Local cabinet installers who specialize in home remodel finishing work install cabinets. You can hire a general handyperson to install most cabinets, but it’s recommended to hire a cabinet specialist when installing custom cabinets. If you order your cabinets through a big-box retailer, they often supply the labor as part of the project cost.
Start with the wall cabinets. Hanging uppers first keeps heavy tools and screws away from your new base cabinets and lets you work closer to the studs for a straighter fit. Once the uppers are level and secure, setting the bases is easier, and you won’t risk scratching fresh finishes. This simple order delivers a cleaner look and a sturdier kitchen overall.
Island and breakfast‑bar base cabinets bolt to the floor—right through the underlayment and subfloor—so they don’t budge when you lean or prep. The cabinet installer uses basic wood screws to secure these cabinets to the floor. However, cabinets that run along a wall don’t need to be fastened. Instead, the contractor secures them to studs in the wall.
Yes, as long as the cabinet boxes are sound, swapping only the doors is fair game. Replacing only the doors and drawer fronts—known as cabinet refacing—offers a cost‐effective way to update your kitchen’s appearance while retaining the existing cabinet boxes. This method delivers a fresh and modern look without the expense of a complete cabinet replacement.
With routine care, custom solid-wood cabinets can retain their appearance for 20 to 50 years. Their superior durability and quality guarantee long‑term performance and an enduring aesthetic. By investing in high‑quality wood and ensuring routine upkeep, you secure cabinets that continue to enhance your kitchen’s appeal for decades. Ask your cabinet installer for maintenance tips to help extend the lifespan of your cabinets.
Whether you install flooring or cabinets first depends on the flooring material. For tile or hardwood, lay the floor first so the cabinets sit level and the finish stays seamless. In contrast, floating floors, such as laminate, should not be installed under cabinets due to expansion and contraction issues. Adhering to this sequence guarantees a durable and polished result.