Do you want a new look for your kitchen? Install new cabinets

Installing kitchen cabinets is probably one of the easiest jobs to do yourself. If you are careful about it, even if this is your first do-it-yourself job, you can do it successfully.

To do this, do what the pros do and use the right tools. If you want to make sure your cabinets are secure and perfectly level, you must have a good support system.

Unless you have a kit to stand up and support the cabinets as you position them, you will need to use a jack or other support. You’re probably better off with this system than having a group of people just telling you what to do.

People have used car jacks for this purpose, and there are jacks specifically designed for this, too. But all you really need is a T-clamp that has a horizontal piece attached to a vertical piece. Fit the cabinet onto this brace so that it is snug against the wall and ceiling or ledge.

Be careful with slipping, especially if the floor is slippery. Cabinets can fall off the clamp, so it’s a good idea to use some of them. They are cheap and easy to make. If your base cabinets have already been installed, you can use them as a base and simply place a short connector over them to support the upper cabinet. In a pinch, you could even use a tall cube with a phone book on top, as long as it’s stable.

You have to find the studs to attach the cabinets to. Do not install cabinets directly to drywall or wood. Today’s houses are built with poles at a standard 16-inch spacing. You can use a “stud finder” available at a hardware store to find one, then go every 16 inches to find the next ones. Mark each bolt in the center for stability.

You may want to pre-drill screw holes in the studs; you have to use a bit smaller than the screws you will use.

Before lifting the cabinets into place, drill holes in them. You will need these holes for wiring, lighting fixtures, any racks you want to install, etc.

Measure the wall and cabinet and then lift the cabinet into place. Place it securely on its stand, leaving at least 18 inches of clearance above the counter.

Attach cabinets to studs with three-inch bracket screws, screwing through cabinet trim or corner, not cabinet thin walls. This may not always be possible, depending on where the trim or studs are, but try to use as many as possible. If you need additional support, you can use a 1X2 piece of wood attached screwed under the bottom of the cabinet in a stud position.

The best way is to lay the lower strips and put the cabinets on top; this will facilitate support. The only problem with this is that you usually have to make some adjustments, and if you’ve screwed in the brackets, you won’t be able to do it.

Now you can install the door handles and other accessories, and voila! you have a new kitchen.