Common Mistakes DIYers Make When Removing and Installing Kitchen Cabinets

Remodeling and renovating a kitchen can be a huge undertaking. In addition to requiring a great deal of effort, it may also cost a lot of money. For this reason, many homeowners prefer to DIY their way to transform their kitchens and increase their home’s value. If you’re considering kitchen renovations, you should know that kitchen cabinet removal and installation are tasks you should pay particular attention to. Since this project requires a significant investment, you want everything to go smoothly, especially if you’re doing it yourself.

What Mistakes Should DIYers Avoid When Removing and Installing Kitchen Cabinets?  

Mistake #1: Neglecting to Protect Surrounding Areas

Certain tools, such as drills and saws, can create dust when removing and installing kitchen cabinets. Moreover, paint drippings can wreak havoc on surrounding walls, floors, and furniture if you’re installing new cabinets.

Consequently, you’ll want to avoid causing damage to surrounding spaces and furnishings by installing adhesive zippers and plastic sheeting before doing any work. Besides protecting surrounding surfaces from debris, doing so allows you to save more time on cleaning once you’ve completed the project.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the Amount of Time the Project Requires

Removing and replacing kitchen cabinets take time, especially if you’re doing it yourself. You’ll need to take time sanding, priming, and doing other prep work to get the most bang for your buck. Advertising might lead you to believe these tasks are easy. However, doing them quickly puts you at risk of accidents and costly mistakes.

To get an idea of how long the renovation will take, estimate how long you think it will take, then add 50% to that estimate. With this time allowance, you’ll be able to correct any mistakes or make for other activities you missed.  

Mistake #3: Overlooking the Wiring and Plumbing System  

It’s tricky enough to remove and install kitchen cabinets, but when wiring and plumbing are involved, these tasks become even trickier. If you’re not careful, you may end up fixing more damage. Worse, you may find yourself dealing with short circuits and other electrical wiring issues.  

It’s best to be mindful of the wiring and plumbing system when removing or installing your cabinets. You’ll want to map out your plumbing and wiring system’s layout and mark your kitchen appliances’ locations so you can avoid damage during the renovation.  

Mistake #4: Inaccurate Measurements and Design Layout

You may be tempted to skip this step if you’re working on your own. However, nothing’s more frustrating than finding out that a cabinet door won’t open fully because of a kitchen appliance blocking the way. You can avoid this scenario by obtaining accurate measurements and an appropriate design layout, no matter how big or small your renovations or remodeling project is.

If you want a new kitchen that works well for you, you should carefully plan out every cabinet and appliance placement when designing your space. Be sure to measure everything accurately, including windows, floors, walls, and the ceiling. When you have the correct measurements, you can trim your cabinets to their designated locations and trim them accordingly.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Slopes

If you live in an older home, your kitchen walls and flooring might be uneven. In this case, leveling kitchen cabinets can be challenging even for an experienced DIYer. Moreover, it can be problematic to get the cabinets accurately lined up to avoid future misalignment. Unfortunately, even with the smallest differences, unleveled cabinets can create an odd look you wouldn’t want to have in your kitchen.

Uneven kitchen floors require installing your cabinets starting from the highest ground point. Since assembling your cabinets in this manner allows you to keep their heights level, you’ll have an even surface to cook on and place your appliances after attaching your countertop.

Mistake #6: Hanging Wall Cabinets on Drywall

While wall cabinets you hang on drywall alone may seem stable, they’re likely to collapse once you load them with dinnerware. Unless you’re willing to risk having a big mess on your hands, you’ll want to mark your wall studs and attach your hanging cabinets to them.

Wall studs refer to vertical pieces of wood or metal that create a stud wall’s framework. Since these studs are load-bearing boards that extend from the top to the bottom of a wall, they’re your wall’s sturdiest parts. While at it, be sure to use screws when installing your cabinets.  

Mistake #7: Using the Wrong Color Spacers

Cabinet spacers are dividers between cabinets and appliances. These are necessary to achieve a finished and even look when your kitchen has tight corners, spaces, and uneven surfaces.

You’ll want to ensure that the cabinet spacers match your cabinetry’s color and finish before installing them. If you have unfinished cabinets, it’s best to stain extra slats of wood in different sizes and have them ready before installing your cabinets. You wouldn’t want to wait until the last minute before checking and staining your cabinet spacers.

Mistake #8: Failing to Consider Function

Your choice of cabinetry can make or break your kitchen’s overall appearance. However, choosing looks over function is something you wouldn’t want to do. Avoid settling for eye-catching cabinet designs that don’t suit your needs.  

When considering your cabinet options, think about their functionality. For instance, choosing big cabinets might make sense if you cook a lot or use multiple appliances and utensils. Unless you’re willing to constantly remove knuckle marks, be sure to get knobs and pulls that are easy to grasp with wet or greasy hands.

Mistake #9: Not Asking for Help

Whether you like it or not, it takes more than one person to remove and install a kitchen cabinet. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help even if you’re planning to handle the project independently. Getting the assistance you need allows you to complete your kitchen renovation on time and with less stress.

You’ll want to ask family members or friends for help if you need it. Even if removing, mounting, and securing kitchen cabinets sounds easy, you’ll need other people to help you get the job done. Your cabinets will not stay attached to the walls with nails. Nails won’t be able to hold your cabinets securely. Over time, they will cause them to separate from the wall and fall off completely.

Looking for an Expert in Kitchen Cabinet Removal and Installation?

A successful project is based on exceptional quality, unmatched value, and personalized service. At Cabinet Direct Club, we focus on commitment, dedication, and customer service. Since making your dream kitchen is our priority, you can count on our team of experts to be there for you from start to finish. Contact us today to get started.