Kitchen cabinets are the most distinctive feature of any kitchen. They are both functional and decorative and make up the largest expense of building or renovating a kitchen.
The cheapest base cabinets can run $100 a running foot, and high end hardwood cabinets can cost ten times that but that doesn't include installation cost. You can build your own, or install store bought cabinets yourself to save money.
Keep in mind that a house with elegant kitchen cabinets will appreciate in value, and you are certain to recoup your installation expenses when you sell.
The convenience of installing prefabricated base cabinets is hard to beat. Just take your measurements and a plan of your kitchen to your home center and choose from the array of cabinets available. Then following the guidelines below, you can install kitchen base cabinets yourself. Make any repairs to walls or flooring before beginning work.
- Pre-fabricated base cabinets
- Handsaw
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Ledger board
- Hammer and nails
- Stud finder
- Construction adhesive
- Power drill, screw tips
- Screws
1. Find studs: With the help of a stud finder, locate the studs on the wall where you want the cabinet and mark.
2.Measure and mark wall: Draw guidelines on the wall for the edges of the cabinet. Mark the high point of the floor with a level and using this as a point of reference mark the cabinet height on the wall. Draw a line on the wall marking the full length of the cabinets.
3. Install cabinets: Test fit your first cabinet in place. Check the level and, if needed, shim until the cabinet is level. Predrill through the top framing piece aligning holes with the wall studs. Screw or nail the cabinet into place, making sure your fastener is long enough to reach studs. Check the level again and repeat the process for the rest of cabinets.
4. Leave space for appliances: Consult your plan to see where any appliances will be placed. Measure an opening the exact width required for clearance. Cut the opening at the front and rear using a jig saw.
5. Conceal gaps: Install molding to cover gaps between the cabinets and the floor using construction adhesive and finishing nails.
6. Finishing touches: Install all doors, door pulls and handles. If holes are not already drilled for hardware on your pre-fabricated cabinets, use a power drill and the correct size bit to make screw holes.
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