How to Install Kitchen Cabinetry
- 1). Draw a parallel line 3 inches above the floor on the kitchen wall. Measure the area between this line and the floor to locate the high point of the floor, if one exists, and mark this point. Make a straight line 34.5 inches up from this high point, using a tape measure and level to indicate the top of the base cabinets, and then make another straight line 19.5 inches above the base cabinet line to pinpoint the bottom of the wall cabinets.
- 2). Find the studs in the wall using a stud finder, and mark their locations at least 6 inches below and above the mark pinpointing the bottom of the wall cabinets. Draw vertical lines between the bottom and top marks to designate the center of the studs, and attach the support rail to the wall studs using three or four 2-inch screws so that the top of the rail lines up with the bottom of the wall cabinets.
- 3). Drill holes in the back of the corner wall cabinet and into the stud walls, and use two long screws that will penetrate the studs by a minimum of 1.5 inches to attach the cabinet to the wall. Check to make sure the top edge of the cabinet is level and the front edge is plumb. If the cabinet is not plumb, back off the screws, place shims behind the cabinet at the locations of the studs, drive the screws back in completely and add a few more screws into each stud to make the cabinet secure.
- 4). Install the other wall kitchen cabinets, following these instructions. As you screw in each cabinet, secure the cabinets neighboring it with a clamp.
- 5). Install the corner, or end, base cabinet and the other base cabinets, following the same directions. When turning a corner with the base cabinets, push the adjoining cabinet in place and clamp the two cabinets together. Place a filler strip between the two corner units so that doors and drawers will be clear of one another, if necessary. You also might need to put shims under the base cabinets to ensure they are plumb and level. Shave off any excess shim material using a utility knife.
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