How to Install Kitchen Base Cabinets Part 3

Screwing all the kitchen base cabinets onto the wall does not end the project when you want to install kitchen cabinets. After all the cabinets are securely in place, you now need to do some finishing work to complete the look and make sure the kitchen base cabinets are properly set.

Measure the Filler Strips

After all the cabinets are securely in place, you need to do some finishing and touch-ups. The first step to finishing the look of kitchen base cabinets is to install filler strips onto the cabinet. Since the size and design of kitchen base cabinets do not generally fit perfectly to the dimensions or specifications of each room, a filler strip is often used to fill in those gaps.

Oftentimes, manufacturers provide filler strips that have the same wood and paint or finish as their kitchen base cabinets. In this regard, it is important you check with your manufacturer if they have filler strips for the cabinets you have. Filler strips can come in varying widths but the height and length are exactly the same as the base cabinets.

First, measure the gap between the wall and the cabinet from the bottom and the top. Add about 1/16 inch allowance to each. Mark the area where the filler strip needs to be cut. Draw the mark on the backside of the filler.

Install the Filler Strips

Cut the filler strips from the marked area. Put the filler strips between the wall and the cabinet. Plane the sharp edges of any areas that may not fit. Clamp the filler strip and the cabinet together. Drill holes on the cabinet frame all the way to the filler strip. Screw the strips and the frame of the cabinet making.

Install Base Moldings

Aside from adding to the design and look of the kitchen base cabinets, base moldings are used to cover the gap between the floor and the cabinets. There are different types of moldings you can use to cover this area.

To install the base molding, place the base molding on the toe kick of the cabinet. This is the area from the bottom end of the cabinet to the shim. Put in some construction adhesive on the molding and then gently put it on the toe kick to glue the pieces together. Drill some screws or hammer some finishing nails onto the base molding to hold it into place.

Install Trim Moldings

Aside from installing base moldings on your kitchen base cabinets, enhance the look further by putting in trim moldings. Trim moldings are moldings placed on the sides of your cabinets.

To install trim moldings to your kitchen base cabinets, measure the height and length of each cabinet. Measure and mark the moldings to the proper height and length giving an allowance of approximately ¼ inch. Put some adhesive on the moldings and carefully put them in place all over the sides of the cabinets. Secure the moldings by using small finishing nails.

Adjust Fixtures and Doors

Install all the fixtures and cabinet doors. If you need to adjust the doors and fixtures, adjust the screws on the hinges. Loosen the screws if the door is too high. Adjust the door to the right height and then re-tighten the screws.