INSTALLING PREMADE CABINETS

To install premade cabinets, you can begin with either the wall or base cabinets. The general procedures for each are similar.

Installing the Wall Cabinets First

When layouts are made and wall studs located, the wall units are lifted into position. They are held with a padded T-brace that allows the worker to stand close to the wall while making the installation. After the wall cabinets are securely attached and checked, the base cabinets are moved into place, leveled, and secured.

Installing the Base Cabinets First

When base cabinets are installed first, the tops of the base cabinets can be used to support braces that hold the wall units in place while they are fastened to the wall.

Procedures

The following procedures are a simple way of installing premade cabinets:

1. First, locate and mark the location of all wall studs where the cabinets are to be hung. Find and mark the highest point in the floor. This will ensure the base cabinet is level on uneven floor surfaces. (Shims should be used to maintain the cabinet at its designated leveled height.)

2. Start the installation of a base cabinet with a corner or end unit. After all base cabinets are in position, fasten the cabinets together. To get maximum holding power from screws, place one hole close to the top and one close to the bottom.

3. Starting at the highest point in the floor, level the leading edges of the cabinets. After leveling all the leading edges, fasten them to the wall at the studs to obtain maximum holding power.

4. Next, install the countertop on the base cabinets making sure to drill or screw through the top.

5. Then, make a brace to help support the wall cabinets while they are being fastened. Start the wall cabinet installation with a corner or end cabinet. Make sure you check for plumb and level as you install these cabinets.

6. After installing the cabinets and checking for plumb and level, join the wall cabinets through the sides as you did with the base cabinets.

7. Finally, after they are plumb and level, secure the cabinets to the wall at the studs for maximum holding power.

Here are some helpful hints for the general construction of cabinets:

Cabinet parts are fastened together with screws or nails. They are set below the surface, and the holes are filled with putty. Glue is used at all joints. Clamps should be used to produce better fitting, glued joints.

A better quality cabinet is rabbeted where the top, bottom, back, and side pieces come together. However, butt joints are also used. If panels are less than 3/4-inch thick, a reinforcing block should be used with the butt joint. Fixed shelves are dadoed into the sides. Screws should go through the hanging strips and into the stud framing. Never use nails. Toggle bolts are required when studs are inaccessible. Join units by first clamping them together and then, while aligned, install bolts and T-nuts.

Figure 3-74.-Types of drawer guides (view A) and faces (view B).

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