Before installing new kitchen cabinets, there are some tasks you need to complete in preparation. Kitchen cabinets are meant to last for many years, so taking the extra time to ensure they are properly installed is worthwhile.
Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on your newly built home or are renovating your outdated kitchen, keep reading to learn more about everything you need to do before installing new kitchen cabinets.
1- Measure Your Usable Space
When it comes to new kitchen cabinets, taking proper measurements and planning your design are great places to start. This may seem like common sense, but triple-checking your measurements before installation can save you a lot of stress, time, money, and heartache.
If your measurements are off, you may have to purchase more materials, modify your design, or even remove the cabinets you had originally planned on. This can limit the amount of storage you have in your home or could necessitate starting the project from the very beginning.
2- Remove Old Cabinets
As you can imagine, it would be difficult to install new kitchen cabinets if the old ones are still in place; however, the removal process is not always as straightforward as it seems. Improper removal could cause damage to your home structure or cause problems with the new cabinets.
The first step is clearing out the cabinets, removing everything from inside them. After that, it’s time to remove the cabinet doors and drawers using a screwdriver. Next, you’ll need to use a crowbar to pry off the decorative molding from the top. Finally, it’s time to unscrew the cabinets from wherever they’re affixed, then pull them out.
It may take some extra work, but careful removal is essential for preserving your walls and countertops. Plus, if the cabinets are still in good shape after removal, you can donate them instead of throwing them out.
3- Prepare The Walls
Since your cabinets will be attached to your walls, they also need to be prepped before the new kitchen cabinets can be secured. After removing the old cabinets, patch any holes or cracks to ensure the surface is smooth. This ensures that your new cabinets have a strong foundation to be affixed to and makes the installation process easier.
To remove any buildup on the walls, you can use warm water and mild soap. If there are areas of your walls that need paint touch-ups, now is the time to complete them, as it’s far easier to paint before the new kitchen cabinets are in place. Just make sure you give the walls plenty of time to dry before installation.
4- Choose A Design Or Aesthetic You Want To Stick To
Before you choose the cabinets you want to put in your kitchen, consider what the aesthetic of the rest of your home is. When it comes to interior design, sticking to a cohesive style creates a unified feeling throughout your living space. To help you decide the cabinet design that would work best in your kitchen, take into account the color scheme of your home, your existing decor, and the style of your countertops and appliances.
5- Consider Proper Ventilation
As you install your new kitchen cabinets, consider whether the area will have proper ventilation. Whether it’s a range hood, vent, or fan, make sure it’s protected from accidental damage during the installation process and will not be blocked by your new cabinets. Without proper ventilation in your kitchen, you increase your risk of mold growth or fire hazards.
6- Protect Floors And Countertops
If you have flooring and countertops already in place, you’ll want to make sure they’re protected from scratches and dings during installation. There are many ways to do this, but the easiest and most cost-effective way to do so is by using scrap cardboard or drop cloths. You can also use special floor protection boards or countertop protection film.
Trust Rasmussen for New Kitchen Cabinets
At Rasmussen Custom Cabinetry, we specialize in creating unique cabinets to fit any home. Whether you need new cabinets for your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, office, or pantry, our skilled team can help you design the perfect solutions that not only enhance your home’s functionality and organization but boost its aesthetic appeal, as well.
To get started, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment with one of our expert team members. Together, we can create the home you’ve always dreamed of!
