Cabinet Installation Tips for Newbies

Cabinet Installation Tips for Beginners

Custom cabinetry is one of the easiest ways to make your home beautiful and add personal touches. Whether creating a wall mounted cabinet for your knickknacks, or installing a bottom cabinet bathroom vanity, there are a few standard steps you can take to make the process easier. Follow these easy cabinet install tips to ensure your build goes smoothly.

Cabinet Installation Tips Fairmont Designs

At the Beginning

  • Out with the old – make sure to remove old cabinets or bathroom vanities carefully. Damaging walls or utilities during your removal can turn an easy cabinet install into a DIY nightmare. Proper removal will save you time and money down the road.
  • Know where to begin – beginner installers are recommended to start with the wall cabinets before installing bottom cabinets. This makes items easier to reach and access.
  • Start with the bare minimum – remove doors, hardware, and shelves to begin with. Cabinetry is much easier to install without moving parts of extra weight.
  • Create a plan – map out your kitchen or bath, and create a plan around existing fixtures and other cabinets. Don’t try the “install and hope it fits” method. Many cabinet retailers can assist you in creating a plan, and there is also software online if you prefer.
  • Get a helping hand – cabinet installation should really be a two person job. Even if that second person does nothing but hold the cabinet in place during measurement and installation, that second set of hands may be the best investment yet.
  • Gather everything first – assemble all the tools and supplies you will need before starting. Having to drop everything to go grab a drill, or installing half the screws and then finding out your are short will make the job time consuming and frustrating. Create a list and gather all of your supplies and tools to start with.
  • Ask expert advice – ask for advice when purchasing your cabinets or bathroom vanity. Professional cabinet sellers and installers have been doing this for years and are happy to share their knowledge. Check out their websites too for some great guidelines and enjoy the time it saves you later.
Cabinet Installation Tips Fairmont Designs

Install and Finish

  • Use a finish nail – if you don’t have a stud finder, use a finish nail to create a small hold and find the studs behind your wall. Make sure to hit the stud directly when screwing in the cabinet.
  • Add some extra - use a 1×2 or 1×3, often referred to as a cleat, to help support the extra cabinet weight.
  • Create a benchmark - when installing more than one cabinet, a slight tilt can become quickly pronounced. Create a benchmark level line from the base wall across, so that you have an easy cabinet install that is flush.
  • Cabinet shims – just because your brand new cabinets are completely level and straight, that doesn’t mean your house is too. Use shims to accommodate bows and dips in the wall and floor. Most shims start at 3/8 inch.
  • Filler - cabinets come with a filler piece called a scribe. Use this piece to cover larger gaps and use material like caulk to fill hairline gaps, creating a flush seal against the wall.
  • Hardware – the hardware use in your cabinets take the biggest beating in daily use. Make sure you choose high quality hardware that is durable and can stand the tasks of frequent opening and shutting.
  • Organize - there are many different cabinet organization options to help maximize the space of deeper cabinets and keep everything tidy. Try a lazy Susan for corner cabinets and canned goods, or a spice rack to keep all those small bottles from falling on your head.
Cabinet Installation Tips Virtu USA

By remembering the easy cabinet install tips, you will ensure that your remodel process goes off without a hitch. If you are ever in doubt, make sure to call in a professional installer for cabinets, water, and electrical issues. It’s important to get the job done right the first time to avoid costly repairs and wasted time. When choosing your cabinets, there are many modern looks available, as well as traditional and classic styles to accommodate any room. Talk to your local cabinet expert to learn more.

Contact Luxury Living Direct for more information on bathroom decor and more at 1-800-574-3022.

Source: http://www.diynetwork.com/kitchen/10-kitchen-cabinet-tips/pictures/index.html