How to Install New Kitchen Cabinets This Summer

Kitchen cabinets and countertops, next to carpet and paint, impress a home visitor more than anything else. Whether you need to sell your home, or simply want to add beauty, you can install new kitchen cabinets this summer.

Summer is the best time to do it since the weather is usually more predictable making it easier to cut, leave materials outside, and eat outdoors while the kitchen is a mess.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. MEASURE THE LINEAR LENGTH OF YOUR CABINETS.
   
   Cabinets come in predictable countertop/ceiling lengths for the most part. But you want to get a very accurate idea of how much length you are going to cover with new cabinets to be sure. Alternatively, simply match the exact types of cabinets in your old cabinet set with new ones. This saves a lot of time in many ways.

2. PICK OUT PRE-ASSEMBLED CABINETS FROM YOUR HARDWARE STORE.
   
   You can purchase them unassembled but it takes much more time. Go through the cabinet aisle and write down the SKU number for each particular cabinet you will need. Don't forget the doors if they are sold separately. Draw it out on a piece of paper to make sure the linear footage matches.

3. PURCHASE THE OTHER NECESSARY EQUIPMENT SO EVERYTHING IS ON HAND.
   
   Be sure you have a power drill, wood screws to attach cabinets to each other and the wall, a level, shims to level the cabinets, a jig saw, measuring tape, and plenty of space outside to stage the cabinets.
   
   * If you want to go all out and add granite tile countertops, see the related article on this page.

4. TAKE OFF THE COUNTERTOP AND OLD CABINETS.
   
   If you are keeping the same countertop, take it apart carefully so as not to damage the material. You will want help for this of course so don't attempt it alone.
   
   - Loosen any caulking or glue with a utility knife. Be careful not to damage the walls.
   - Find any screws that are attaching the countertop and remove them.
   - Shut off the water to the sink and detach the plumbing.
   - Using a pry bar to loosen the countertop. Brace it against a broad putty knife to preserve the wall.

5. REMOVE THE OLD CABINETS.
   
   These will be attached to each other and to the wall studs. Mark the wall studs for easy location when installing the new cabinets. If you are installing new flooring or painting while you are at it, this is the time to do it, before the new cabinets are in. The flooring doesn't have to go under the cabinets, however, many types of flooring are easiest to install without the cabinets in place.

6. INSTALL THE UPPER CABINETS FIRST.
   
   Using either a nailed in cleat board to support the cabinets, or the help of a friend, install the upper cabinets before the lower. This way you don't have to lean over the lower cabinets to install the upper. Measure the distance down the wall for the cabinets. Use a level to create a chalk line around the upper cabinet area. While the cabinets are propped up, drill into the studs in the wall following the manufacturer's instructions on the cabinets. Don't install the doors or shelves on cabinets until they are hung to save weight and hassle.
   
   Make sure the cabinet faces are flush with one another, and level with one another.

7. INSTALL LOWER CABINETS, CAREFULLY LEVELING AS YOU GO.
   
   A countertop goes on tope of your lower cabinets. So this requires great care to build a level base. Use the wood shims to ensure each cabinet is level and flush with the others. It may not be flush with the wall since walls aren't straight. You will cover over that gap with the countertop and backsplash.
   
   Screw directly into wall studs. Anchor cabinets to each other as well. Use a saw to cut out any pipe access holes or outlet access before installing the cabinet.

8. INSTALL THE COUNTERTOP.
   
   Unless you are tiling a countertop (see related articles) you will attach the countertop using screws from the underside and adhesive. Be sure the base is level before attaching the countertop. Add in the sink, and reattach the plumbing. Make sure any over hang will not interfere with the operation of drawers and doors on the cabinets.

9. INSTALL THE DOORS AND HARDWARE.
   
   This is best done after you no longer need access into any of the cabinets to install plumbing, the sink, or the countertop. After that, follow manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Recruiting a handy friend or two will pay off in spades. Consider giving them a thank you gift.
• Read the related articles on the page to learn more
• See the resources below for even more detailed help on installing cabinets.
• Pick a good weather, warm day so that you can stage the cabinets outside, and have a place to put the old ones. That's why summer is often best for this job.
• Plan on grilling out or ordering out until the job is done. It's an all day affair in a large kitchen.
• Don't take the old cabinets apart until you are ready to be without a kitchen for a while.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide.

[jujudy]

on 5/19/2009 Interesting article on installing new kitchen cabinets. I talked to a cabinet maker just today to discuss updating my kitchen cabinets. I've decided to have new doors made, rather than replacing the cabinets entirely. I want to use frosted glass in the cupboard doors and solid wood on the lower cabinet doors. New hardware of course, which is one of the main reasons I want to make a change. Bought this house when it was 5 years old, and always hated the hardware. Thanks for the article. 5*s