Installing and Measuring Kitchen Cabinets: A Complete Homeowner’s Guide
Key Takeaways
- Make accurate measurements of all walls and doors in a kitchen space before ordering the installation of kitchen cabinets. Also, make sure that you have made proper measurements of spaces where appliances are put to save you from inconvenience later.
- Cabinets are usually installed before flooring so that the flooring fits perfectly around the cabinets. However, they can be installed later on over laminate flooring, if needed.
- DIY installation can save you money, but you cannot achieve professional finishes and touches by carrying out the installation by yourself. However, seeking professional help costs you more, but the work will be done with precision.
Installation of kitchen cabinets seems to be a Herculean task. However, with the right tips and tricks, it becomes easier and manageable. The successful installation of kitchen cabinets starts with making accurate measurements and correct preparations. Failure in these results in a flawed installation.
Inaccurate measurements of kitchen cabinets or mistakes in levelling can result in gaps and uneven doors. Also, this could result in wastage of expensive material, raising the overall cost of the project. This will consequently result in unwanted delays in the kitchen creation or renovation project.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the whole process of installing kitchen cabinets and shed light on the cost of installing kitchen cabinets. This guide will highlight the types of screws that should be used in the installation process and the way to install crown molding on top of kitchen cabinets.
Preparing for Cabinet Installation
Prior to embarking on the installation of the kitchen cabinet process, ensure you have appropriate tools and a clear design plan in place. A detailed design ensures that you avoid making mistakes down the line and incur any inconvenience.
You need your arsenal to be replenished with the tools mentioned in the table below to make sure that the whole installation of the kitchen cabinet process is smooth and seamless.
Tools Needed in The Installation Process
- Measuring Tape and Level
- Stud Finder
- Drill and Driver Bits
- Clamps
- Pencil and Notepads
Sketch your layout before starting the installation process, if you are going to carry out the installation all by yourself ( DIY installation). Include wall lengths, window and door placements, and appliance spaces. This will help you decide where each cabinet will fit.
Are Kitchen Cabinets Installed on Top of Flooring?
When the homeowners start a cabinet installation process, one question that arises in their minds is: Are kitchen cabinets installed on top of flooring?
The appropriate practice is to install kitchen cabinets before most flooring types. This method will ensure that the flooring fits neatly around the cabinets so that the wastage of material is reduced to a minimum.
Another question that pops up in the minds of homeowners is: Can you install a cabinet on top of the laminate flooring? The answer is yes. But this is not a common practice. Installing cabinets on top of the laminate flooring may trap the floor under the cabinets, causing a replacement problem, if ever needed.
There is a tip you should keep in mind when installing cabinets over a flooring: leave a small expansion gap so that the laminate can shift naturally.
How to Measure Kitchen Cabinets Accurately?
In order to ensure a correct and smooth cabinet installation process, it is important to make accurate measurements of kitchen cabinets.
The following table mentions the standard measurements of kitchen cabinets as prescribed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) for safety and usability.
| Types of Cabinets | Depth (inches) | Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Cabinets | 24 | 34.5 |
| Wall Cabinets | 12–24 | 12–42 |
| Tall Cabinets | – | 84, 90, or 96 |
Average Measurement of Kitchen Cabinets
According to the NKBA, the average measurement of kitchen cabinets in U.S. homes is 25 linear feet of cabinetry.
Measuring Corner Kitchen Cabinets
Because of their angles, the measurement of the corners of kitchen cabinets is tricky and difficult. Most of the corner base cabinets are 36 inches wide on each side. But for accurate measurements, measure your actual kitchen space.
The following table mentions the steps for measuring kitchen cabinets.
Step for Measuring Kitchen Cabinets
- Measure wall length from corner to corner
- Note down the window and door openings
- Mark appliances space
- Add all cabinet widths to calculate linear feet
It would be wise to understand how to measure the linear feet of kitchen cabinets to know how much cabinetry you require and the overall installation costs.
What Types of Screws to Install in Kitchen Cabinets?
Choosing the right type of screws to install in kitchen cabinets ensures their safe installation. The types of screws to install in kitchen cabinets depend on the wall structure of your kitchen.
- Use 2.5 to 3.5 inch wood screws for wood studs.
- For metal studs, use cabinet screws designed for metal framing.
- Use masonry anchors and screws for masonry.
There is a tip to keep in mind when using screws in kitchen cabinet installation: screw through the cabinet’s thick frame and into a wall stud. These keep the cabinets secure and prevent them from sagging.
Installing Crown Molding and Trim on Kitchen Cabinets
Crown molding is installed on kitchen cabinets to lend them style and give them a finished look. Many homeowners are always looking for the answers to how to install the crown molding on top of a kitchen cabinet or how to install trim in kitchen cabinets.
The table below mentions the steps involved in installing crown molding on top of the kitchen cabinets.
Steps for Installing Crown Molding on Top of Kitchen Cabinets
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure and cut molding at a 45-degree angle. |
| 2 | To secure molding, add a nailing strip above the cabinet. |
| 3 | Nail the molding into the strip. Avoid nailing it directly into the cabinet face. |
| 4 | Fill the gaps with caulk and apply paint where needed. |
Although it takes time to install crown molding above the kitchen cabinets, it gives an additional touch of sophistication to the appearance of your kitchen.
DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Installation
Another dilemma the homeowners face is whether they should install kitchen cabinets themselves or seek professional help.
As per HomeAdvisor (2023), the U.S. average cost to install kitchen cabinets is $4,500–$9,000. Further, a Houzz survey (2022) discovered that 82% of homeowners who remodeled their kitchen indicated cabinetry as their highest cost.
Now, let’s shed light on the pros and cons of DIY installation.
| Pros of DIY Installation | Cons of DIY Installation |
|---|---|
| Lower cost | Time-consuming |
| Complete control of design and process | Higher risk of error |
| Personal satisfaction | Need special tools |
The following table will walk you through the pros and cons of professional installation of kitchen cabinets.
| Pros of Professional Installation | Cons of Professional Installation |
|---|---|
| Work done with care and precision | Higher costs |
| Time saving | Project completion depends on labor availability |
| Access to special tools and equipment | Less involvement in design and process |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Kitchen Cabinets
Let’s discuss the common mistakes that every homeowner or professional must avoid when installing kitchen cabinets:
- Ignoring proper measurements of kitchen cabinets.
- Not paying due attention to the walls and floors on the level.
- Using the wrong screws.
- Forgetting filler pieces for gaps.
- Rushing crown molding or trim installation.
Failure to properly perform the installation procedure could result in countertops that are not level or doors to the cabinets that will not shut.
Final Touches and Maintenance
Once cabinets are in place:
- Adjust doors and drawers so they align properly.
- Install handles and knobs.
- Seal crown molding and trim.
- Wipe cabinets with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Tightening screws periodically and frequent cleaning of the cabinets will ensure the strength of the cabinets remains, and they will remain stylish even after a prolonged period of usage
Conclusion
Installing kitchen cabinets is not as difficult a task as it seems. Proper measurements and a proper plan in hand will ensure that you have a seamless installation process.
If you are looking for answers to whether your kitchen cabinets are installed on top of flooring or what types of screws to use for kitchen cabinets, the right guidance will save you money and time and will let you have peace of mind.
By following the step-by-step guidance given above and making the right measurements of the corners of kitchen cabinets, you can achieve a professional finish with DIY installation.
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