Kitchen Cabinet Installation: Why Hire a Professional

A complete kitchen cabinet installation can be a stressful process. We know the difficulties and inconveniences a kitchen renovation poses for you and your family, which is why we are fully committed to providing you a seamless installation, guaranteeing efficiency and quality. We make the entire kitchen cabinet installation and remodel a hassle-free experience, from the initial design concept to completion. Part of the reason why our home renovations are so successful is because of the meticulous steps we take before we begin any project.

Step 1. Design & Functionality

We have a reputation for professional and exceptional kitchen cabinetry services. Our team of expert kitchen contractors can help you turn your vision of a perfect kitchen into reality, and we start with design and layout. We can help you sort through the many different types of kitchen cabinets, compare wood and laminate finishes, and offer advice on smart storage and organization solutions, such as pullout spice racks, hideaway bins, and pop-up shelves that let you hide certain counter appliances. In addition to improved aesthetics, we want to ensure that your kitchen also provides added organization and functionality. Once you have chosen your cabinets, a professional installer will take detailed measurements of your kitchen and verify the design and layout with you prior to demolition and installation.  

Step 2. Demolition & Installation

There are always a few hours of demolition involved in a kitchen cabinet installation and remodel. The process usually means removing the old kitchen elements in the reverse order of how they were most likely installed. First, we start by removing all the appliances, turning off the water, and disconnecting the gas appliances in a safe and secure manner. Then we remove any plumbing fixtures such as the sink and dishwasher, and we disconnect any drain and water supply pipes that connect to them.

The dishwasher is usually secured to the countertop or the neighboring cabinets with screws which we remove before trying to slide it out. Next, we remove the sink, and the countertops are taken out after. Countertops are attached to the cabinets by screws from below, through the cabinet framing. Before pulling off the top, we go into each base cabinet and remove all the screws going up into the countertop, or we pry them apart carefully, in case the countertops have been glued down. In some cases, the countertops are saved and used again with the new kitchen cabinets.

When we're removing cabinets, we take the base units out first. If the cabinets we are removing are stock box cabinets, they're usually screwed into the wall framing as well as into each other, so taking those screws out is about all that is necessary to remove the cabinets. However, if the cabinets were framed on site and built in when they were initially installed, we probably have to cut them apart with a reciprocating saw.

For the majority of kitchen projects, the demolition phase also involves re-framing to add or remove a window, door, or wall. This requires clearing off the wall surface to expose the old framing and perform any necessary structural changes.

Once everything from the old kitchen has been removed and cleared away, we start installing your new kitchen cabinets.

We suggest completing any painting or flooring first and then adding the cabinets afterwards. It is more likely cabinets will become damaged when walls are painted and floors are installed first rather than vice versa, and by doing so, you will have a pre-established smooth transition between your cabinets, floors, and walls. The only time it is suggested you install cabinets before flooring is if you are planning on using floating floors. Otherwise, any type of flooring that is nailed or glued down should come before installing kitchen cabinets.

How to Take Care of Your Wood Cabinets

Wood cabinets are a beautiful addition to any kitchen or other room in your house. Once you get the perfect, quality cabinets in place, you will want to maintain them for as long as you own or rent the home. The right cabinets not only work as storage, but they also add aesthetic value to whatever room they are in. Once you have been enjoying your cabinets for a while, you may have a spill or accident. At first, it can be alarming since wood can be harmed by certain substances, but we can lend a few helpful tips on how to take care of your fine wood cabinets.

Cleaning Wood Cabinets After a Spill

1. Spot-clean the spill with whatever rags are handy. If you do not have time to grab a cleaner and towel, use the closest fabric or paper towel you can find nearby to sop up most of the liquid. Letting it sit while you look for a nice rag gives spills time to seep into your wood cabinets. If that happens, paint jobs can be ruined, and the wood grain and thickness of your cabinets can be disrupted. When wood absorbs moisture, it swells and may never go back to its correct size.
2. After you remove the superficial liquid from the spill, sticky residue or gunk will most likely remain. For removing residue, you will need a cleaner. Never use a multi-surface cleaner on wood surfaces, even if the bottle says you can. Make sure you get a cleaner made for wood surfaces only, and it wouldn't hurt to find one that can be used on painted surfaces, too. Murphy's Oil Soap is a great option for wood cabinet surfaces because it both cleans and conditions. Try the cleaner on an inconspicuous part of your wood cabinets first to make sure it does not stain or spot. Spray the cleaner on the cabinet where the spill took place. Make sure you get it into the crevices. You will want to have a clean, dry cloth on hand, as well as a small toothbrush for the hard-to-reach areas. Following the directions on the cleaner, spray, leave, and revisit to rub and wash off the cleaner as indicated. If you do not have any appropriate cleaner on hand, a cloth dampened with warm water can remove excess stickiness until you get a good cleaner.
3. After all signs of residue are removed, make sure you leave your cabinets dry. If you need to switch out cloths to absorb any residual wetness, do so. Don't let moisture sit on the wood.

Other Care Tips for Wood Cabinets

Wood cabinets look best when they are maintained properly. Dusting regularly keeps the right sheen-like surface. Lint-free cotton cloths can be used for dusting. Avoid using aerosol duster spray. Never drape damp cloths directly on wood cabinets to dry. This will leave discoloration. Also, avoid placing direct heat onto wood. If scratches or nicks occur in the wood, you can get a touch-up kit with the correct wood shade to cover up mild flaws.

These are just a few tips to consider when you are learning how to properly care for your wood cabinets. We have much more information available for your convenience. Contact our office to learn more about caring for your cabinet investment.