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Before Installing Kitchen Cabinets2008/03/13

So you’ve made the decision to install some kitchen cabinets – maybe it’s part of a full remodeling, maybe you just need something new in your kitchen. Whatever your reason, there are some things you need to do before you begin. Your cabinets should come with an installation manual that will explain how to get everything properly installed. As even the most experienced contractors will tell you, be absolutely sure you follow the instructions! Don’t just start drilling and hammering willy-nilly because you think you can figure it out on your own.

First, check all the cabinets and make sure they’re undamaged and all the parts are there. This may seem stupid, but you’d be surprised at how often a necessary bolt or screw will be missing from the package. You don’t want to get halfway through the installation only to find that you’re missing a key item. If you need to supply some of the materials yourself (screws, for instance) be sure you buy them exactly to their specifications. Always use new screws; don’t try to save a few bucks by using that old coffee can full of screws in your basement.

Next up, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper equipment. Here’s my list of recommended supplies – you may wind up not needing all of it, but it’s much better to be safe than sorry when you’re installing kitchen cabinets.

o Tape measure
o Hammer
o Straight edge
o Drill
o Drill bits
o Chalk line
o Screw driver (power driver is best)
o Carpenter square
o Carpenter level
o Masking tape
o Utility knife
o Jigsaw
o Safety Goggles
o Shims
o Circuit tester
o Bit sander
o Miter saw
o Step ladder
o Furniture clamps

As with all construction, safety comes first. Work boots, safety goggles, gloves when applicable and proper garments (nothing dressy or too loose). Don’t leave tools or debris lying around to prevent falls. Be mindful of your surroundings and always be extra careful when handling power tools.

Now that the basic safety issues are covered, we go into the more specific areas. For installing kitchen cabinets, there are a few things you’ll want to do. First of all, shut off all power to the kitchen. This means you’ll have to flip the breaker switch for the kitchen. Many times the oven is on its own breaker – be sure to check all of the breakers for anything else that may be in the kitchen. Unplug all the appliances and, to prevent accidents, move them to a safe part of the house. Turn off the water supply to the sink as well, and be sure to turn the faucets on and drain all the water out before you begin.

When removing the old cabinets, you should be very careful and (if possible) have a helping hand as they tend to be quite heavy. This is why I recommended you move your appliances to a safe area – a cabinet falling on your coffee maker would likely obliterate it! If you want to preserve your countertops and floor, you may wish to tape heavy cardboard/hard foam to it in case of accidents. If you’re going to be replacing them anyways, or if they’re made of heavier material (for example, you probably wouldn’t need to worry too much if you had granite countertops), this isn’t necessary. Once the old cabinets are gone, you’ll need to repair any damage to the wall before you put up the new ones.

If you follow the instructions that come with your new cabinets, you shouldn’t have much trouble. If you want to change the layout of your kitchen and move gas/electric/water lines around, you should definitely call a professional or else you could wind up paying far more than you bargained for. If you run into unexpected problems, there should be a customer service number you can call. Once installation is done, flip the breakers back, move the appliances to their proper places and plug them in, then sit back and enjoy your favorite cool beverage – you’ve earned it!