With the upper cabinets installed, host Fuad Reveiz finishes the tile backsplash and demonstrates the installation of the base cabinets.On the intermediate Weekend Remodeling 1-5 scale of difficulty, this project rates a 2. Time to complete: 15 hours over 2 days
Materials:Wall and base cabinets
Granite countertop
Pry bar
Tape measure
Level
Chalk line
Large felt-tip marker
Reciprocating saw
Hammer
Utility knife
Circular saw
Chop saw
Punch saw
Drill with bits
Framing square
Framing nailer
Trim nailer
Latex paint
Paint brush, rags, bucket
Notched trowel
Rubber float
Tile cutter/wet saw
Wire strippers
Electrical tester
Stud finder
Cut-out electrical boxes and outlet
Non-metallic building electrical wire
Wire nuts
Under cabinet light
Tile
Epoxy tile grout and mastic
1x stock to create trim pieces
- Before beginning grout application on the tile, the spacers need to be removed.
- Mix epoxy grout and add to grout bag. (The grout bad will ensure an even application on the etched tiles used in this example. Alternately, a soft rubber float can be used.) Start in one corner and work across backsplash.
- Once all joints are filled, use damp sponge to smooth tile surface and clean away excess grout. Allow to dry to a haze, then lightly go over the tiles with a wet sponge to remove any residue.
- In this example, the baseboard needs to be removed so the base cabinets will sit flush against the wall. To remove, begin scoring the corner of the trim and shoe molding, then score the length of the base.
- Remove shoe molding, then gently pry base trim away from wall using pry bar. Remove ledger board.
- Slide first base cabinet into place, check for level and plumb. Shim as necessary, then anchor base cabinet to wall using 2-1/2" screw. Set second cabnet into place.
- Clamp drawer assembly on the two base cabinets and install some screws. Add screw at back of drawer for added strength.
- Secure cabinets to floor as needed.
- Reinstall base and show molding. Measure area between outside cabinet and corner -- or the open area of your configuration. Make cuts on miter saw for base trim and molding.
- Install base first, first using trim nailer. Switch to lighter-weight brad nailer for the shoe molding.
- Set desk into place, then install decorative trim at the top of the cabinet. Install light rail to conceal the undercabinet lighting.
- Replace outlet cover at backsplash; tack toe kick in place with brad nailer. Finally, install decorative legs at bottom of cabinet.
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