I expect right now that anybody after this number of articles is either considering establishing their very own kitchen installation business or wondering how you can sell the costly tools they believe they committed to prior to the plaster fell from the walls, the pipes flooded your kitchen and also the wall models flattened.
For individuals individuals who've already sign written the van, congratulations as well as for individuals individuals filling out the "tools available" adverts, hang fire, replace that pen having a cord-less drill and do not quit very easy.
Selecting the best base models
Base models are available in various designs are available in flat pack or rigid format. Board thickness, construction techniques and add-ons also highlight the variations between producers. Most have adjustable legs fitted for easy fitting and also to prevent water ingress.
Speaking like a former installer my own option for strength and durability is always to select a carcass with a minimum of 18mm construction having a back with a minimum of 9mm board thickness and metal on the sides soft close drawer boxes again having a solid base with a minimum of 15mm board. Rigid models reduces installation time but otherwise carry no major edge on flat pack models.
Many producers build co-ordinated carcasses that match their door finishes. This can be a helpful advantage when finishes are visible but as a substitute you are able to fit a matched finish support panel or perhaps a door fascia.
Nearly all carcasses are built using melamine faced chipboard and particular care ought to be provided to the sink base carcass which is very susceptible to water ingress over it's lifetime. To combat this issue I've created a product known as Unitsaver. I hasten to include that I am still awaiting the phone call from the cabinet manufacturer who sees the merchandise like a welcome addition for their range so for now I am afraid it is not open to the customer.
Tools needed to do the job
- Cord-less screwdriver
- Hands Tools
- Jigsaw
- 5mm HSS Drill bit
- 50mm, 25mm, 30mm and 16mm screws
- Set of clamps
- Holesaws
- Spirit level
- Tape-measure
- Energy Drill
- Compass and pencil.
- Safety Equipment - Goggles, Dust Mask etc
- Extension Lead
The fitting
Fitting should commence on your kitchen. Beginning in the greatest reason for the ground, an amount line ought to be moved towards the walls marking the finished height of the cabinets.
Corner cabinets are usually obtainable in two designs, an L-formed unit, usually 900mm width along with a conventional corner cabinet obtainable in dimensions from 900mm to 1200mm. When the design enables the other, another, or both is going to be appropriate for the kitchen.
Adjust the legs to guarantee the cabinet meets the road and, utilizing a spirit level, adjust to guarantee the unit is plumb and level. Continue the above mentioned method with all of subsequent models and clamp together ensuring all edges are flush and level.
For connecting models together, use clamps within the models to adjoin the models both bottom and top, making certain the front and top edges are flush. When clamping together safeguard models by utilizing hardboard wastes or similar behind the clamp jaws.
Remove one screw from each one of the hinge back plates and rotate back plate to reveal area behind. Utilizing a 5mm wood bit, drill in the middle of the very first carcass behind the hinge back plate and connect the 2 plus a cord-less screwdriver using 30mm screws for 18mm models as well as for 25mm screws for 15mm models. Reposition back plate and connect. This can actually hide the fixing. You can definitely, both models are hooking up around the closing side from the doorways - make use of the same procedure and cap the screws.
Where finishes aren't visible it's beneficial to chop from the service void from the foot of the cupboards departing 80mm from the full cabinet depth from the top unit. This can actually overcome any from true plastering behind the bottom models and supply a simple way of running cables behind the models after fitting.
Most producers use a service without any roughly 50mm at the rear of base models which is essential not just for electrical and plumbing services but in addition for scribing towards the walls if required. To make sure that no gaps are visible in which the last unit meets the wall you may want to scribe your cabinet. To get this done, level your cabinet and clamp it towards the adjacent one departing it 30mm happy with the leading edge, clamp the models together, set the compass to 30mm between pencil and point and run the purpose of the compass lower the wall keeping it parallel using the pencil point. The pencil line left around the carcass will behave as helpful information for cutting having a jigsaw. After cutting, fit your cabinet as referred to above. This can leave an ideal finish towards the wall.
When all of the cabinets are levelled as well as in place, they'll require fixing towards the walls. This are only needed at alternate gables. Hold a 25mm right-tilted bracket towards the wall and against a gable interior. Mark with the bracket having a pencil towards the wall and drill in a downward position. Place a rawlplug and connect towards the wall utilizing a 50mm screw. Fix the bracket towards the cabinet gable utilizing a 16mm screw.
Fitting home appliances
An essential factor to keep in mind is, when fitting a regular corner cabinet which has a product fitted around the return, to permit enough room for that door to spread out 90? and to make sure that the applying door has clearance to spread out without infringing around the door handle. This might require fitting of the corner fillet manufactured on-site and can make sure that your dishes can be put right into a fully open dishwasher.
Make sure to align the hob base unit using the extractor. This takes priority total others for that efficient operation from the extractor. It might be essential to reposition the corner unit but this is often amended by again making use of a filler around the corner base.
When fitting integrated home appliances you will have to leave an area between cabinets. Utilizing a straight period of wood or plinth, clamp flush towards the already levelled cabinets and employ this like a guide for fitting the following cabinet ensuring you depart the right space between your models which is applicable to both front and back. This process also is applicable when fitting models each side of the free standing or range oven.
Well there you have it, you are ready for that worktops, they are available in a various materials, typically the most popular being laminate. Within the next article I'm going to be explaining how you can install your worktops and home appliances.
Finally, for individuals individuals still discussing whether or not to get in touch with the closest kitchen contractors, Let me offer some words of encouragement.
My first installation happened in Southport Zoo. I'd only a number of hands tools, a energy drill, another hands jigsaw along with a strong need to complete my first kitchen with no hitch. I did, after three days.
It required me such a long time to accomplish they installed a glass screen for site visitors to see the monkey setting up your kitchen.
So don't give up, don't auction the various tools, placed on individuals overalls and provide it another go. It's all too easy a monkey could get it done.
Any queries or even more information are available on our popular kitchen buyer's forum.
next article: Fitting Kitchen Worktops
© T Foley 2009
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