How To Install Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are enclosed structures used to store various materials. They come in different styles, size and designs and can be placed in any room in the house for convenience. The kitchen cabinet is often used to establish a sense of organization, making your kitchen easy to clean and work around. So how do you install a kitchen cabinet?

It's really simple-you just need to put your mind into it and acquire the right tools and materials and you'll be set. The materials you'll need include:

• Nails

• Adhesive

• Hinges

• Materials; preferably wood

• Clamps

• Ledger board

• Hammer or electric screw driver

You should note that the process is slightly different depending on whether you want to install a base or wall cabinet. Base cabinets are installed on the floor directly against the wall while wall cabinets are mounted on the wall.

Installing Base cabinets

Installing base cabinets can be a very simple process since you don't have to work against gravity. Here are a few simple do-it-yourself steps that you can follow to ensure you have a stable base cabinet:

1. Start the process by dry fitting the cabinet. This will help you in identifying if you need to add any shims or fillers.

2. Draw a line on the wall that shows the preferred cabinet height and then create an even line.

3. Start building your cabinet from the highest point. Note that your drawers should be removed since it can be very cumbersome to work around drawers.

4. Install your corner cabinet first, using nails or screws. Repeat this process until you have all your cabinets installed.

Installing Wall Cabinets

You definitely need some help with this because you're working against gravity and thus need someone to hold the cabinet materials for you during the process. You can use ledger boards if you are working alone, but it would be much simpler to get someone to help you. Wall cabinets should be installed at least 54 - 56 inches from the ground.

1. To establish the bottom of the cabinet, measure the desired distance from the floor and create a level horizontal line on the wall.

2. Place a ledger board underneath this line. You can either nail it or screw it in. This board will act as a support for the cabinets while you work.

3. Start by putting up two cabinets together so that you can create a unit. You can use clamps to ensure that the cabinets are flush and level together.

4. Raise the cabinet without any of its hardware (doors and drawers) to the wall and nail or screw it in. You'll need to use a stud locator to mark the studs if you are using studs to screw in your cabinet.

5. Screw or nail in the cabinet at the top and bottom. You should do this on every corner of the cabinet. Make sure that you check the fit as you go along, inserting shims that will help you in keeping the cabinet flush and level with the wall.

6. Repeat this process for each unit until you've finished installing all the wall cabinets.

7. Finally, attach the drawers and hardware to the cabinet wall after you've finished and clean your place of work.