Common Problems Installing Kitchen Cabinets

When installing kitchen cabinets, you want the units to be level, flush and stable. The tips below will help you accomplish this, especially if you have the assistance of another person.

Keeping the Units Flush

One of the most common difficulties involved in installing kitchen cabinets is securing them flush to the wall. There should be no gaps when installing the cabinets to the wall studs. Take the time to measure and mark the wall studs and to create a plum line with a chalk string or level to make sure that it is level throughout the installation.

Installing a temporary support stud will help take some of the load off your helper as you set the upper unit in place. It will also help keep the cabinet flush and level to the wall.

Lifting the Upper Cabinets

Another tricky step is connecting the upper units prior to hoisting them into place. End units, particularly those that curve, may not attach flush, which may cause them to wobble and come loose prior to being secured to the wall studs. To alleviate this problem, use loose boards to join the corner or end pieces. This should reduce the wobbling and make the cabinet end more stable prior to being secured to the wall.

Maintaining the Cabinet’s Level

You need to make sure that the cabinet pieces remain level throughout the entire installation process. If the pieces become uneven or break away, it will create problems with the installation of the counter top and may contribute to the cabinets giving way at some point. Use shims and a level when different cabinet unit pieces are joined. Also check the level of the cabinet units prior to securing with screws as well as afterwards. Use shims to maintain the level and you should be okay when you secure the cabinet to the wall studs.

Other Concerns

There are other concerns that may arise during the installation of the kitchen cabinets. Many of these concerns and issues can be eliminated through careful attention to detail and working carefully and meticulously. You should always secure the cabinet units with screws not nails. Nails will not hold the unit in place over time and eventually the cabinets will separate from the wall. Screws grip the wood studs better and have superior holding ability over time.

If you encounter an alignment issue or are unable to resolve an installation issue, either take the cabinets apart and start again or call for a more experienced helper. If you take your time during the installation and are mindful of keeping the assembly level and flush with the wall, your problems should be minimal. Never force the cabinet units in a space; it is important that your measurements are accurate and precise and that you have a way to compensate for any mistakes that may have occurred in any of your calculations.