Learn The Basics Before You Install Kitchen Cabinets

Once you learn how to install kitchen cabinets, at least the basics, you will feel more confident in yourself and be able to tackle the more complex features of your kitchen remodel.

Probably the most important step to begin with is to become familiar with the designs that your kitchen designer has made up for you. Draw the layout of the cabinets on the walls, and try to visualize how the kitchen is going to look. This will definitely help you to understand how to install upper kitchen cabinets as well as the base cabinets. You should have been given a three dimensional drawing and an overhead layout from your designer so that you can do this step.

Take the time to study the layout that you have drawn on the kitchen walls. You will need to determine that all of the cabinets are there for you to install them. You might find that you will need to move some electrical wiring or plumbing to suit your new design. If there are some wires or boxes in the way, they will need to be moved ahead of time. Just call in your electrician and he should be able to relocate them without any problems. It is best to make sure that these things are taken care of before you get too far along in the remodel.

Now, the next step is to find the high point of the floor which will give you the starting point for the install. And by the way, before we go any further, it is always best whenever possible to have the new flooring installed before you start with the installation. Having this done beforehand just makes the entire process much easier. Floor protection will be required when you start the install process. But, if you have chosen a floating floor or perimeter glued vinyl, that will have to go in first. These types of flooring need to be able to free float, so to speak, and having the base cabinets sitting directly on them would not allow the floor to move as it is supposed to.

Next step is to measure up from the floor thirty inches and place a mark on the wall. Next, draw a level line around the room where the base cabinets are going to be placed. Now, measure up to the line about every two feet and take notes as to the dimensions. When you find the smallest dimension, you will have your high point of the floor. Now you will want to measure up from the high point of the floor thirty four and a half inches. This is going to be where the top of tha base cabinets are going to be set, and will serve as a guide for the rest of the install.