Cabinet Installation

Before the cabinet installation, the underlying surface must be properly prepared. A backing boards should be installed in the proper location to support wall cabinets. The installation starts from the corner units of wall cabinets. For making the cabinet layout on the wall, the position of all wall studs should be marked in the wall area with a plumb line. A long straightedge 4’ level is used to find the highest spot in the floor. A chalk line is drawn from the spot for where the bottom of base cabinet should be installed. Other chalk lines are drawn for top of base cabinet, and bottom and top of wall cabinet.

After marking the layout for stud location, the points at top and bottom cabinet mounting rails should be predrilled. It is required to countersink the drilled holes on the mounting rails. Cabinet placement should be according to the chalk line. A T-brace or a temporary cleat is required as temporary support for wall cabinets.

Next step is installing the base cabinets. The reason to start from wall cabinets is to provide better access and prevent injuries during installation. The installation of base cabinets is similar to wall cabinets. However, shim is used in the installation to make the horizontal frame members level and straight. Finally, the countertop is placed on top of the base cabinets and fastened to the wall.