How to install new kitchen cabinets
If you have moved into a house that needs an updated kitchen you have two choices, you can hire somebody to install new kitchen cabinets or you can do it yourself. If you decide to install the kitchen cabinets yourself, you will be able to save a ton of money because the most expensive part about replacing the kitchen cabinets is the labor involved. By saving money on labor, this means you can buy higher quality cabinets or perhaps buy new counter tops to install yourself.
Here are the steps you will need to follow if you plan on installing new kitchen cabinets yourself.
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Step one:
You are going to need to remove your old kitchen cabinets first. When removing your old kitchen cabinets you want to do so carefully so that you can use the cabinets for measurements, this ensures you get the right size cabinets for your new ones. You can also use the old cabinets as a template for new cabinets that you are going to build yourself.
Step two:
You will want to use a level and draw a line that is 3 inches above the floor; the line should also be parallel to the floor. You will also need to measure up the wall 34 ½ inches, draw a level line around the walls. The bottom line is where your bottom cabinets will end and the top line is where the top of the cabinets will sit.
Step three:
From the top line you will want to measure up 19 ½ inches and draw a level line around the walls, this is the bottom of the upper cabinets.
Step four:
Find the wall studs and mark their location 6 inches above and below the lines; you have made for the bottom of the wall cabinets. Connect the marks with a vertical line to show where the center of the studs is.
Step five:
Put in a temporary support rail to help you install the wall cabinets. The rail needs to be placed with the top edge of the rail lined up with the bottom line of the wall cabinets.
Step six:
If you have a corner cabinet, you will want to install that one first. Drill the appropriate holes into the cabinet back and into the wall studs. With a helper, screw the cabinet into the wall using long screws. You will want to ensure that the cabinet is level by placing a level at the top of the cabinet. Place the level at the front edge to ensure that it is plumb.
Step seven:
Now put in the cabinets that sit right next to the corner cabinet. Before you screw in each cabinet, you will want to attach the cabinets with clamps to ensure that they are level and plumb with the corner cabinet. Continue doing this for all of your wall cabinets. Remember to always check that the cabinets are level before securing them to the wall.
Step eight:
Install the corner base cabinet if there is one. If no corner cabinet install the end cabinet first. Before securing it to the wall you want to make sure that it is level from front to back and side to side. Once it is level, screw it into the wall studs using long screws.
Step nine:
To add additional cabinets next to the first one you will want to clamp them together and make sure they are level before screwing them into place. You will also want to ensure that they base cabinets' line up with the wall cabinets. If you have to turn a corner with the base cabinets you will want to push the adjoining cabinet in next to the first cabinet and clamp them together. You might need to add a filler strip to give drawers or doors clearance. After the cabinet is in place screw the cabinet into the wall with long screws.
