DIY Network

Installing New Kitchen Cabinets From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-101

After the crew removes all the appliances, kitchen cabinets and old ceramic tile, it's ready to get started on creating a new kitchen. New cabinets are the first order of the day.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• After removing the cabinets, the crew finds that much of the old wallboard was damaged. The crew first installs new plywood over the old to prepare for the new cabinet and tile installation.

• The next step is measuring for cabinets. Most standard cabinets are 34-1/2" high. Host Karl Champley adds to this measurement 1-1/2" for the countertop and 18" for the back splash. The total measurement is 54" from the floor. This is where the upper cabinets will be positioned.

• Next, a level line is drawn around the room at the 54" mark (figure A) to serve as a guide as the cabinets are hung.

• A stud finder is used to find all wall studs, which are marked on-center. The wall studs are crucial to properly support the weight of the cabinets. Note: The crew has paid careful attention to the position of all electrical wiring and plumbing.

• A ledger board is secured to the wall (figure B) to temporarily support the weight of the cabinets during the installation. Next, the doors are removed from the cabinets.

• A level is used to check the evenness of the cabinets. Shims are used behind the cabinet edges to assure that the cabinets are plumb before being secured.

• The cabinets are secured by drilling a screw into the pre-drilled holes inside the cabinets, then through the wall studs.

• After the first cabinet is secured, the second one is clamped to it to ensure proper alignment (figure C).

• Holes are pre-drilled through the stiles (the vertical pieces on the face of the cabinet frames), before cabinets are drilled together (figure D). The second cabinet is checked for level and plumb, then secured to wall studs.

• The crew repeats this procedure until all upper cabinets are hung. Rescue Tip: If a gap exists between wall and last cabinet, use a filler bar to enclose the gap (usually provided by the manufacturer). Before securing the last cabinet, measure, mark, cut and secure this piece to the side of the last cabinet.

• The ledger boards are removed and the doors are re-attached.