Cabinetry

Chapter 1 Installing Your Cabinetry: Getting Your Tools Together

By these instructions it is safe to assume that you want to install your own kitchen cabinetry. I am also going to assume that you are paying good money for your cabinetry and though you don't want to pay the cost associated with a professional installation, you still want it to look like it was done by a professional. That being the case, you have found the right instructional manual.

These instructions are written by professionals so there is nothing that you will see on your job site that we have not had personal experience in handling. You are going to be able to take the job from beginning to end and be thrilled with the job when you are completed. That being said, let's get you going. The best place to start is at the very beginning by making sure that you have all the necessary tools together before you get going. Here is what you are going to need:

Screw gun - You are going to need to have a screw gun. Every cabinet is going to be attached to the wall and the cabinet next to it so it is a necessity. I personally prefer the battery operated guns because when you have a screw gun with a cord attached this cord has a tendency to get caught and just gets in the way.

Level - This is also a must. You are going to be checking the walls, drawing level lines and making sure that each cabinet is level both horizontally and vertically. My personal preference is a 4 foot level as you will have both the horizontal and vertical bubble to look at and it gives you the ability to check all angles without having to change out levels.

Miter Saw - Having a chop saw is great to have on hand and is especially needed if you are going to be installing any type of moldings such as crown molding, shoe molding, or light rail. These saws can be easily turned to help you make perfect miter cuts for your moldings and can help you square off the ends.

Table Saw - A small portable table saw is also helpful on a job site. You will use this to cut things such as you toe kicks and fillers. Fillers are oftentimes sold in lengths such as 8 feet and then tend to be wider than needed like 6 inches so you will need to rip some filler strips and you never know when you will need to trim something such as a refrigerator end panel because the wall or floor is out of level.

Jig Saw- Having a jig saw is great to have especially if you are installing laminate countertops as you are going to need to be able to cut out the sink hole. You can also use this saw to cut out backs of cabinets where the range hood may go or for example, if you have an oven cabinet you will need to be able to cut out for the electrical outlet.

Drill- You will need a drill especially if you are going to be adding knobs or handles to your cabinetry. You will also need a drill if you are going to cut out holes in the cabinets for your sink's plumbing, to run lines through the backs of your base cabinets such as water lines for your ice maker or your dishwasher.

Pin Nailer - You only really need a pin nailer if you are going to be installing moldings. This is used in conjunction with an air compressor. The nailer will let you attach the moldings without harming the molding and if done correctly without splitting them either.

Air Compressor - This is not always a necessity as you only need it if you are going to be installing molding. This will work with a pin nailer to nail on your crown molding, light railing, and/or shoe molding.

Generator- You will only need a generator if there is no power to the home. Many times on a new construction site the contractors, to save a little money, will not hook up the temporary electric poles so you will need to generator your own power. However, if you are remodeling your home you will not this piece of equipment.

There you have a list of the major tools that you are going to need to successfully install your kitchen cabinetry. If you have all of the tools that is a bonus if not try your local home improvement store, they oftentimes have deals on sets of tools. These sets can come with a drill, screw gun, circular saw and if you are buying new tools I would suggest paying the few extra dollars and getting professional grade tools such as Makati, Dewalt, and Ryobi as these companies have a good reputation among those of us in the finish carpentry trades.

If you are unable to purchase these tools ask your home improvement store if they rent these tools. Most of the larger ones will and you if you don't feel like you will use these tools in the future this maybe the way to go especially with the larger, more expensive tools like the generator or air compressor.

That is a list of the larger tools that you need but there are also smaller tools that you should check off and make sure you have them on hand and these include:

A Tape Measure

Hole Saws

Screw Drivers

Hammer

Caulking Gun

Extension Cords

Pencil

Stud Locator

Once you have assembled your tools together you will then be ready to get your supplies together. Know that getting ready and organized is the most important aspect of a good install. Nothing is more aggravating and time wasting than not having everything that you need on hand and attempting to improvise.

So getting organized may not be the funny part of the project but it will save you many headaches along the way. So bear with me as I get you ready to hang your cabinetry and I promise you that you will thank me when you are in the middle of your install and you have everything you need at your disposal. So let's get your supplies together.

Chapter 2

Installing Cabinetry: Getting Your Upper Cabinets Installed

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