Cabinets

The kitchen cabinets in your home are starting to look a bit worn around the edges so you want to replace them. You may want to consider a couple of options before automatically ripping them out and replacing them. So first, look at them with a critical eye and determine what it would actually take to achieve the look you desire. Here's some options.

If the cabinets are solid wood and do not have structual damage, you may be able to repair and refinish them to almost new appearance. If you don't like the color, you may be able to paint them, rather than refinishing the natural wood. Refacing with an applied material may also be an option.

A second option, if there is little or no structual damage to the cabinets, is to replace only the doors and drawer faces. You can keep the actual cabinets possibly painting or refinishing them. This saves a great deal of work as well as cost. After all it is the doors which are viewed primarily. It may even allow extra budget to upgrade the cabinet doors, knobs and hardware.

These options can apply to kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, storage cabinets and laundry room cabinets. Simply evaluate the structural condition of the cabinets and determine if one of these alternate methods meets your objectives.

If you decide to completely replace the cabinets, be aware that you may want to refinish or at least prime the surrounding walls and ceilings while the cabinets are down. If you are replacing flooring materials, it is generally advisable to do so before placing the new cabinets. Before you begin, you may want to take pictures of the current cabinets for reference purposes later.

Carefully measure and create a scaled drawing of the area where the cabinets will be placed. Determine the exact cabinet units to purchase and add them to your plan. If you wish to add exhaust fans or lights inside, above or below the cabinets, make provisions for the electrical requirements before installing the new cabinets. Determine the best location for cabinet hinges. Always be aware of all elecrtical service and plumbing behind the walls so as to avoid damaging them with nails and screws.

Step By Step Instructions For Installation of Wall Cabinets

1. Measure and mark the location of each new cabinet.

2. Locate and mark each wall stud within the space behind the cabinets. This will be used for mounting screws later.

3. Mount a temporary 2 x 4 support rail on the wall below the bottom of the cabinet using only enough screws to support the weight of the cabinet temporarily. This will support the cabinet during installation. Make sure the rail is level.

4. Set the cabinet on the rail and check for level and plumb.

5. Fasten the cabinet to the wall by inserting 2" to 3" screws through the cabinet frame, into the wall studs. When possible hide screws from view by placing them behind shelves or in the lip above the cabinet. If the screws will show use decorative mounting washers.

6. If the cabinets reach both walls to the right and left of the cabinets,install all but the last cabinet. Before installing the last cabinet measure for a spacer to get a nice fit into the corner. Cut and apply the spacer to the final cabinet and mount he final cabinet.

7. Remove the temporary support rail.

Step By Step Instructions For Installation of Base Cabinets

1. Measure and mark the location of each new cabinet.

2. Locate and mark each wall stud within the space behind the cabinets. This will be used for mounting screws later.

3. Place the first cabinet unit in place. Level and plumb the cabinet using shims underneath one end of the cabinet.

4. Fasten the cabinet to the wall by inserting 2" to 3" screws through the cabinet frame, into the wall studs. Check level and plumb throughout mounting process as this cabinet sets the standard for all other cabinets in the string. When possible hide screws from view by placing them behind shelves or in the lip above the cabinet. It may be necessary to place spacers behind the cabinet to take up space between the cabinet and wall, where screws are installed. This will keep the frame of the cabinet from bowing, colapsing or fracturing.

5. Using a chisel, remove the protruding excess shims. Leave the functional portion of the shims in place under the cabinet frame for continued support.

6. Add all other cabinets in the string, checking level and plumb as you go. Fasten each cabinet to the existing cabinet as well as the wall. Use shims and spacers as described prior.

7. After installing the last cabinet in the string, cut a space to fill any gap between the cabinet and the wall.

Complete any electrical and/or plumbing before installing the countertop.

CABINET MANUFACTURERS

Aristokraft Cabinetry
Armstrong
Great Northern Cabinetry, Inc.
Kitchen Kompact
KraftMaid Cabinetry
Legacy Cabinetry Inc.
MasterBrand Cabinets
Merillat
Mid Continent Cabinetry
Omega Cabinets
Royal Cabinet Company

Other Cabinet Resources

Diamond Cabinets
Hoosier Cabinets
Just Cabinets
Thomasville Cabinets

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