Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Cabinet installation: Where to begin? General tips/advice
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jaspers95
08-05-08, 02:42 PM
I'm looking for general advice and/or tips of the trade to help make my cabinet installation go as smooth as possible.
I have a L shaped kitchen with about 12 cabinets and the sink is centered under the window if that matters.
Which cabinets to install first?
Should I install uppers or base cabinets first?
What about high spots in floor?
What is the best way to install cabinets with limited helpers?
I have a L shaped kitchen with about 12 cabinets and the sink is centered under the window if that matters.
Which cabinets to install first?
Should I install uppers or base cabinets first?
What about high spots in floor?
What is the best way to install cabinets with limited helpers?
Just Bill
08-05-08, 04:36 PM
FIRST.....strike a level line with an accurate laser level or a water level. Find the high point where the cabinets will be installed and strike a chalk line at 34 1/2"(cabinet height). Measure up 19 1/2" and strike another line, bottom of wall cabinets.
I work alone and have a lift for cabinets, so I do wall first. You can also set a cleat at the bottom wall line to set the cabinets on while you screw them in. I am able to do 3-4 cabinets at a time so I assemble them on the flat floor upside down. Use a piece of plywood (usually 1/2")at the back of the cabinets to keep the fronts flush/flat.
Base....I set the corner cabinet first. Take extra pains to get it plumb/level with the line you struck earlier. This makes the rest easier. Walls are never straight and floors are never level, so use shims as needed. Screw all cabinets to the wall and to each other. Where there is a space(dishwasher, etc.) I put a cleat at the level line for CT support.
Hope this helps.
I work alone and have a lift for cabinets, so I do wall first. You can also set a cleat at the bottom wall line to set the cabinets on while you screw them in. I am able to do 3-4 cabinets at a time so I assemble them on the flat floor upside down. Use a piece of plywood (usually 1/2")at the back of the cabinets to keep the fronts flush/flat.
Base....I set the corner cabinet first. Take extra pains to get it plumb/level with the line you struck earlier. This makes the rest easier. Walls are never straight and floors are never level, so use shims as needed. Screw all cabinets to the wall and to each other. Where there is a space(dishwasher, etc.) I put a cleat at the level line for CT support.
Hope this helps.
Wirepuller38
08-06-08, 05:00 AM
To expand on Bill's instructions:
The spacing of the wall cabinets on each side of the window will be critical to make the end cabinet come out in line with the base cabinet under it. Locate the center of the window and start from there. Good luck with your project.
The spacing of the wall cabinets on each side of the window will be critical to make the end cabinet come out in line with the base cabinet under it. Locate the center of the window and start from there. Good luck with your project.
jaspers95
09-14-08, 06:07 AM
My cabinets have about a 1" space between the top of the 3" nailing strip and the top of the cabinet cabinet - same goes for the bottom of the cabinet. Is this a good area to drive the screws through? This way when looking into the cabinet you can't see any screws? Or should I put screws closer toward the center (1 1/2") of the nailing strip?
I'm also figuring, on the bottom, to drill a hole through this area of the mailing strip for the under cabinet wires.
I'm also figuring, on the bottom, to drill a hole through this area of the mailing strip for the under cabinet wires.