Self-installation of modular kitchen systems is now easier than ever. While this is still a lot of work and you may need a friend's help to get it right, simple attentiveness will allow you to confidently install.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Preparation
Step 1. Make the initial preparations for the installation of the kitchen
Step 2. Measure and plan the space carefully
If you are replacing an older kitchen, you may want to use its layout as a base. Or, you can rearrange your new headset to better suit your needs.
- Obtain the headset manufacturer's demo brochures. In them you can familiarize yourself with the available standard dimensions of the cabinets (depending on the manufacturer, the dimensions of the kitchen elements may vary). You need to agree and calculate everything before purchasing a kitchen.
- Also decide on your wishes in terms of coverage, style, materials and hardware. In many cases, it is possible to order a kitchen for specific sizes, but usually it is cheaper to purchase a kitchen of standard manufacturer sizes.
- Draw a diagram of the arrangement of the elements of the kitchen set. The drawing does not have to be a professional architectural drawing, but it should be enough to understand how to set everything up and align.
- Check the height of the cabinets, especially the top ones. If you are very tall or short, check to what level it is comfortable for you to reach. Many overhead kitchen cabinets should be hung so that there is space between the cabinets and the ceiling, while others should be hung directly from the ceiling.
- If one of the wall cabinets will be located above a sink or stove, make sure there is enough space underneath to work and reinforce the lighting or hood.
- Check how the hood will divide the space with the cabinet above the stove (if there is one).
- Many headsets have washbasin cabinets (simple and corner). Think about how to include them in the overall layout.
- Check that the top cabinets will align exactly vertically with the bottom ones. Also consider the location of windows and other objects on the walls.
- Think about how you will use the kitchen (or other work space). Do you like the layout of the objects?
Step 3. Purchase all materials and parts for the project
Make a list. Do not forget about screwdrivers to screw the cabinets to the walls and the adjusting fasteners with which the cabinets are aligned.
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Remove the old kitchen if you have one. Hanging cabinets usually have fasteners at the back that attach them to the walls.
- First empty the contents of the cabinets completely. It is much easier to work when nothing unnecessary is dangling inside.
- Remove the doors and shelves from the cabinets before removing the cabinets themselves from the walls. Most shelves can be removed by simply lifting them up, while some may need to be unscrewed. In any case, it is best to remove them so that they do not get in the way.
- Make sure the bottom of the wall cabinets has support when you unscrew the wall brackets. If the wall cabinets are tied together into a single unit, you may need to separate them to avoid damaging the kitchen walls, as there will be no room for such a large object to turn around when you remove it.
Step 4. Paint the room and replace the flooring if necessary
It is not necessary to install the flooring under the kitchen unit, but for some types of flooring, it is easier to cover the entire floor when the unit is removed from the room. Do not attach the skirting boards until you have installed the kitchen unit. When making wood or tiled floors, consider the thickness to determine whether or not to install them under the kitchen unit.
Method 2 of 6: Attaching Wall Cabinets
Step 1. The first thing that needs to be installed is wall cabinets
This must be done first so that you do not have to work on the lower cabinets later.
Step 2. Assemble the cabinets, but do not attach the doors yet
Most modular systems come with cabinet assembly instructions. Take your time, make sure that the lockers are assembled as securely and evenly as possible, observing all right angles.
Step 3. Use a portable tap detector to locate and mark the location of hidden beams in framed walls
Measure from the ceiling with a tape measure the attachment point of the first mounting bracket or strip on the beam. Since the new cabinets will cover the walls, you can mark the position of the beams in the wall by simply hammering in small nails. The beams are usually located at an equidistant distance, therefore, having found the first pair, you can mark the rest at the appropriate intervals.
Step 4. Start at one end or corner and secure the top cabinets
There are two methods that can be used. Either way, someone's help is needed to lift and maintain the lockers until they are screwed on.
- The first method uses a French fastening strip and consists in fixing a fastening strip to the wall at an appropriate height, on which the cabinets are then hung. You can see the sources and links section of this article to learn more about this method.
- The second method requires an assistant. Make a support by screwing a small 5x10 block of wood perpendicular to the end of another 5x10 block. If desired, cover the end of the fixture with a rag or towel so that there is a layer of softening. Have your assistant use this T-shaped wooden tool to support the cabinets, with the bottom end facing the floor and the top end propping up the bottom of the cabinets as you align and secure them to the wall.
- Determine the distance from the edge of the framing wall to the first and subsequent beams. Mark this distance on the back of a suitable wall cabinet and use a drill to baste holes in it. Attach the lugs for hanging the cabinet. When you hang the cabinet on the wall, you will already know where the beams are located.
- Always attach cabinets securely to beams before loading them with contents. Secure the cabinets to each other, not just to the wall. Drill basting holes in the frame of the cabinets and tighten the cabinets together with good wood screws.
Method 3 of 6: Installing Bottom Cabinets
Step 1. Start working with the lower cabinets after hanging the upper ones
Step 2. Mark the location of the framing wall joists for the lower cabinets, then bring the cabinets and arrange them in their places
Check which locker is taller than the others, probably due to the raised floor. It is easier to raise the rest of the lockers to its height than to shorten this tall one.
Step 3. Make a test installation and, if the cabinets have a back wall, make slots in it for electrical outlets, plumbing, etc
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Step 4. Level the top surface of the cabinets, if necessary, placing a layer under some of the legs
Remember that you will need to reinforce the countertop on top of them, so the level of the cabinets should be fairly level and the joints should not have any jumps in height. Take a look at the front of the headset and make sure everything is level.
Step 5. Attach the bottom cabinets to the wall
They can often be screwed directly through the adjusting brackets.
Method 4 of 6: Installing a countertop
Step 1. The countertop is the next step in installing the kitchen unit when the cabinets are secured
Step 2. Check how the table top sits on the headset
If necessary, shorten it to the required length, and also cut out the hole for the sink and hob if built-in appliances are used. If the kitchen is located between two walls, you may want to use a wall-to-wall countertop. If you leave a small gap on the countertop 5 mm of the total width of the kitchen, after installing it, you can seal the remaining gaps between the walls and the countertop with sealant.
Step 3. Place the countertop on the lower cabinets of the headset
Attach it to the bottom of the cabinets, making sure the screws you are using will not go right through the countertop.
Method 5 of 6: Sealing
Step 1. Begin sealer when finished installing the countertop
Step 2. Apply sealant around the sink cutout and place the sink in place
When fixing the sink with fasteners from below, make sure it is in the correct position. Apply sealant around the perimeter of the sink.
Step 3. Apply sealant to the cuts of the countertop and to the joints with the protective shield against the wall and with the wall
Method 6 of 6: Finishing Steps
Step 1. To complete the installation of the kitchen, you need to complete the final steps
Step 2. Install the hob like a sink if you are using built-in appliances
Step 3. Hang the doors and attach the hardware, adjust the doors to hang normally
Step 4. Bring back into the kitchen the rest of the objects that you had to remove before installing the new headset
Step 5. Put the skirting boards back in place if you removed them
Step 6. Done
Advice
- Stock up on quality levels of varying lengths. When installing the kitchen, check the level at as many corners as possible: along the cabinets, corner to corner, through the intermediate spaces for the equipment. Checking the level avoids mistakes that will require you to rebuild the installation from scratch or make it difficult to use the kitchen later. It is also a good idea to check the floor level, especially for long kitchen units. If the floor is uneven, draw a horizontal line on the wall and align the cabinets with it.
- Install the top cabinets with a T-shaped support jack. HE will save your back and help you hang the cabinets perfectly.
- Attach cabinets securely to the wall and to each other.
- Make sure all cabinets are aligned.
- If your existing kitchen fits well into the space, and you just want to freshen up its look, do not reject refurbishment or replacement of facade elements. Both are much cheaper than a complete kitchen replacement.
- Replacing facade elements comes down to changing fittings (hinges, handles, handles) to freshen up the look without having to throw out the old kitchen.
- Coating renovation consists in removing the old outer paintwork if necessary and applying a fresh new coating.
- Re-measure the space several times to make sure the objects are positioned correctly. Otherwise, it may turn out that you start installing cabinets that will not fit into the existing kitchen space.
- Many modern modular systems are made from chipboard, so if your old kitchen is made of solid wood, consider preserving it, at least on the inside.
- Remember that during the installation of the kitchen unit, you will not be able to cook food in the kitchen. You will have to cook somewhere else or go out to eat somewhere else.
Warnings
- Use the correct screws. Cabinet hanging screws are stronger than conventional screws, which are weak and can deform.
- Always use safety precautions when lifting heavy objects and make sure the lockers are supported when you work with them.
- Top cabinets should be securely attached to the wall so that they do not fall on people when they are fully loaded.
- Some detectors can detect electrical wires and pipes in addition to beams in framing walls. If it matters, get a type of detector that can tell the difference between these detected items.