One of the best ways to cut costs when looking at a remodeling job that includes the installation of cabinets is for the homeowner to install the cabinets themselves. However, many homeowners are intimidated by the idea of installing cabinets. But it isn’t as hard as it seems, and here are a few tips that should get an average handyman well on his way to hanging his own cabinets.

How to Hang Cabinets
By Tony Rohlik

1. What is the key to getting the cabinet doors as level as possible? The key is leveling and plumping the cabinets during installation. Be sure to take your time during this process. But, no matter how careful and precise you are, there will still be a need to make final adjustments with the door hinges.

2. The most important tool. In order to hang your cabinets properly, you need a high quality level or leveling laser. No matter how accurate you think you are, you simply can’t “eyeball” this project.

3. Checking your level. You can’t buy the cheapest level and expect it to do the job. The cheaper the level, the less accurate it might be. Make sure that the level you choose is a high-quality level. Take good care of your level. A level’s alignment can be damaged if it is dropped or bumped. Make sure that the screws on your level (if you have chosen an adjustable one) are tight. A good rule of thumb to follow is that the liquid tube should move. If it doesn’t, your level’s alignment may be off.

4. Accuracy. Be sure to have your level checked. To check your level’s accuracy:

-Place the level on a flat surface (wall, table, counter-top or the floor)

-Check the horizontal level alignment

-Check the vertical level alignment

-In order to check the alignment, take note of the exact location of the leveling bubble

-Turn the level to the other direction to see if the bubble is in the same spot

-In order for the level to be accurate, the leveling bubble needs to be in the same spot

5. Height. In order to hang cabinets that are level, you need to decide on a height ahead of time. Place a line where the cabinets are to be hung. This is the leveling line. Obviously, you need to make sure that this line is completely level.

6. Find those studs. Before you start hanging your cabinets, you need to pre-drill the holes. First of all, you need to locate each wall stud. A good-quality stud-finding tool will help you in this process. You need to pre-drill the holes through the hanging rail of the cabinet. These holes should line up directly with the wall studs.

7. Placing the cabinet. Next, you need to place the cabinet in its position on the wall. In order for your cabinets to be level, you will need to place support sticks with the cabinets. These sticks will ensure that the cabinets stay level while you finish up the pre-installation process. Once all the cabinets have been put in place, double check to see if they are level and plumb. You can also place a temporary screw within the cabinet to hold it in place.

8. Double check the level. It is now time to double check the levelness and plumbness of the cabinet. Place the level on the edge of the cabinet. Is it completely level? You will also need to place the level in several positions on the face of the cabinet. Are all of these vertical positions level? You may want to use wooden shims. Wooden shims can hold the cabinet in place to make sure that it is level and plumb.

9. Secure the cabinet. After you have checked the levelness and plumbness of the cabinet, it is time to secure it to the wall. Use screws or other securing devices. You will not want to complete this step until you are certain that the cabinet is completely level and plumb.

10. Repeat this entire process for all wall cabinets. Remember that when placing base cabinets, you will place wooden shims along the wall and floor to ensure that the cabinet is level and plumb. Shims need to be placed at any gaps between the wall and the back of the cabinet. A good rule of thumb is to place shims at every screw. This will ensure that the cabinet is not twisted.

11. Fine-tuning. Once all of the cabinets have been secured, it is time to fine-tune the entire project. Use the door adjustment screw to line up the doors as best as possible. The door hinge screws will help prevent your doors from warpage.

You can hang cabinets by yourself. The key is to take your time and double check all of your work. Your best friend throughout this process is a good-quality level. Follow the steps of this tutorial to make sure that your cabinets are hung correctly by you.

Tony Rohlik is an expert in cabinetry and has been installing cabinets for over a decade. Tony’s specialty is installing and renovating kitchen cabinets.

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