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Should You Install Your Own Kitchen Cabinets?

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You decided to give your kitchen a major overhaul by changing the cabinets. With many efficient choices of kitchen cabinets available in the market, the idea of changing the cabinets all by you is very luring and self-reliant. To be honest, installing the kitchen cabinets autonomously can save you some pennies (from $5000 to $20,000), in addition to saving some precious time. You do not need to wait for the experts to arrive and frankly, may impress the lady-at-home.

The job comes tagged with advantages if you are a pro at doing woodwork before. The job is not as simple, as it seems for someone doing it for the first time. Even half an inch mistake with placing the first cabinet could lead to an unaligned last cabinet. You might end up paying more than the original installation cost to the professional to cover up your mistake. So before you begin with the actual purchasing of the cabinets, have an estimate done by an expert. It might turn out to be a wallet-friendly assignment saving you from all the dirt, dust and hassle.

You must have plenty of time and patience to shape your neo kitchen into desired results, as undone kitchen cabinets are not a weekend job; you need a functional kitchen ASAP.

Kitchen cabinet refacing is an option if you want to take up the endeavor as a newbie. Changing the cabinet doors, drawer front, and the hardware may upload some work-hour of skill and practice to your record. Learning a bit of know-how will give you the edge required for the next complete cabinet refit. If you really want your input, you can assemble Rta kitchen cabinets and let a professional contractor handle the installation. It will save some cash and upsize your confidence.  

Nevertheless, no task is unworkable. If you are good at taking accurate measurements, half the job is done. With the right set of tools and some experts’ guidelines, you can achieve results that may amaze you too. However, it is never a bad idea to have a helping hand around because, depending on the cabinets’ material and weight, it can turn out a job for two.

Update your toolbox

Outdated or non-functional tools can tarnish an expert’s artistry. Organizing the toolbox with the latest gadgets and replacing the broken or inoperative ones should be done primarily. Once the cabinets have arrived and you are ready to start with the job, there would be no extra time for any last-minute shopping. Here are some tools that you might already have, check to ensure.

  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Measuring tape
  • Carpenter’s level
  • Long straight edge
  • Clamps
  • Wood screws
  • Stud finder
  • Screwdriver
  • Countersinks
  • Clamps
  • Miter saw
  • Finishing nails
  • Wax
  • Pencil

Decide on the cabinets

When installing your custom kitchen cabinets, it is more important to have proper measurements and a layout plan for the cabinets instead of the kind of material you select. Stock, custom and semi-custom built cabinets can be pre-ordered and delivered to your doorstep. The choice becomes less daunting with Rta cabinets that can be customized according to your kitchen dimensions and the floor space available. However, it is significant to map out the exact appliances location, orderly opening direction of the cabinets’ doors, finished paneling at the end cabinets, toe-kick boards in addition to extra filler strips.

Keep the installation plan printed out and handy references it frequently. In the case of Rta kitchen cabinets, check the cabinets upon arrival for any damage. Match the number and size of cabinets with your kitchen plan. A simple delay can ruin your time management table.

Follow the installation order

  • Start with the base cabinets
  • Mark the highest spot on the floor
  • Draw a level line to mark the top of the cabinets
  • Draw vertical lines to mark each cabinet’s position on the wall
  • Find and mark studs
  • Dry fit the base cabinets starting from the corner ones and use filler strips where required
  • Mark the plumbing and electrical holes
  • Draw a level line above the base cabinets for the upper ones
  • If working alone, screw a ledger even with the level line for support, which can be removed later
  • Start with the corner cabinets
  • Fix the toe-kick boards, slip the drawers into their slides, adjust the hinges and align the doors
  • Conclude with cabinet finishing as doorknobs and handle drawers

How to Hang Cabinets

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