How to Replace Kitchen Cabinets : How-To : DIY Network

The kitchen installers begin by using a level to mark the locations of the wall and base cabinets (Image 1). They also remove the cabinet doors to make the individual cabinet units easier to work with and install. The doors will be replaced once the cabinets are mounted in place. Additionally, the installers use a spade bit to drill a hole in the back of the upper corner cabinet to accommodate the electrical wiring for the under-cabinet lights that will be installed later.

The upper corner cabinet is installed first. It is lifted into place, and the preinstalled electrical wire is fed through the hole at the back of the cabinet. Next, the cabinet is attached to the wall (Image 2) using wood screws.

With the second cabinet lifted and held in place, the installers clamp it to the first cabinet using quick-release bar clamps (Image 3). This will hold it stable while it is being fastened to the wall and corner cabinet.

After making certain that the edges of the two cabinets line up perfectly, the installers drill a pilot hole through the framework, then secure the two cabinets together (Image 1) with stainless steel wood screws.

Once the second cabinet is adjusted so that it is perfectly level, the installers attach it to the wall (Image 2) using specialized 2-1/2" wood screws.

These steps are repeated for all of the cabinet units: placing the cabinet, leveling, pre-drilling and then securing to the adjoining cabinet with wood screws.

Before installing the last upper cabinet, the installers measure and cut filler strip for the gap between the side of the cabinet and the wall. The filler strip is glued to the cabinet using wood glue. A pilot hole is then drilled so that the filler strip can be further secured to the cabinet using wood screws (Image 1).

The installers hold the open-shelf unit against the corner cabinet (Image 2) and attach it using a nail gun.

They then re-hang two of the cabinet doors and make a few minor adjustments on the hinges to ensure that the doors hang and open properly.

For attaching crown molding at the top of the cabinets, measurements are taken and a width is decided on for the molding's overhang at the top of the cabinets. Strips of molding are cut precisely to length for each section of cabinet using a power miter saw. Installing the molding is a time-consuming process since each section must be carefully fitted and clamped before it is attached using both wood glue and nails.

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How to Replace Kitchen Cabinets : How-To : DIY Network