DIY Network

Countertop Cabinet Installation Even more cabinets go into this storage-happy bathroom. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-510

There's no such thing as too much storage – especially for a busy family of six. Amy Matthews shows how to install posh countertop cabinets to help everyone stow their stuff in style.

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Tall countertop cabinets offer two-story storage.

Materials:

cabinetry
tape measure
painter’s tape
table saw
safety glasses
grease pencil
drill
screw gun
cabinet screws

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Countertop Cabinet Installation

• Matt and Michelle's countertop cabinets included a fill piece – an extra wide face piece to make it easier to fit and center cabinets in awkward spaces. However, they don't need the fill piece, so it's got to go. They start by measuring the size of the fill piece and determining how much of it to keep (figure A).

• Matt and Amy decided to keep 1/4" of the 3-1/4" fill piece, just enough to make it match the other cabinetry. Amy used this measurement to set the table saw fence at 3" away from the blade to give the right final dimension.

  Safety Alert: Keep the table saw unplugged when not in use – especially when adjusting the blade or fence. Only plug it in when ready to cut. Also, always wear safety glasses and use caution when using a table saw or any power saw.

• Cover the entire face of the cabinet, including the fill piece, with painter's tape (figure B). This will protect it from scratches as it goes through the saw. The low-tack painter's tape is gentler on the cabinet finish than duct tape or other tapes.

• Set the cabinet face-down on the saw to make the rip cut. Make sure to have at least one helper on-hand when cutting a large, heavy item such as a cabinet; it's essential to keep the piece lined up and in control to make the cut cleanly and safely.

• Cut the fill piece, using the pre-set saw fence as a guide.

• Measure the stud locations where the cabinet will be installed and transfer those measurements to the inside of the cabinet. It's important to allow for the thickness of the wood when transferring the measurements; the cabinet must be right on the stud to hang securely.

• Drill pilot holes through the cabinet and into the studs (figure C), then drive cabinet screws to attach the cabinet to the wall.

RESOURCES :
Cabinets, Pocket Doors
Wood Harbor
Website: www.woodharbor.com