The difficulty factor for installation is related mainly to the amount of connecting cabinets you have. If you are only installing one cabinet (like a vanity cabinet), then it is fairly easy. On the other hand, if you have cabinets along two walls that connect, then it will be harder. Why? You have to make sure everything is level and such! If you only have one cabinet, then you just need to level it and attach it. If you have multiple, then you need to find the high/low spots and take into consideration wall bumps. If the wall isn't "flat" or the floor is like a roller coaster, making sure everything is level and the faces are smooth will be harder.
For a small base (floor) cabinet only job, one person can handle everything with a few clamps, shims, and screws. For wall cabinets or a bigger job, you will need more people. You might want to make some "dummies" to hold the wall cabinets in place (a T of 2x4s works) if you don't have a lot of muscle!
Oh, and buy lots of shims! They are very important. Unless you house is PERFECT, you will probably end up using a few shims per cabinet, if not more. It never hurts to have too many shims!
Once you get the boxes in place (take doors, shelves, and drawers out/off first - it is easier that way), you will be ready to trim. We used scribe molding in most places. It is the most basic of moldings and will cover the gaps between the walls and ceilings. You can also use crown molding at the top if you aren't mounting the cabinet right to the ceiling. You will also have some toe kick to install along with some edge molding if there is an exposed corner (to cover the edge of the toe kick).
All in all, it is a fairly easy job. It is definitely something a do-it-yourself person could do if they had a little help. I would recommend starting with a bathroom (few cabinets) and then moving to a bigger job!
TR: Merrilot Cabinets - Kitchen House 1TM: Merrilot Cabinets - Kitchen House 1
BR: Cardell Cabinets - Kitchen House 2
BL: Cardell Cabinets - Kitchen House 2
LT: Shenandoah Cabinets - Laundry House 2
LM (2): Merrilot Cabinets - Kitchen House 1 (being installed)
LB: Shenandoah Cabinets - Master Bath House 2
2 comments:
Those are gorgeous! I'm sure I'd screw it up if I tried to do it myself, though. When we replace our cabinets, I'll fly you over to help me, how bout that?
It looks great and you offered up some great suggestions for anyone remodeling. I have seen crown molding installed on the top of kitchen cabinets and it looks great.
Again, great tips.
TJ
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