the wall which will give you a path where to drive the nails in the cabinets.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation Plan
Starting off is easy as long as you do not have to go far. Installing kitchen cabinets is sophisticated work. You should plan your movements beforehand to avoid any confusion or extra costs.
Layout a plan to see where all the appliances and fixtures go. These include refrigerator, oven, cooking range, power outlets, etc. Once you have a clear picture of the kitchen, it becomes very easy to install the cabinets without kitting a speed bump.
If the whole process seems overwhelming to you, you can find cabinet installation services in Golden Valley MN.
Microwave Outlet
Saving space for the microwave is essential. First off, make sure the contractor has installed a power delivery point for the oven in the intended spot. This will allow you to operate the microwave without any hiccup.
Cabinet Fillers
It is perfectly normal to have little gaps between cabinets and kitchen walls when you are done with installation. Every packaging has scribe or filler pieces to fill these gaps. Walls are not straight to a point which is the main reason behind these gaps.
The main purpose of a scribe filling is to keep the moving parts of a cabinet away from the wall to prevent any possible damage.
Do not rush with the project. Take extra caution throughout the process. When in doubt, move back a step and get a new perspective on the build. By following these steps, you can finish your cabinet installation project successfully.
