What Do You Install First?

[cabinetman]

If you have installed kitchen cabinets or intending to, what's your preference for which is installed first...the base cabinet and top, or the upper (wall) cabinet? You can elaborate on your reasoning in your reply.

[jAngiel]

Interesting that this question comes from you. When it comes time for my kitchen cabinets I would have seeked your response.

I was thinking that it was better to do the upper first for better access. At least that is how I was planning on doing it. I may bump my head a few times but I wouldn't have to reach over the wider base cabinets to hang a wall unit.

[ejs1097]

I also would think to do the Upper cabinets first. that is AFTER all the measurements of the basecabinets, countertop, distance between counter and wall cabinets are figured and transferred to the walls.

Doesn't the countertop always go last to prevent scratches and damage.

[Tequila]

I've only done one kitchen install - there's probably one more in my future in the next couple of years.

I did the uppers first based on recommendations I found online. I'm glad I did it that way, and I'd definitely do it in that order again. No contortions or climbing to install the uppers, no worrying about banging up the fronts of the base cabinets or the countertop, and no alignment problems since its a lot easier to just set the base cabinets down and move them a little bit to line up with the uppers.

[footprintsinconc]

i'd do the upppers. no reach issue as jAngiel has already said.

[jziegler]

I installed the upper cabinets first because they were built first. I did the kitchen a little bit at a time to avoid big $$$ at one time, and to keep the kitchen functional for all but a couple days. I started almost 2 1/2 years ago, all major work is done now, but I still have some smaller things to finish. One of these days....

Jim

[jking]

Wall cabinets first; for the no reach reason already given.

[Crash2510]

I install the uppers first because its a pain to reach over the base cabinets, but having bases installed can be convenient as a work surface for lifting the upper cabinets when your in a jam

[chopnhack]

The one time I've done it - Uppers first after base was measured and marked. Easier on back

[Bill in Buena Park]

Upper cabinets first

I didn't actually think you could do it the other way 'round... without a lot of pain and suffering, and who wants that?

Its easier to: 1) find the studs, 2) to work beneath the cabinet with a cabinet lift/support, 3) level and shim the cabinets, and 4) perform the nailing/fastening; all without having to lean over or step on the base cabinets.

IMHO.

[jgrobler]

A couple of years ago I redid all my (wife's) kitchen cabinets. First set the tall ones, then wall cabinets next to them, then the base cabinets. Easier to put up a ledge, find the studs, and get on a short ladder to screw to the wall when the base cabinets aren't in the way, then just move the base cabinets into place.

What I will do different next time (if we ever move) is to get the floor in before setting the base cabinets. Or at least make a better informed decision on it, that was the worst mistake in the kitchen remodel. Live & learn.

[cabinetman]

I install the uppers first because its a pain to reach over the base cabinets, but having bases installed can be convenient as a work surface for lifting the upper cabinets when your in a jam

There's more to that than you might think. I've done installations both ways. If you are working alone or with questionable help, having the base cabinets in place can be a lifesaver. Most all of my installations in the first few years and the last 15-18 years, I was alone. It's times like that when you have to get creative.

My methods start with laying out the kitchen on a plywood template that is cut exactly like all the countertops, to fit the kitchen. All the base and upper cabinets are drawn right on the plywood, and spacers are cut for where there are undercounter appliances. As the base cabinets are made they are fitted to the top, by lining them up, and the uppers are done the same way. So, the whole kitchen can be set up as it will be installed, to see the fit. If the plywood template will eventually be a laminate top, it is then laminated. If there is another top, such as granite, tile, or solid surface, the plywood goes to the jobsite as a temp top.

Cabinets are delivered with the doors hung, less handles, and removed before installation.

Installation starts with finding all the studs and marking vertical lines down the entire wall. Since I don't like making unnecessary holes in the wall, I don't like putting up a horizontal wall cleat to set the uppers. I set the base cabinets and the temp top to get alignment. If it's where its supposed to be it could be installed then, to eliminate more handling. Then a protective sheet of ply is placed on top of the base cabinets, and dead men (boxes made to a spacing height) are placed on the top, and the uppers are placed on them, and shimmed to the proper height and level. They don't have to be held up.

For some installations, I use a small floor jack that I have removed the saddle and bolted on a plywood plate. The jack gets placed on top of the base cabinets and having the jack plate somewhat forward underneath the upper cabinet allows the cabinet to lean towards the wall. Then it's a simple matter of just jacking up the cabinet to where it goes. This is very useful for upper cabinets that get installed over an island, and primarily just to the ceiling, or soffit.

Before installing anything to the wall, I measure on the wall to where the studs are, and drill a pilot hole in the hangrail in the cabinet, so when installing, there's no guesswork, or missing a stud. Having the base cabinets in place allows a work surface for tools and hardware. If working alone, having necessary items within reach makes the work less of a hassle.

I checked other, because I may or may not screw the base cabinet in first, but once it's in place it stays there.
.

[Bruce Cohen]

Hey Cab,

Why such big difference in "what gets installed first".

During my stint as a kitchen designer, usint a CAD package (20/20), we always fit up the bases first. This allows us to add spacers for the usual out of square walls and door clearence. Additionally, it gives us the ability to adjust for utilities (stove, refrigerator, dish washer and so forth.

Always found it way easier, especially when I wanted to center the sink under a window, or plan a new window to achieve the same look. Also, there were times when the client wanted to move the water supply and waste lines and the natural gas line to fit a design and still stay in the "usual" comfort "triangle".

I would think that base cab installs would enable the installer to line up the wall cabs and bridges (if any) to a fixed installation of both base and counter tops, especially if the job requires a solid surface or granite top. My understanding is that the bases MUST be in along with sink position prior to templating.

Considering I've only designed, and not installed, am I missing something, or does mind set reflect the usual bass-ackwards thinking of a designer.

What say you??

Bruce

[cabinetman]

Hey Cab,

Why such big difference in "what gets installed first".

I would think that base cab installs would enable the installer to line up the wall cabs and bridges (if any) to a fixed installation of both base and counter tops, especially if the job requires a solid surface or granite top. My understanding is that the bases MUST be in along with sink position prior to templating.

What say you??

Bruce

Actually, it doesn't really make any difference. Installers get their own system going for whatever is comfortable for them. I place/install the base first as I feel it starts the vertical alignment that matches my pattern. It's like I explained, I have my methods when working alone that facilitates an installation.

If templates are to be made, yes definitely, the base cabinets have to be installed.

[lakkdainen]

I'm one of the few that replied bottoms first. There is a reason though... the set I'm going to do is for my basement bar, and the floor down there is nowhere near level. I'll have to get creative with leveling the bases, then once those are done I can measure from those and/or use a jig to hold the uppers in place while I screw em in.

For a "normal" reasonably level floor, I'd probably do the uppers first though.