Read our guide to learn about the seven most common kitchen cabinet installation mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Using Incorrect Dimensions
If you are buying kitchen cabinets online, be wary of preset stock sizes. These aren't always the right size for your kitchen needs. During kitchen cabinet installation, you won't be able to get the look you desire with the wrong size.
Your kitchen is unique which is why you need to know the specific measurements. To avoid this mistake, you should measure out your space before buying cabinets. You can also hire a professional to do this for you and ensure accuracy.
2. Ignoring Plumbing and Wiring
A kitchen cabinet placement may be completely different than it was before if you are planning on remodeling your kitchen altogether. This makes kitchen cabinet installation even harder. Another mistake you don't want to make is ignoring plumbing and electrical wiring.
When you are taking measurements, ensure you aren't interfering with these things. If the kitchen cabinet arrangement is not mapped out correctly, you could be left with nowhere to put lighting or plumbing.
If you cover up important plumbing during kitchen cabinet installation, you won't have a place to put your dishwasher. An easy way to make sure you avoid this mistake is by creating a diagram of?appliance locations.
3. Installing Kitchen Cabinets on Drywall
When installing kitchen cabinets, you should mark where the studs are in your wall. Studs are the sturdiest areas of the wall. This is the only part of the wall that kitchen cabinets will be secure.
Hanging kitchen cabinets on drywall is a mistake because it can lead to your cabinets crashing down. The weight of the cabinet alone may be able to stay on the wall. However, when you add appliances inside, it becomes too heavy for the drywall.
4. Not Having Your Cabinets Flush
During kitchen cabinet installation, it is essential to keep your cabinets flush with the wall. This will help support the weight of the cabinet.
You can do this by making sure there is no space between the back panels and the wall. Gaps can get avoided by using tools like chalk string, a plumb line, or a level. This can help you measure and mark the wall studs.
Without these tools, you cannot keep your cabinets flush with the wall. A professional will have these things and can temporarily support the weight of the cabinets with a ledger or stud board. If you don't have the right tools or skills to install cabinets on your own, cabinet installation costs will be well worth it.
5. Not Considering Slope
Older homes especially have the problem of the floor not being level. However, this can happen in newer kitchens too. If this is the case for your home, it is essential to find the highest point in the ground and start installing kitchen cabinets from that point.
When you install kitchen cabinets this way, you can keep the heights level. After, you can attach the countertop and have an even surface.
6. Using Low-Quality Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinet installation costs are lowered when you opt for low-quality. This is not the best cost reduction to take as you could be left with cabinets that don't last as long as you need them to.
Buying higher-quality kitchen cabinets can actually save you money in the long run. This is an investment you'll want to make if you are planning on staying in your home for a while.
If you cannot increase your budget, it is best to wait to replace your cabinets.
7. Ignoring Functionality
There are plenty of gorgeous kitchen?cabinet designs and materials, but they aren't all functional. Don't let a great style distract you from how the cabinets will feel in your kitchen.
When your kitchen cabinets are not functional, you'll face unwanted problems. Doing something as simple as getting a bowl out of your cabinet or cleaning it can be difficult.
A great kitchen cabinet is easy to open and close. Consider cleaning when you are searching for the right cabinets in your home. You will want something that makes it easy to reach every crevice.
You can also look for a material that doesn't scratch easily. You'll be able to use these cabinets longer without ruining the look of your kitchen.
Stainless steel is a popular cabinet choice, but it is not the most functional option. It is hard to properly?clean stainless steel, and it may not last as long as you'd think.
To increase functionality, you should avoid filling every corner of the kitchen with cabinets. When you leave a little space, the aesthetic of your kitchen may be better.
You can balance out the cabinets with lights. This should be a no-brainer, but for those who need to hear it, don't cover windows with kitchen cabinets. Your kitchen will look better and the window will bring in natural light to brighten up the room.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation Done Right
There are a lot of kitchen cabinet installation mistakes one can make which is why you should opt for professional help. You have to be savvy to install kitchen cabinets on your own and services can provide that for you. If you want your kitchen cabinet installation done right, let the pros handle it for you.At Dave's Home Supply, we offer design consultation, kitchen remodeling, and free in-home measurements.?Contact us?today for all of your kitchen needs and more.
