Beginner's guide to installing kitchen cabinets

Installing your own kitchen cabinets can save you thousands of dollars, but it can also be a headache. Knowing a few simple rules will make the process much easier, and hopefully more fun.

Top or bottom cabinets: Chicken or egg

Some people swear by installing bottom cabinets first, while other insist that the top cabinets should always be installed first. They both have their points. Installing the upper cabinets first is a great idea if you have two or three people to help you, but be careful when installing the lower cabinets because they may cause head injuries!

Installing the lower cabinets first is a great idea if there is only one or two of you. You don't need to lift the upper cabinets so high if you can use the lower cabinets to rest them on first. And if you're not waiting for specially ordered bench tops, then you can use the bottom cabinets to stand on when installing the upper cabinets.

Starting kitchen DIY

If you are working form scratch, you will first need to gut the old cabinets. You may also need to move some wiring around (if you are comfortable with doing this, then go ahead, but if not the safest bet is to call and electrician in for this part). Once you have the base all set out, you will need to draw a blueprint of where the cabinets will go. This starts with analysing the levels of the floor and finding the highest spot. You can do this by creating 10cm measures from the floor up across the area the cabinets will be. When you find the highest one, this will be your high point, which is the mark all the cabinets will be shimmied up to meet.

Next you will need to measure the top of the floor cabinets from the high point on the floor. This will give you the mark of where the cabinets will reach before the bench top is put in place. Use a long, straight edge to also check the levels of the walls. If need be, you might need to also shim the backs of the cabinets in certain areas.

Making a U-frame will help with the upper cabinets, giving you a sturdy edge to place cabinets on for placing and securing. Upper cabinets need to be secured into wall mounts, not just into the wallboard. The upper screws take most of the weight and strain, so make sure there are plenty in place and that they "catch". The bottom screws take less weight, but still should be screwed into the wall mount.

Tools for installing kitchen cabinets

Most cabinets are installed with long-self-tapping screws that allow for the wall, cabinet and any free air space, so around 5-7cm. If you have concrete walls, Tap-con screws are much more effective. Just drill a hole into the wall, and then screw in the Tap-con screw, which is especially made for concrete.

Other tools you will need are:

• Electric Drill and screwdriver
• Drill Bits
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Shims
• Screws
• Clamps
• Hand Saw
• Pencil
• Straight edge

Many companies offer kitchen cabinets as do-it-yourself sets, and some can even be bought online.