subject: Problems with DIY Kitchen Cabinet Replacement [print this page] Problems with DIY Kitchen Cabinet Replacement
DIY kitchen cabinet replacement may sound like a noble undertaking, but if you do not get the best outcome it is more of a prideful mistake. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. In fact, with all of these things that can go wrong, many wise people do just that.
Layout
Some of the problems with DIY kitchen cabinet replacement are rooted in the very layout of the cabinet design. For example, it is important to get the height and spacing between cabinets just right. If you have the lower cabinets at an awkward height for you, it might cause back soreness. If they are too high you will have to be constantly reaching, which can cause other muscle problems. The space between cabinets is also crucial. It is important to leave the correct amount of space between the sink or the countertops where you will be working and the cabinets above.
Removing Old Cabinets
It is very difficult for an individual person to lift the cabinets away from the walls as they remove the fasteners. This is a job better left to two people, or at least one person who has enough experience to compensate for that other helper. Incorrect removal can damage the walls.
Positioning New Cabinets
When doing kitchen cabinet replacement, the person doing the work needs to know how to use a stud finder to locate the best places to hang the cabinets. Then, he needs to be able to use a level correctly to place the cabinets plumb and level. If these measurements are off, the professional will know what to do to correct the situation. When he finishes, the markings will be set for the cabinets to look square with the world and be sturdy on the wall.
Lifting New Upper Cabinets
The lifting involved in kitchen cabinet replacement must be precise. You must find a way to lift the cabinet to the exact position where you have marked for them to go. Most cabinet installers have a special T-handle which a partner uses to push the upper cabinets into place as they screw the cabinets to the walls. If the cabinet is not lifted to the right location, it will be mounted incorrectly and the installation will be botched.
Placing New Lower Cabinets
The biggest problem with lower cabinets in kitchen cabinet replacement is getting them fitted exactly to the space. This requires some careful measurements, of course. Then, the remodeler has to put the cabinets into place. Where some cabinets are lower than others, he has to place shims and do other adjustments so that they are all the same height. When he is finished, he can fasten them into place. A remodeling professional can help you with the problems that come up in kitchen cabinet replacement all along the way.
