Best Practices

Cabinets

When installing cabinets, first determine high and low points in the floor. This can be done using a laser level, by measuring down to the floor from the laser line. Because the floor may not be on the same elevation throughout, it’s important that this step isn’t missed

  • Refer to renderings / floor plan to establish layout. Mark cabinet layout on the wall for installation, accommodating for face frame width

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  • Check walls for studs, so that they can be marked as well, for anchor points that the cabinets to be screwed into later on

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  • Check the wall for horizontal peaks and valleys using a 6’ level if space permits. Shim any valleys, and shoot them in with a 23 gauge finish nailer

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  • Check to see if the cabinets are floating, or if a toe kick will be used. If using a kick, and the kick isn’t provided, this will need to be constructed. Refer to floor plan, or consult your site foreman for kick height prior to fabrication. It can be made using 2x4, 1x, or plywood that has been ripped down, and should consider under cabinet reveal depth

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  • Remove doors and drawers

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  • Screw adjacent cabinets together on the face frames. Clamping face frames together, making sure that they are flush on the face, top and bottom. Often, there are holes predrilled on the face frame that allow you to screw them together using trim head screws. If not, drill slightly under the hinge and screw together

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  • Next, screw the back of the cabinets together with 1 1/4“ cabinet screws using the space on the underside the cabinet, and the top portion that is above all drawers and will be hidden by counter top

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  • Shim your first base cabinet to the height that was established with a laser level earlier on, making sure that front, back and side to side are all level. Screw to the wall where studs were marked using 3” pan head screws

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  • If installing floating cabinets, screw cleats on the wall at cabinet bottom height to facilitate ease of installation. This height can be determined using the cabinet floor plan and a laser level for continuity

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  • Once cleats are secured in place, lift cabinets onto cleat, and screw to studs using 3” pan head screws. Replace doors and drawers. Install scrub trim where necessary

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  • Upper cabinets can be installed using either a cleat/ledger board or cabinet installation jack. If using a cleat or ledger, install using the same steps as lower floating cabinets. If using a jack, prop the attached cabinets in place and affix to the wall where studs are located

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Kitchen Island Installation:

  • Refer to floor plan for layout. Mark layout on the floor, being mindful to square up lines with parallel walls

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  • 1/2’ back from the lines on the front and back, secure 2x4 backing that is cut to accommodate cabinets. This will be used to screw into

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  • Attach cabinets prior to placement as outlined in upper and lower cabinet installation, and then fasten to 2x4 backing with screws that will be long enough to secure cabinets while sitting flush with surface to accommodate kick trim

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  • See also:

    Cabinet Trim sub-section of Trim section for finish information

    Trim

Products used