Kitchen Cabinet Installation: Room Preparation and Step-by-Step installation Guide
Welcome to our guide on kitchen cabinet installation! If you’re reading this, you’re likely in the midst of a kitchen renovation and need clear direction. This blog will help you prepare your space and start the installation process. We’ll cover how to avoid common mistakes and get it right the first time. With our easy-to-follow steps and expert tips, you’ll be well-equipped. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents:
A) Room Preparation for Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Before installing kitchen cabinets, it’s essential to prepare the room carefully. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and safe installation. Consider following steps to prepare your room so your cabinets stay in place and look great for years.
Structural Wall Preparation: Studs and the Role of Blocking
Let's answer one essential question first: Do wall cabinets need to be screwed into wall studs? The short answer is yes. Studs provide the necessary structural support to hold the weight of the cabinets. Besides the cabinet weight, the wall also holds its contents. Securing upper cabinets into studs prevents sagging or detachment over time. This practice ensures your cabinets are safe, especially when loaded with heavy kitchenware.
Before starting your cabinet installation project, consider wall stud marking. Make a pencil mark at each stud line. Use this as a reference mark to determine if the stud locations align with your cabinet installation needs. Can you place your cabinet screws accurately into a stud? Note: Sometimes, a stud isn’t available where a cabinet box needs to be mounted. In these cases, blocking behind the drywall is essential. Blocking means adding extra wood pieces between studs. This provides extra support where upper wall cabinets will be hung. This step adds security, ensuring the screws have solid material to anchor into. As a result, the cabinets are supported effectively.
Pro Tip: Consider replacing the drywall with plywood at the cabinet location. Plywood is sturdier and prevents the cabinets from sagging over time. This ensures the screw holes stay secure, and the screws don't loosen. Note that some buildings, like co-ops and condominiums, have specific rules. They might require a layer of Sheetrock on top of the plywood. If so, keep the Sheetrock as thin as possible. You can also discuss using fireproof plywood in the cabinet runs to meet building regulations. Talk to your local contractor or kitchen designer how to prepare your space for a secure installation.
Flooring and Cabinet Sequence
The sequence of flooring and cabinets is key during a kitchen remodel. A common question: Should you install cabinets before the flooring, or after? Generally, cabinets should be installed after the flooring is laid. This creates an even floor and prevents worries about future changes to the flooring.
To save on material costs, some people place plywood under the base cabinet boxes to level the floor. However, the extra labor costs might outweigh the material savings. Be careful when laying out your floor. Make sure the plywood under the cabinet bases doesn’t project out from your cabinet line. When you place your cabinet into position there should be no visible Plywood.
Timing is everything: Plan the cabinet delivery. Make sure you have time to place your floor before the cabinets arrive. Avoid being stuck with a last-minute solution to accommodate the kitchen cabinet install.
Pro Tip: Before starting, ensure your contractor protects your floors. This helps you to avoid damage during the installation.
Backsplash and Cabinetry: Timing and Placement
In kitchen design, the kitchen backsplash design and placement need careful thought. Should you install the backsplash tile before or after the cabinets? Usually, you assemble cabinets first and then add the tile backsplash. This order gives a more precise fit and finish. There is no need for your backsplash tile to run behind the cabinets. The backsplash is decorative and protects the wall above the countertop. Installing it behind the beautiful cabinets adds costs without any real benefits.
Pro Tip: Only apply the backsplash in visible areas. Installing the backsplash after the cabinets saves time and materials.
Painting Considerations: When and Where to Paint
Several factors related to painting should be considered before installation process begins. First, what types of cabinets are you installing? Do your cabinets require a paint job, or do they come pre-finished with no final coating required?
Pre-finished semi-custom cabinets:
Paint all your walls before you start the installation. When you prepare your walls ensure to finish and paint all visible areas. This is especially important on the upper corner cabinet. Avoid leaving any plywood or sheetrock visible. Sometimes contractors only paint the areas that they believe will be visible afterwards. This can lead to areas where the plywood or sheetrock remains visible. Have them mud, feather, and paint the area at least 4 inches past your upper cabinet edge. Painting your walls before the final cabinet installation will save you time. You won’t need to tape your cabinets and work around objects. You will have a straightforward painting job. Yet, be aware, you might need to do some paint retouching after your cabinet installation.
Unfinished Cabinets:
If your cabinets need painting, it is recommended to paint them before installation. This allows for a smoother finish. The painter can easily access all surfaces of the cabinet. Further it avoids getting paint on the walls or countertops. Similar to before you might need to do some final touch-ups after installation. Prepare and finish your walls if you paint your cabinets before installation. If you decide to paint them after installation, there is no reason to pre-paint your walls.
Another common question is if you should add a coat of paint the underside of cabinets. This depends on personal preference and the design of the kitchen. The underside of upper cabinets isn’t visible. Yet, it might be worth painting if you want a clean, finished look. Especially if you have under-cabinet lighting that might highlight the area.
Caulking and Sealing
Before installing any cabinets, ensure your walls are completely finished and prepared. This way, you ensure the wall is caulked where the cabinet meets the wall. This creates a finished and polished look and avoids seams between the cabinets and the wall.
Appliance Feeds: Electrical & Plumbing Supply lines
Before installing cabinets, ensure electrical and plumbing feeds are ready for your appliances. Check the appliance specs for the right water supply lines and power needs. Cut proper holes for water supply and drain lines. Make sure they are in the correct spots. Align them with your appliance placement. This avoids problems later on. Double-check everything to match your cabinet layout. This prevents costly changes later.
B) Step-by-Step Cabinet Installation Guide
Installing kitchen cabinets can be manageable if you follow each step carefully. Whether you're using flat-pack, semi-custom, or custom cabinets, the process will vary. Flat-pack cabinets need assembly, while semi-custom may arrive pre-built. Custom cabinets are usually built on-site by professionals. Below is a simplified guide to help you. Be sure to follow your cabinet manufacturer instructions. Different cabinet types may require different approaches.
I. Gather your Tools
Before starting, gather your basic tools and standard tools:
Drill bit
Stud screws
Light pencil mark for markings
Cabinet positioning lines and centerline mark
Level reading tools (spirit level) to check for level parallel surfaces
Pre-drilled holes for easier installation
Cabinet hardware like handles, hinges, and screws
II. Staging Your Cabinets
Organize your cabinets in a neighboring cabinet area for easy access. This will make the installation process smoother and quicker. Nearby staging will help you find the right pieces faster as you follow your cabinet plan.
III. Pre-build Cabinet Boxes (If required)
Depending on your cabinet type, you may need to build the cabinet boxes first. Flat-pack cabinets must be assembled before installation. For semi-custom, the boxes may already be assembled. Custom cabinets are usually built directly on-site. Before building, make sure you have the correct cabinet quantity. Further, check the cabinet size for each section of your kitchen.
IV. Start the Installation
4.1 Base Cabinets, Tall Cabinets, and Appliance Housing Units
Begin with the base kitchen cabinets and tall cabinets. This includes pantries, freestanding appliance niches or appliance housings. Make sure each unit is level parallel to the floor. Use a spirit level to check this. Drill pilot holes before using stud screws to secure the cabinets to the wall. Always account for appliance openings. Leave proper gaps for appliances like dishwashers or fridges. Review the appliance specs carefully to ensure enough space. Your appliance niche must be wide enough to house your dishwashers or fridges. Proper cabinet positioning lines will help with this.
4.2 Kitchen Island and Peninsula Cabinets
Does your kitchen layout includes an island or peninsula? Installing them correctly is important. The process is slightly different from wall and base cabinets.
For a kitchen island, you need to anchor island cabinets securely to the floor. First, position the island according to the cabinet positioning lines. Then, use stud screws or anchors to fix it to the subfloor. Make sure it’s solid and doesn't move. Check that the island is perfectly level parallel to the rest of the kitchen before securing.
Peninsula cabinets are attached to other cabinets on one side. Similar to islands extra support is needed. Align them with the adjoining cabinets, then secure them like wall cabinets. Leave gaps for appliances like dishwashers if needed. Peninsulas may need filler strips or extra trim to fit smoothly with the corner cabinet.
4.3 Upper Cabinets
After the base cabinets are installed, move to the upper cabinets. Use pre-drilled holes to attach them securely to the wall. Make sure they align with the base units and remain level parallel. Plumb cabinets ensure everything is vertically straight. Attach the cabinets to adjacent cabinets for added support.
4.4 Fillers and Ceiling Scribes
If there are spaces between cabinets and walls, use filler strips to close these gaps. Install extra trim or ceiling scribes where needed to ensure a polished finish.
5. Appliance Placement and Paneling
Once the cabinets are secured, place your built-in appliances in the correct spots. Ensure accurate measurements were followed for each appliance niche. Attach any necessary appliance panels to match the rest of your cabinetry. This step ties everything together and ensures a cohesive look.
6. Lighting
Now install any cabinet lights as per your kitchen design. Lighting is especially important under upper cabinets for illuminating countertops. Follow the electrical feeds and specifications to ensure everything is installed properly.
7. Countertops & Backsplash
Once the cabinets and appliances are in place, install your countertops. Be sure they fit correctly over the base kitchen cabinets. After the countertops are installed, you can move on to the backsplash. This adds a final touch of style and functionality.
8. Accessories (Sink, Faucet, Trash Disposal, etc.)
Install your kitchen accessories like the sink, faucet, and trash disposal. Follow the specs for each item. Make sure to cut precise holes for water supply to ensure proper connection. Review your cabinet installation process to ensure everything fits.
9. Organizational Accessories
Finally, install any organizational accessories like spice racks or drawer inserts. These small additions help enhance the functionality of your kitchen.
V. Final Adjustments
Once everything is in place, check all the cabinet positions. Make sure all the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet drawers are aligned. Adjust the cabinet level if necessary to ensure a seamless finish. Double-check your spaces between cabinets. Make sure there are no gaps or misalignments.
VI. Why Hiring a Professional is Recommended
Although this guide helps you manage the cabinet installation process, installs are tough. Professional installers know how to handle tricky situations. They have experience in overcoming obstacles. like uneven walls or misaligned cabinet positioning lines. Hiring a cabinet installer professional can save you time. Further, it prevents costly mistakes and ensures your dream kitchen comes together perfectly.
C) Kitchen Cabinet Installation Costs
Understanding the costs of kitchen cabinet installation is essential for budgeting your project. The average price for installation can vary widely based on several factors. These include the actual installation price, the experience of the installer, and the quality of work.
Installation estimates can provide a general idea, but for an accurate estimate, it’s best to consult with professionals. Average labor costs also influence the total cost, and these can differ depending on your location.
For a better understanding of costs and how they can vary, check out the following links:
Need support with your Kitchen Design
Kitchen Design NYC offers professional kitchen design services. Talk to our experienced kitchen designer to get support with your kitchen. We work closely with you to ensure you get the kitchen of your dreams. Talk to us today to take the first step toward your new kitchen.
Commenti