How to level existing base cabinets for coutnertop install
rob155
17 years ago
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17 years agorob155
17 years agoRelated Discussions
how to install drawer units between kitchen base cabinets???
Comments (10)If the dwr. is a single unit, it should be the depth of the rest of the base cabinets. So, depending upon the width you should be able to attach to a stud. If it is to narrow, then insert shims on each side, up and down, in the rear corner and using an angle drill, insert a screw on either side....See MoreRaising kitchen cabinets to floor level before floor is installed
Comments (8)Thanks for all the great responses. It's good to know from the variety of answers that there are many different ways to do it right (though I know that doesn't mean aren't many MORE ways to do it wrong :-). Another thing I've always wondered about with shims and EZ-levellers is that it would seem to concentrate the weight of the cabinets, counters, and contents into just a few spots vs. distributing the weight equally along the floor. Given that everyone uses some sort of shim, that technique must work fine, but it seems like it would make it more likely that some parts of the floor (those further away from a joist) would sink more over time than those directly over a joist. And it would put more stress on the cabinet (though if it's well-built that shouldn't be a problem). To make the cabinets fit together as smoothly possible, I was thinking I could join a run of three cabinets together (to each other) before installation. I've seen that suggested in forums and DIY videos. But if I do that, it doesn't seem like 4 shims/levellers at the 4 corners would be enough - the center cabinet would effectively be floating. But trying to shim that assembly at 8 points would be awfully tricky. Any thoughts on that?...See Morethe "HOW" of installing base cabinets away from wall
Comments (8)You've got to assess the high spot in the floor, same as any standard install. Then locate the attachment rail in your cabinets, and it's width, and height from the floor. Use a level, and scribe a line around the room that's is the same height as the rail from the high spot in the floor. Then pre-drill the 2x (or whatever blocking that you choose) and use lag screws to attach it to the studs. Don't overtighten if the walls are out of square. Use shims to keep the blocking square and true. You want to be slightly high or low of the center line so as to leave some "meat" to get your cabinet attachment screw into without hitting the lag screw. All the rest of the cabinets will need to be shimmed to that high spot so the run will be level all around. The attachment rail should line up with the blocking all the way around the room if you've got the cabinets shimmed properly. Walls that are out of plumb can cause some issues, so you have to be sure to have plenty of shims available and be prepared to have end panels that are scribable that can conceal both the blocking and the wonky walls....See MoreCabinet run not perfectly level-- how much of a problem?
Comments (3)Are you using a level to determine the 1/2" (out)or are you measuring off the floor. If you put a level on the top of the cabinets and both side to side and front to back are level you may just have a bad floor. Take a large framing square and check to see that the insides of the cabinets are square. If they are not, you will have problems aligning the doors and drawer fronts....See Morebrickeyee
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