Cabinet Installation: 4 Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you did a lot of the work around your home, you may be ready to tackle installing the cabinets. But while you may be comfortable putting up a wall or installing flooring, cabinets are a whole different beast.
If you’re not careful during cabinet installation, all the money you saved on your new cabinets could get wiped out.
To help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls, here are four mistakes to avoid when installing cabinets.
1. Having Inaccurate Measurements
Having inaccurate measurements is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to installing cabinets. Before you begin the installation process, make sure you double-check all of your measurements, particularly when it comes to the placement of your kitchen cabinets.
Otherwise, you may end up with gaps between your cabinets or kitchen cupboards door that won’t close or drawers that don’t fit. Make sure to measure the wall where the cabinets will be placed and leave gaps for electrical outlets, countertops, and other elements if necessary.
Additionally, keep in mind the exact size of the cabinets and the space you have available. Make sure this is compensated for when measuring so you don’t end up with too little space for your cabinets.
2. Not Properly Preparing the Surface
Not properly sanding, filling, and priming prior to cabinet installation is one of the most common mistakes made. Without taking the time to properly prepare the surface, it can lead to scratches, chips, and other imperfections.
Sanding removes any imperfections in the wood, while filling provides an even surface that can be effectively primed.
Priming ensures that paint and other materials applied will stick to the cabinets and last long-term. This is especially important for cabinet refacing.
Without taking the proper preparation steps, it can leave people settling for an inferior product or having to start all over again, which can be costly.
3. Not Using Thumbnut Connector Screws
Not using thumbnut connector screws when installing cabinets can lead to problems during and after the job is finished. Thumbnut connector screws ensure that each cabinet is securely and evenly attached to the wall.
Without thumbnut screws, it can be difficult to ensure the cabinets are securely fastened in place and are of the same height. This can lead to a sloppy look, and the stress of the cabinetry can cause damage over time.
4. Doors Are Off Center
Installing the cabinet off-center is a major misstep. If the doors become off-center, the entire cabinet can seem out of line and unappealing. A good rule of thumb is to measure from the wall before installing, add the door width, then calculate the difference between the two to make sure the cabinet is centered.
Secondly, some may forget to use shims, which are essential for ensuring the cabinet remains level. Using shims can be vital for level door alignment.
Lastly, pre-drilling holes can be a mistake, even for experienced installers, as the predrilled holes may not align properly with the measurements of the cabinet.
Start Your Cabinet Installation Today
The key to a successful cabinet installation is to plan ahead and prepare. Understanding the importance of the job and the process can help you make the best decisions for your installation and set it up for a successful outcome.
Fortunately, help is available if you need it. Contact your local installation or service provider today to get started on your cabinet installation.
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