How to Install Kitchen Cabinets

Installing new kitchen cabinets is a great way to give an old kitchen a facelift. In addition to being more useful, new kitchen cabinets can add value to your home and make it look a lot nicer. Before we get started, let’s make sure you have all the tools you’ll need for this project. You’ll need the following tools:

• a level
• a hacksaw (just in case)
• screwdrivers of various sizes
• plenty of screws
• wood glue (in some cases)
• a sander or rough grade sandpaper
• vise grips
• a crowbar
• measuring tape
• a sledgehammer
• a power drill

Before you can install your new cabinets, you’re going to have to rip out the old ones. This can actually be quite fun and it’s a great way to get out some frustrations. Remove everything in the cabinets, and then take off the doors. If they are screwed into the wall, carefully remove the screws. If you are working with big cabinets, it’s really helpful to have someone else on hand to help take it down from the wall. If not, make sure you have some way to catch those cabinets if they should come down when you are unscrewing them.

If you cannot remove the old cabinets easily, you may need to use that crowbar. Place the end of the bar behind the cabinets and lever outwards. It may take a few tries. If worse comes to worse, grab a sledgehammer and start pounding. Completely remove all the wood and any fittings for the old cabinetry before proceeding. If the wall looks a bit rough, you may want to sand it down to make sure that your new cabinets will sit flush.

Now that you have completely removed the old cabinetry, you’re ready to get started with the new. Place them where you think they should go and then get out your level to make sure that they are even. Using your measuring tape so that you have the exact measurements before you start drilling. It is a lot easier to fix something during this stage than it is to try to fix crooked cabinets.

Take your time and make sure that everything is level. Once you’re satisfied, you can start drilling. If your cabinetry came with any special installation instructions, please refer to these now. For your screws, you’re going to want to make sure that they are rated to hold the weight of the cabinets. Most people prefer to countersink their screws for safety. Line up where you will need to drill and create holes in both the cabinetry and the wall to make it easier.

Then, attach your screws, countersinking if necessary and assemble your cabinetry. The whole process should take only a few hours, and less if you have help. There are several schools of thought if you’re working with unfinished cabinetry. Many people prefer to sand, stain and varnish before installing. Others prefer to do this later, or sand and stain, then varnish after they’re installed. It’s up to you, but keep in mind that installation can cause nicks in your varnish.

Source: Handymanfixhomerepair.com