A kitchen remodel can be done much more easily if you use assembled kitchen cabinets. Many people assume that it will cost less to refurbish current cabinets, but that’s not necessarily true. If you take on the project yourself without outsourcing to a professional, you can give your kitchen a facelift relatively cheaply. While this is a big job, it’s not as difficult as you probably think.

Measure

Using a tape measure, record the length of your cabinets. Most are standard sized and fairly predictable, but you don’t need any surprises. When in doubt, don’t let your pride get in the way of simply taking the cabinet to the store for comparison. You are not the only person who has done this!

purchase

Purchase these cabinets assembled, as well as other supplies you’ll need, such as a power drill, leveling wedges, wood screws, tape measure, and a jigsaw. Most of these items you should be able to pick up on sale at a discount store.

Remove

If you’re replacing old cabinets, remove them as well as your countertop. Otherwise, you can skip this step. It is important to note that these assembled packages are not exclusive to the kitchen and can be used in the laundry room, bathroom or even as garage and storage cabinets.

Install

Always install upper cabinets first, this way you won’t be forced to lean over lower cabinets when trying to work in tight spaces. Using a level, draw a visible chalk line yourself. When the cabinets are against the wall, you will mount them by drilling studs when possible. Never install your shelves or doors until the cabinets are on the walls, this reduces the weight you have to work with.

Your lower cabinets get a bit tricky because the fit has to be precise or your countertop will be crooked. Use wooden shims to make sure each cabinet is flush with each other. Note that they may not sit flush with the walls as they are rarely straightened. Don’t worry about a small space, it will be hidden with your countertop and backsplash.

tips

Although the installation of assembled kitchen cabinets is not too difficult, you may want someone to help you. It is a job that is more fluid with four hands than with two. Also, always use wall studs and anchor cabinets together. Lastly, cut any outlet or pipe access holes before mounting to make your job easier.