Skip to content

What to Know about Installing Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

Clean. Organized. Distinctive.

kitchen cabinets

Rather than risking the stability of your kitchen, it’s best to leave the installation of your cabinets to the experts. Consider the weight held up by the cabinets on your walls, including dishes, cookware, and appliances. If the cabinets were to become loose or fall, the resulting damage could be catastrophic. Trust a professional to ensure your cabinets are securely in place.

How to Start a Kitchen Cabinet Installation

It’s important to have some basic knowledge about kitchen cabinets when planning a major remodel or even when talking with contractors. Many aspects depend on the style of your kitchen, but overall it’s best to maintain symmetry and balance in the design.

If you’re limited on space in your kitchen, opt for wider cabinets with multiple, smaller doors. Contractors typically install 24-inch wide units with either one 24-inch door or two 12-inch doors. If you have a larger kitchen, you could even go up to 36 inches wide with two 18-inch doors that open out from the middle. To make the most of tight spaces, consider a top-hinged door for wider wall cabinets.

The typical height of the base cabinet set-up, which includes the countertop and the toe kick underneath, is 36 inches. However, this may vary depending on the components: countertop, base cabinets, and toe kick. The frames of our cabinets are usually 30 inches in height, and the countertop can be customized, usually with ¾ inches for a modern feel. The toe kick is usually 4½ inches tall.

Wall Cabinet Considerations 

Experts suggest that the usual distance from the top of the counter to the bottom of the wall cabinet is 18 inches, but they often use a higher distance to create a feeling of openness and light. This includes increasing the length to 24 inches or more above the counter.

Your contractor will ensure the cabinets are placed at a comfortable and suitable height for the client but not too low that the range hood will need more space to work properly. The cabinets must also be set at least 18 inches above the countertop to create enough room for necessary tasks. The wall cabinets must be placed before the countertop installation, meaning the installer should factor in the countertop’s thickness when deciding where to put the cabinets.

In places with limited space, such as New York, people use cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling to make a cleaner, more organized look while also creating easy-to-reach surfaces for cleaning. This design trend is becoming increasingly popular, and many examples are available online. Wall cabinets provide easy access to items and don’t have to cover the entire wall. You can mix up different cabinets, open spaces, and shelves to create a unique look.

Key Points for Kitchen Drawers

Drawers can be a major help when it comes to staying organized. An orderly arrangement of items makes it much simpler to locate any particular item—even if it’s in the farthest corner. Drawers are more expensive than doors because they require more components. Two hinges are needed for a door, but a drawer needs slides strong enough to take the weight of the items it stores.

When installing cabinets, it is vital to keep in mind the size and shape of the appliances or fixtures used. Drawers should not be installed in places that would be covered by the cooktop or sink, as these would take up valuable space. Drawers should also not be installed in wall cabinets, as these are meant for storage rather than access.

Conclusion

Installing kitchen cabinets and drawers is a simple and effective way to update the look of your kitchen. It can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive project, but with patience and the right tools, you can install your kitchen cabinets and drawers in no time. With proper planning, you can ensure that the cabinets and drawers are installed correctly and safely. 

Be sure to measure twice, cut once, and use the correct hardware to ensure that the installation is successful and lasts for many years. With proper care and maintenance, your newly installed cabinets and drawers can provide you with years of use and satisfaction.

For top-notch cabinetry services, turn to Mark’s Cabinetry Services. We specialize in residential custom cabinetry, custom closet systems, and outdoor kitchen systems serving the Tampa, FL market. We also provide residential custom cabinetry services in Sarasota and Fort Myers. We are highly trained professionals and will assist you in choosing cabinetry and designing your room, resulting in a space you will love. Get a quote now!