Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Current Work
I work in the Saint Augustine, Florida area. Most of my work is in the new construction arena. Bit by bit I want to branch out into residential construction. This afternoon, I purchased magnetic signs to affix to my vehicle. I have done a lot of work for friends, but have thus far stayed away active advertising.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Current Cabinet Work
I install cabinets for a living. Yesterday, I installed a three bathrooms including a master-bathroom with a linen closet cabinet, a kitchen island wrapped on the back side by bead board, base board and shoe moulding. It was only 9 cabinets, but took me all day to complete. And, I learned something new because I was willing to ask a question. The point of this post is two-fold. Number one, I don't have all the answers. And number two, and probably more important is anyone can learn something new.
The Basics of Cabinet Installation - Wall Cabinets
Choosing a starting wall cabinet is the most important consideration. The variety of possible layouts means that the cabinet you start with in one layout, could be the final cabinet you install in another. In most cases, start with the cabinet located in the corner and work from there.
Using a pencil and a four foot level, draw a level line at the bottom of this cabinet (and if you wish, do this for all your wall cabinets). Locate the studs using a stud finder or other acceptable method. If you are doing a remodel, finding and locating your studs can be very simple. Simply note the location when you remove your old cabinets.
Getting your cabinet positioned on the wall so that it will remain in position long enough to allow you to fasten it securely in place can be done a number of different ways. As I read this, I realize that I am merely writing an instruction booklet. Boring. That is what happens when you try to cover all cases. But, your cabinet installation isn't all cases is it? Perhaps you have some specific question that isn't covered by the instructions that came with your cabinets? Do you have plan or layout from a local kitchen cabinet supplier? I am willing to take a look at it and give you my opinion on how to approach your cabinet installation.
Using a pencil and a four foot level, draw a level line at the bottom of this cabinet (and if you wish, do this for all your wall cabinets). Locate the studs using a stud finder or other acceptable method. If you are doing a remodel, finding and locating your studs can be very simple. Simply note the location when you remove your old cabinets.
Getting your cabinet positioned on the wall so that it will remain in position long enough to allow you to fasten it securely in place can be done a number of different ways. As I read this, I realize that I am merely writing an instruction booklet. Boring. That is what happens when you try to cover all cases. But, your cabinet installation isn't all cases is it? Perhaps you have some specific question that isn't covered by the instructions that came with your cabinets? Do you have plan or layout from a local kitchen cabinet supplier? I am willing to take a look at it and give you my opinion on how to approach your cabinet installation.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Basics of Cabinet Installation - Layout
Before installing cabinets, I study the layout to find the areas that give me the most concern and go over in my mind (even before arriving at the job site) my approach to these areas. As likely as not, I will have a question about the layout. And I will attempt to get these questions answered before traveling to the job site. A sample question that may enter my mind may be: "What are the cut-out dimensions for an oven cabinet?" These vary based on who manufactured the appliance being installed. Making this cut-out after the cabinet is installed is not recommended, and I personally will wait to install the oven cabinet after I have the correct dimensions.
Ceiling height is important and easily overlooked. The standard starting height for wall cabinets is 54 inches from the floor. If your ceilings are only 8 foot or 96 inches, then 42 inch wall cabinets will be a tight fit. And this is not necessarily a problem unless you also want to add crown moulding to the tops of your wall cabinets or you want staggered height wall cabinets. Each situation is different and it is a good idea to ask before you make that expensive cabinet purchase.
Plumbing and Electrical Locations can also pose potential costly delays to installing cabinets while waiting for an electrician or plumber to move outlets or piping. Ensuring these items are positioned correctly relative to adjacent cabinets or within cabinets before cabinets arrive is of utmost importance. If the plumbing doesn't have to be moved because your new cabinets are going in the same location as your old cabinets, great. But, make sure when the plumbing is disconnected that your plumber caps these lines straight instead of leaving a valve or worse piping ell. This makes removing the old cabinets more time consuming, but also will force your cabinet installer to cut larger holes in the back or bottom of your cabinet. This is ugly and unprofessional.
Door Locations and Wall Openings must be carefully considered when installing your new cabinets. And remember, the countertop typically overhangs the end runs of cabinets so you want to make sure you leave room at these locations for your countertop.
All, but the most basic cabinet layouts should be measured and drawn by a design professional (which I freely admit I am not)
Ceiling height is important and easily overlooked. The standard starting height for wall cabinets is 54 inches from the floor. If your ceilings are only 8 foot or 96 inches, then 42 inch wall cabinets will be a tight fit. And this is not necessarily a problem unless you also want to add crown moulding to the tops of your wall cabinets or you want staggered height wall cabinets. Each situation is different and it is a good idea to ask before you make that expensive cabinet purchase.
Plumbing and Electrical Locations can also pose potential costly delays to installing cabinets while waiting for an electrician or plumber to move outlets or piping. Ensuring these items are positioned correctly relative to adjacent cabinets or within cabinets before cabinets arrive is of utmost importance. If the plumbing doesn't have to be moved because your new cabinets are going in the same location as your old cabinets, great. But, make sure when the plumbing is disconnected that your plumber caps these lines straight instead of leaving a valve or worse piping ell. This makes removing the old cabinets more time consuming, but also will force your cabinet installer to cut larger holes in the back or bottom of your cabinet. This is ugly and unprofessional.
Door Locations and Wall Openings must be carefully considered when installing your new cabinets. And remember, the countertop typically overhangs the end runs of cabinets so you want to make sure you leave room at these locations for your countertop.
All, but the most basic cabinet layouts should be measured and drawn by a design professional (which I freely admit I am not)
Inaugural Post
After much conversation with my brother, we decided to collaborate on a project to work on ways we can help our neighbors with their Saturday woodworking projects. Working as a cabinet installer in new construction for allmost 6 years working on over 1000 houses qualifies me to give expert advice on many related topics. So don't be shy ask a question. I am here to help.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)