Installing Kitchen Cabinets Yourself

Installing kitchen cabinets may not be as difficult as you think.

You can pick up many useful tips from many sources: a friend or family member who has done it, a how to manual (which is easily understood), or a course at a community college or trade school.

Although it can be fairly easy, you cannot do it by yourself.

You will need someone to assist you lifting cabinets onto your wall.

Or you will need help moving floor cabinets into position.

Thickness of Wood

Wood cabinets should be at least a half an inch thick.

Do not use thin wood, or particle board.

They will not hold up very well, and in the end, will be a waste of your money, as well the time you took to hang them.

No Nails

Do not use nails to hang your cabinets.

Cabinets, that are loaded with heavy dishes, hung by nails, are a disaster waiting to happen. The wise bet is to always use screws.

Wood Choices

There are lots of things to consider when deciding what type of wood to use on your project.

Some woods are strong, but heavy.

Others are lighter and less expensive, but they will not last as long as the cabinets made with the heavier wood.

You need to look at all the types of wood-hickory, pine, walnut, cherry, and mahogany – and decide which is the best for your project.

Wall Studs

Wall studs are normally 16 inches apart. But this can be different, depending on local building codes and expenses.

The best thing to do would be to go out and get yourself a stud finder. You can find one in any hardware store, or the hardware section of any department store.

Getting Started

You will want to mount all wall cabinets first, thus avoiding the hassle of having to work around newly installed floor cabinets.

Hanging Cabinets may sound like a tough and somewhat intimidating job, but if you do a little research first, ask around to people who have experience, read a manual, or take a course in home improvement, you may find that installing cabinets is a snap!

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