Cabinet Installation at WOODWEB's Knowledge Base

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Farm Sink Mounting Details

For a custom kitchen, confusion arises over how the farmhouse sink is intended to be mounted. Learn more here about farm sinks and how they fit in. April 9, 2008

Steel Support for an Overhanging Granite Countertop

Advice on the use of structural steel to support a stone counter, without overkill or excessive weight (and cost). April 9, 2008

Drawer Slides Breaking During Transport

A cabinetmaker reports drawer slides that malfunction after a 5-mile cabinet delivery trip. April 9, 2008

Pricing for Built-In Shelf and Media Center Units

Cabinetmakers consider how materials, finishes, and installation may affect the value of a representative built-in unit. April 11, 2008

Pricing Cabinet Installation Work

Pros discuss their differing approaches to charging for kitchen and bath cabinet installation work. January 24, 2005

Melamine Carcasses

Can melamine interiors be considered high end? April 18, 2004

Radius Cabinet Job - Project Review

October 27, 2003

Cabinetmaker's Responsibilities

Lively conversation about who should handle plumbing, electrical, etc. on kitchen/bath projects. December 9, 2004

Level Cabinets in Out-of-Whack Houses

A rowdy, no-holds-barred debate on whether cabinet installers should fudge square and level when the existing house is neither. December 20, 2005

Cabinet installation tool kit

A thorough look at the tools professionals take on the job. August 4, 2003

Installing crown moulding

Calculations and tools for cutting crown angles. May 17, 2003

Scribing three edges

Templates, tic sticking and more for efficient scribing in difficult situations. September 20, 2003

Methods of 32 mm system layout

Different interpretations on the 32mm system. (Cabinetmaking Forum) March 23, 2003

Working With Leg Levelers

Revising an installation process to include leg levelers. October 20, 2004

Scribing cabinets and Z clips

Issues of overhang and attachment are discussed. February 19, 2002

Taking Measurements on Site — Tape Measure or Laser Device?

The new generation of laser measuring tools can improve accuracy and save time. Here, cabinetmakers describe why they made the switch and how they use the new tools. November 22, 2005

Installing Framed Cabinets

Save time with careful layout and the right tools. February 9, 2001

Crown Molding Detail -- For Sloped Ceilings

Calculating angles and inside corner details for crown applied to sloped ceilings. April 2, 2004

Hardwood Built-In Installations

Hardwood Built-Ins Create Striking Centerpiece. December 3, 2001

Pricing Custom Cabinets and Trim

Even within one local market, prices can be all over the map. Balancing careful itemized estimating against local market conditions can help you turn a decent profit. August 23, 2006

Efficient Drawer-Front Installation

In this long, detailed discussion, cabinet pros swap techniques for attaching drawer fronts and discuss how to improve efficiency and accuracy of this fussy and time-consuming step. September 8, 2007

Out-of-Level Floor Problem

A cabinet job for a new house with an out-of-level floor leads to a callback. Pros weigh in with views and technical advice. August 29, 2005

Kitchen Corner Cabinets

Creative solutions for this awkward space. February 10, 2004

mounting screws

July 24, 2005

The Trouble with High-End Appliances

Beefs, anecdotes, and general observations about installing expensive, fancy kitchen appliances. January 9, 2006

Who cuts sink holes?

Is this the responsibility of the cabinetmaker or installer? December 17, 2003

Installing Cabinets: Uppers or Lowers First?

Opinions vary. Here, installers describe how they go about installing cabinets, and explain why. July 3, 2006

Creating an installation division

Setting up a special division to install the product your company builds. July 9, 2002

Building Separate Kicks

Different methods of building and installing toekicks. August 7, 2004

Out-of-Level Brouhaha

Sparks fly when a cabinet installer goes with the out-of-level house for the sake of appearance. His story sets off a lively exchange of views. October 22, 2005

Scribing, with graphics

Instructions on scribing cabinets to walls. April 4, 2001

When Cabinets Fail

Like the poet said, "Everything falls apart." Here's a long discussion of common cabinet failures and the nature of cabinet repair work. June 28, 2007

Install Solutions for the One-Man Cabinet Shop

Anyone can do it with help... January 26, 2008

Should a Cabinetmaker Agree to Let the Contractor Install Cabinets?

For various reasons, most cabinetmakers prefer to install their own work — unless they know and trust the installer. December 2, 2006

Scribing loose end panels

Woodworkers describe the processes they use. April 3, 2002

Estimating and Pricing for Cabinet Installation

Cabinetmakers and installers discuss the ins and outs of pricing methods and rules of thumb. September 4, 2005

Drawer runner holes in 32mm system

Placement, mounting and more. (From WOODWEB's Cabinetmaking Forum) February 12, 2003

Installation ... but we've never done it -- like that before!

Jon Elvrum discusses the biggest obstacle in learning to install frameless cabinets: Old habits. 1998.

Kitchen Cabinets and Floors — Which Should Be Installed First?

The decision affects both trades, and there's more than one well-reasoned opinion posted here. May 6, 2007

Upper cabinet install jig

A sampling of shop-built setups used by the pros. October 16, 2003

Sink cutouts in post form tops

Woodworkers share their favorite methods. April 3, 2002

Vertical panel saws

A comparison of speed and efficiency of vertical panel saws as opposed to sliding table saws. July 24, 2001

Should I Install Cabinets for a Big Box Store?

Advice from all sides, including those who tried it and liked it, and those who tried it and didn't. December 26, 2006

Opening Laminate Joints Mystery

in a long MDF and laminate countertop? March 14, 2005

Melamine Wall Cabinet Design

Sturdy construction with an unfamiliar material. July 20, 2004

Custom Cabinets for an Out-of-Whack Room

Pros discuss ways to make cabinets fit "right" in a room that's wrong. April 20, 2007

Scribe Rails -- Why Not?

Why are custom shops not including scribe material on backs? August 26, 2004

Cabinet Refacing

Can it work as a business? Pros share business and tech tips. June 17, 2005

Screws for Joining Face Frames Together

A cabinet installer finds his crews are snapping the occasional screw when connecting adjoining face frames in the field. Here's a discussion of installation methods, clamps, and fastening hardware. December 27, 2007

Kick boxes

Building separate kicks for efficient installation. September 20, 2003

One-Man Installation Setup

Small cabinet-shop owners explain how they organize bringing their tools and supplies to the jobsite for installations. March 9, 2008

Outsourcing Cabinet Installation

There are good reasons to install your own cabinets, and good reasons to have someone else do it. Here, installers and cabinetmakers discuss the fine points of communication and cooperation among specialists. August 3, 2005

Attaching Bookcases to Countertops

Efficient methods from professional cabinetmakers. February 10, 2004

Architectural Millwork Installer Compensation

Owners and employees discuss the wages installers make, and the factors that affect the value of labor. November 11, 2005

Crown Transitions for Corner Cabinets

Several ways to deal with a tricky crown molding detail at the top of corner cabinets flanked by manufactured upper cabs. October 25, 2006

Crown moulding with angled ceiling

Is it possible to take an out-of-kilter ceiling into account? November 22, 2003

Scribing in Difficult Situations

Techniques and tactics for problematic scribing. September 9, 2004

Do Base Cabinets Need Back Shims?

Shim the front and hang the back, say some. May 4, 2005

Toekick Drawers

Construction details and images for toekick drawers. January 14, 2004

Scribing a Template to Fit A Countertop Between Three Walls

Here's a long, detailed thread about scribing a custom template for cutting and fitting countertops into tight spaces. December 27, 2007

High-Volume Cabinet Install Jobs — Is It Worth It?

Cabinet installers discuss the potential pitfalls of a 50-kitchen installation contract, and share tips for making a success of it. March 20, 2007

- What makes a cabinet "custom"?

Is there a specific standard that qualifies a cabinet as custom? June 24, 2002

Cabinet-Hanging Tips and Tricks

Ideas for cleats, shop-built "third hand" rigs, and scribing panels for installing upper cabinets. April 6, 2007

Installation Comparison — Face Frame Versus Frameless

Are the efficiencies of frameless construction canceled out by installation difficulties? There is more than one point of view on the question. April 21, 2007

On-Site Laminate Cutting Tips and Tricks

Cabinet re-facing work calls for a lot of cut-and-fit laminate work. Here's a long discussion of ways to go about the task. May 6, 2007

Why Build Face Frame?

Reasons the face-frame tradition survives. September 9, 2004

Corner cabinets and out-of-plumb walls

How do you deal with the gaps inevitably caused by less-than-perfect walls? August 25, 2003

Hanging Cabinet Doors

The efficiency of hanging doors before or during install. January 28, 2004

Scribing a Farmhouse Sink to Fit

A heavy, irregularly-shaped sink needs to fit just right — the first time. The installer asks for help, and reports on his results. August 29, 2005

Installing Built-Ins Over Carpet

Should built-in cabinets be installed over existing carpet, or should the carpet be cut away and re-attached at the joint? Craftsmen debate the point. July 24, 2005

Tool Organization for Cabinet Installers

How does a cabinet installer cut back on the number of trips back and forth from the truck to the house? Pros ponder solutions. December 2, 2006

How to attach a drawer front

Fine-tuning the attachment of applied drawer fronts. September 25, 2002

Estimating High-End Cab Installs

An installer seeks tips on estimating his time and pricing his services. February 25, 2005

Tricked-Out Job Trailers

An extended thread on how to customize your "shop on wheels" for convenience and efficiency. August 13, 2007

Tall Cabinet Calculations For Ceiling Clearance

Formulas for figuring how tall a cabinet will be at its longest point. March 14, 2004

Radius Shoe Molding

Determining radius of cabinets in order to match molding. July 20, 2004

Hardwoods in the Bath

Finishing Tips When Installing Hardwoods in Wet, Humid Environments October 22, 2001

Training a Cabinet Installation Crew

Advice based on experience about how to teach a pair of promising shop employees how to install cabinets in the field. November 26, 2007

Praise for Impact Drivers

It's official: installers and cabinetmakers love cordless impact drivers. July 3, 2006

A Cabinet as a Shower Wall?

Crazy as it sounds, this question is real: In a tight-space remodel, how to build cabinets so their back side can be tiled and serve as the wall of a shower. Read and learn. May 6, 2007

Curling Problem with Peel-and-Stick Veneer

Pros suggest solutions to a problem with veneer that curls as it dries after finish is applied. August 14, 2007

Truck, Van, or Trailer?

Installation pros discuss the convenience, gas mileage, and security of various vehicle choices. October 8, 2005

Installing a U-Shaped Countertop

Pros study the awkward problem of installing a big, heavy laminated countertop into a space that is enclosed on three sides. September 5, 2006

Attaching Cabinets to Steel Studs

Cabinet installers share tips and tricks for hanging cabs in commercial buildings where the framing is steel instead of wood. January 26, 2008

Floating Bookshelves Without Brackets

Creative ideas for supporting shelves. February 28, 2004

Whether to Back Out of a Job over Site Conditions

Cabinet installers discuss the contract and management issues involved when you encounter unexpected and troublesome site conditions. May 7, 2007

Installing an Island Over a Radiant Slab

Cab installers ponder how to attach an island cabinet over a heated concrete floor, without puncturing any tubes. January 11, 2008

Making Concrete Countertops

Fabricating concrete countertops is not rocket science, but it takes practice — and it isn't cheap. March 26, 2007

Cabinet Installation: Preventing Problems

Careful preparation and knowledge of the site make cabinet installation much easier. February 9, 2001

Alignment of Face Frames

The decision on making face frames flush versus leaving a reveal. February 10, 2004

Making a Full-Height Cabinet Fit

A full-ceiling-height refrigerator cabinet can be a bear to install, because you can't tip it up (the diagonal is too long). Here's a useful thread on solving that problem. January 20, 2007

Integrated fillers in cabinets

Using fillers, integrated or loose. April 3, 2002

Where Doors and Panels Meet

How various cabinetmakers deal with the relationsihp between overlay doors and the adjacent edges of finished end panels. January 24, 2005

Base cabinet installation

How to cope with wavy floors. April 3, 2002

Multiple cut crown molding

Handling such installations with accuracy. April 3, 2002

To cleat or not to cleat

Does cleating cabinets save installation time and money? April 3, 2002

Wainscot with toe kick

Notching and other ideas for integrating a toe kick with wainscot. January 3, 2003

Trimming Cabinet Toekicks -- Whose Responsibility?

Should the finish toe kicks be fitted and installed by the cabinetmaker, or the finish carpenter. February 28, 2004

Cutting a Post-Formed Laminate Countertop

Hiring the job out to a well-equipped countertop shop is your best bet — but here's how to do it with an installer's toolkit. February 8, 2008

More boxes, less time

Making the process more efficient, including discussion on toekicks and finishing. May 2, 2001

Kitchen Cabinet Clearance Above Stove Top

Installers discuss the rules for installing cabinets or a microwave and vent hood above a kitchen range. November 19, 2005

Proper nail hole touchup

Using a material to fill holes that will be compatible with the finish. July 9, 2002

Carpenter to accomplished installer

How do you train a carpenter to become a cabinet and millwork installer? July 9, 2002

Joining boards end to end

What's the best way to do it when creating a 20' oak top? April 2, 2002

Characteristics of a First-Rate Installer

Experienced pros discuss what qualifies an individual to be called an A-triple-plus installer. October 22, 2005

Pulling Surface Joints Tight

Links to gadgets that can make this sometmes-frustrating issue a breeze. February 8, 2005

Big-Box Cabinet Installation Pay Rates

Installing for the big boxes is a whole different business. Here are some rumors on how the setup works. January 26, 2008

Miterfolds for clean corner joints

A sweet technique for classy corners. November 21, 2003

Leg Leveler Tips And Tricks

First-timer gets advice on installing and adjusting leg levelers. April 10, 2005

Granite Countertop Underlayment

Depending on thickness, granite countertops may be self-supporting without underlayment. September 5, 2006

Competition for Installation Contracts

A cabinetmaker complains that his installation sub started working directly for the builder. The story sets off a discussion on fair competition in the new-construction market. November 11, 2005

Installing cabinets over tile

Tying kicks to a tile floor, and the complications presented by floor-integrated radiant heating. February 19, 2002

More Fun with Stud Finders

No stud finder works perfectly. In this thread, pros discuss stud finding methods high tech and low. September 4, 2005

Selecting Shelf Pins

Shelf pins are a small detail, but one that can make a difference. February 20, 2008

Crown Moulding for Uneven Height Cabinets

Alternating high and low upper cabinets create a puzzle when it's time to apply crown molding at the top. Here, installers share ideas and show finished examples. July 24, 2005

Electrical Outlets in Cabinetry

Electrical code requires outlets to be installed within properly mounted electrical boxes. April 26, 2006

Glue Injection Techniques

When laminate or veneer is lifting, you can make a slit, inject adhesive, and clamp for a clean repair. Here are some detailed tips on getting the glue where it needs to go. February 20, 2008

Choosing an Installation Vehicle

Cabinet and millwork installers talk about their trucks, vans, hopes, and wishes. January 9, 2006

Supporting a Cantilevered Shelf

but how? Pros share ideas. June 23, 2006

Supporting Overhanging Granite

Building a structurally sound kitchen island. November 22, 2004

The Revolving Door Lazy Susan (She's Trouble)

A revolving-door Lazy Susan is kind of like a bad dream. But there are ways to cope with it. October 2, 2007

Coped Crown Installation

Coping in an octagonal room. April 18, 2004

Crown on face-frame cabinets

An alternative to notching stiles when applying crown moulding. May 15, 2002

Durable Joints For Crown Molding

The fine points of gluing and pinning crown molding copes and miters. February 25, 2005

Cantilevered Shelf Supports

Practical idea for wall attachment and support for shelves that project straight out from the wall with no visible means of support. July 29, 2007

Installing Separate Toekicks

Methods of attaching separate kicks. January 6, 2005

Joining cabinets - at a 45 degree angle

Cabinetmakers offer illustrated tips on joining a line of cabinetry which incorporates a 45-degree-angled unit. April 3, 2002

Ripping an Acute Angle

For a tricky millwork installation, the woodworker needs to rip a 65-degree angle on a plywood edge. Colleagues offer solutions. November 10, 2006

Fastening countertops

How to fasten a laminated particleboard countertop to cabinets. March 28, 2001

Pricing Cabinet Installs

This thread on installation pricing takes an interesting approach: Compare with what the big-box stores charge. December 2, 2006

Adhesives for Cabinet Refacing

Pros discuss how to adhere paper-backed veneer to an existing cabinet. September 5, 2006

Hanging Cabinets on Plaster Walls

Cabinet installers discuss the classic old-house problem: finding some meat behind the plaster. March 18, 2006

Upper-Cab Moulding and Irregular Ceilings

Pros share perspectives and ideas on dealing with out-of-level ceilings. August 29, 2005

Cabinet Scribes

Cabinet installers swap opinions on store-bought and field-rigged scribing devices. November 19, 2006

Cabinets and Heating Vents

When a new cabinet covers an existing heating or cooling register, warm air needs a new path. Here are tips on installing toe-kick vents for those situations. August 8, 2006

Job Site Toolbox Ideas

Installers tell how they transport and organize their tools on the job. December 9, 2007

TV cabinets

Designs for large, small and flat screens. April 9, 2003

Cabinets over outlets and cables

Options for installing over electrical outlets and computer cables. July 9, 2002

Keeping Cabinets on the Wall

Sturdy construction and strong attachments are key safety factors. May 4, 2005

Dark Putty

Ideas for blending a dark wood putty to match dark woods like cherry. July 3, 2006

Frameless Cabinet Fastening

Attaching lower cabinet sides to deck. August 7, 2004

Crown Coping Tips

Some advice on dealing with large, hard-to-cope crown moulding. January 26, 2008

Supporting a Granite Countertop Overhang

Under a thin granite slab top, a plywood subtop is needed — for support and to attach legs. August 7, 2006

Recutting Installed Countertops In Place

Advice for trimming a few inches off a laminate countertop, in place. January 9, 2006

Refacing a Rounded Face Frame

Tips for how to reface cabinets with round corners, and some general comments on the cabinet-refacing market. February 28, 2006

Cabinet Details for an Apron Front Sink

"Farmer's" sinks have an apron front that overhangs the cabinet face. Here, cabinetmakers discuss the difficulties that can arise, and how to address them. February 28, 2006

Tweaking Island Height

A cabinetmaker gets advice on raising an already installed island by two inches. September 23, 2006

Appliance Panels and Floor Edge Mouldings: Whose Job?

Cabinet installers discuss their policies on dealing with end-of-job punch list items. January 26, 2008

Inset-door cabinets

A cabinetmaker goes from frameless to face frame and seeks advice. September 19, 2001

Wine Cubes

Experienced hands describe ways to design and assemble wine storage cabinets. June 13, 2005

Built-In Bookcases for a Sloping Floor

Woodworkers discuss ways to adapt a built-in bookcase to a severely sloped floor. September 5, 2006

Leg Levelers 101

A beginner learns the basics about adjustable cabinet leg hardware. August 3, 2005

Trimming Plugs

Cutting and sanding wood plugs can be tedious and laborious. Here, pros discuss efficient ways to make a clean job of it. September 3, 2005

Caulking the Backsplash Joint

Pros describe how to apply a neat, clean bead of caulk. June 16, 2005

Cutting "Edge-Installed" Crown

This "stand up" crown requires some adaptations to "normal" installation procedures. February 8, 2005

Managing Pesky Clients

When clients are living in the home while cabinets are installed, sometimes they take a little too much interest in the work. In this thread, installers suggest tactful ways to deflect their attention eslewhere. October 22, 2005

Building Arched Toekicks

Descriptions and images of tested techniques. September 9, 2004

Fastening Scribe Stiles

Cabinet installers discuss ways to attach scribe stiles to cabinets when space is tight on all sides. May 6, 2006

Veneering a Curved Cabinet in Place

Advice on a very tricky veneering problem: applying veneer to a half-completed cabinet with a curved face, on site. August 23, 2006

Hanging Cabinets from the Ceiling

No walls to attach to, and no backs on the cabinet — here are a few suggestions for securely mounting these custom cabs. March 25, 2007

Pin Nailers Versus 18-Gauge or 23-Gauge Nailers

Installers discuss the relative usefulness of various fastener sizes and types for attaching prefinished crown moulding to cabinets. February 21, 2006

All-Purpose Router Table

Tips on constructing a router table for shop and site duty. December 31, 2005

Assorted Videos for Millwork Installers and Cabinetmakers

January 25, 2007

Installing refrigerator end panels

The search for better methods. April 3, 2002

Cabinet Installation Advice

Pros give a newcomer tips on putting in his cabinets properly. January 11, 2007

Cabinet Hanger Cleats

Ways to install back-panel cleats for attaching cabinets to walls. June 18, 2005

Protecting edges of installed cabinets

Protecting newly installed cabinetry from the chaos of continuing construction. November 15, 2000

Leg Leveler Tips and Tricks

Pros compare methods for leveling cabinets with leg-leveler feet. August 29, 2006

Installing Cabinets On Top of a Floating Floor

There are at least two ways to do it so that the floor is free to expand and contract. However, water damage to flooring is still a risk to consider. November 19, 2005

Fridge Panel Head-Scratcher

When a cabinetmaker is asked to make refrigerator panels without ever seeing the appliance — for a job that's a long drive away — he feels the need for some advice. January 26, 2008

Installing Backsplash

Backsplash installation tips, including a cool new product. March 14, 2006

Fitting Cabinets to Bowed Walls

Cabinet-hanging and scribing tips for installations in kitchens with irregular wall surfaces. April 18, 2006

Scribing Face Frames To The Wall on Two Sides

Tricks for scribing both ends of a small cabinet to fit against walls on either side. November 19, 2006

Gluing On Cabinet Trim

Tips on fastener-free techniques to attach mouldings to cabinets. January 22, 2006

Finished end panels

How to install pre-finished end panels. April 3, 2002

Full Height Cabinets: Figuring Ceiling Clearance

Figure the diagonal using math, or draw the piece full size, or check it in AutoCAD. Do this before you build it. January 26, 2008

Kitchen Design and Oversized Refrigerators

Deep refrigerators add complexity to cabinet layout and installation. April 20, 2007

Oops! Can't Stand Up that Too-Tall Cabinet

Suggestions for recovering on site from a bonehead cabinet design error. December 9, 2007

Installing Frameless Upper Cabinets

Installers discuss how to keep frameless cabinets stiff, square and well aligned during installation. August 23, 2006

Attaching Upper Cabinets to Masonry Walls

A cabinet installer gets advice on ways to hang cabinets from masonry. October 8, 2005

Hanging Narrow Cabinets when Studs Aren't Available

Tips on supporting upper cabinets when sufficient nailing is not provided. August 23, 2006

Crown Molding With Staggered Cabinets

Making a smooth transition from cabinet to cabinet. July 20, 2004

Crown Moulding and Ceiling Movement

Here are some tips on installing crown so that it will keep looking good despite seasonal moisture-related movement of the house structure. December 26, 2007

Adjusting Hinges

Up and down first, or side to side first? Or does it matter? October 3, 2006

Installing Crown with Fast-Drying Glue

Installers discuss fast-setting glues and other fine points of crown moulding installation. November 10, 2006

Antique Barn-Board Cabinets

A high-end home with cabinets made from weathered old barn siding? Craftsmen suggest ways to marry rustic and fine. June 12, 2005

Crown Moulding for Frameless Cabinets

Installers explain various ways to apply crown moulding to the tops of frameless cabs. November 10, 2006

Garage Cabinet Details

Pros discuss ways to fit cabinet bottoms and kicks to the sloping concrete floor of a garage. June 12, 2005

Installing Drawer-Type Dishwashers

Drawer-style dishwasher units don't always require a cabinet, but attaching the faces and installing controls can be tricky. April 18, 2006

Cutting Out Oven Cabinet Openings

Oven cabinets come with small openings that need to be enlarged to fit the brand of oven selected. Here, installers share their methods for making a clean, precise cut. December 14, 2005

Cabinet warranty period

What is a reasonable warranty period for a custom cabinet installation? July 24, 2001

Crown Molding for Radiused-Corner Cabinet Tops

An explanation of how to mill curved crown molding for application to radiused corners. June 23, 2006

Face-Frame Scribing Ideas

Various ways to scribe for a snug fit where a cabinet butts to a wall. October 9, 2006

Re-Configuring Existing Cabinets

Five out of five doctors agree: tearing out and reassembling existing cabinets is just not worth it. September 23, 2006

Template Forming for Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse sinks require cabinet frames to be scribed and fit to the sink. Here, cabinetmakers discuss ways to make a template for better accuracy and fit. November 26, 2007

Hanging Cabinets from Masonry Walls

What to do when the wall is cement board on furring strips over concrete block. April 25, 2006

Anchoring Cabinets to Concrete Floors

May 6, 2007

Rugged Wainscoting

An installer gets advice on wainscot paneling for a high-traffic commercial space.

Design Question: Stove Adjacent to Refrigerator

Is it okay to have the stove right next to the refrigerator, when a small kitchen space is a challenge? February 19, 2008

Flooring First, or Cabinets?

Cabinet installers discuss whether they'd rather set base cabs before or after the tile flooring is laid. October 25, 2006

Attaching a Dishwasher to a Granite Countertop

Tips and tricks for installing a dishwasher beneath a stone countertop. January 26, 2008

Cabinet Installation and Trim Carpentry

Installers discuss how trim carpenters and cabinet installers should work out the kinks where their workflows intersect. July 3, 2006

Standing Tall Cabinets

Another take on the problem of maneuvering those too-tall cabinets into their spot. August 14, 2007

How to Support "Floating" Base Cabinets

These cabinets are supposed to have a deeply recessed toe kick so they appear to be floating above the floor. What about the structure? November 19, 2006

Wall Oven in a Base Cabinet

Mixing and matching oven units and cooktops is tricky. Here, pros supply advice and cautions. July 21, 2006

Fastening Stone Countertops

Ways to hold marble tops in place. May 10, 2005

Corner Joints on the Back of Island Cabinets

Installers share tips and methods for creating a finished corner on the back of an island cabinet. July 24, 2005

Wall Nailing Hard Spot Mystery

Sometimes it takes a little detective work to figure out why fasteners won't penetrate at one particular spot. January 11, 2008

Cabinets Over a "Floating" Floor

Can cabinets be installed directly on a floating floor, or should the flooring be cut away? August 29, 2005

Accomodating Flooring Thickness in New Construction Cabinet Installs

Cabinet installers debate whether to jack up cabinet heights when installing cabs before finish flooring is down. November 11, 2005

Connecting Face Frame Cabinets

Ways to pull adjoining face frames tight when setting a run of cabinets. April 18, 2006

Modifying an Existing Cabinet Face Frame

Advice on how to remove a center stile from a cabinet face frame to make room for retrofitting wide drawers. June 28, 2007

Fillers on frameless cabinets

Filling the space around cabinets set in uneven alcoves or against bowed walls. January 3, 2001

Refrigerator Cabinet Installation Details

Pros share tips and tricks. May 4, 2005

Upper Cabinet Height Quandary

A homeowner found the upper cabs too high — after they were installed. So the cabinetmaker lowered them, but now he needs to make it look right. "It's a lesson for us all," says one pro. November 11, 2005

Beaded Face Frame and Scribing Stick Trick

Here's a trick for detailing beaded face frame stiles, that makes scribing ends easier. February 6, 2007

Cabinet Scribing Hows and Whys

Basic tips on fitting cabinets to floors and walls. November 11, 2005

Jobsite Tool Carts

Installers share ideas for keeping tools and materials organized on site. March 18, 2006

Pricing for Cabinet Refacing

Pros discuss how to price cabinet refacing work. November 11, 2005

Running Frameless Cabinets to the Ceiling

The ceiling joint is a tricky detail for full-height frameless upper cabinets. Here, pros suggest ways to handle it. August 29, 2005

Cutting Sink Holes in Laminate Countertops

Introductory tips for a new installer on cutting laminate countertops. May 22, 2007

Troubleshooting a Backsplash Gap

Floor framing shrinkage might cause cabinets to drop, opening a gap between the countertop and backsplash. August 7, 2006

Attaching End Panels

Methods used by the pros. January 28, 2004

Protecting Floors During Installations

How to keep finished floors safe from dropped hammers and related hazards. April 25, 2006

Under-Mounting a Top-Mount Sink

Installer gets advice on mounting a new-fangled "hybrid-mounting" sink. June 17, 2005

Hanging Cabinets from Concrete Walls and Steel Studs

A discussion of fastener choices when installing cabinets on concrete, masonry or steel-framed walls. June 23, 2006

Router Dust Collection for Field Work

Tweaking dust-catchers to work in odd situations outside the shop. April 6, 2007

Refacing Vinyl-Wrapped Cabinet Face Frames

A contractor gets advice on quick, effective ways to tackle a tricky refacing detail. December 28, 2005

Rebuilding Cordless-Tool Batteries

The cells in a cordless tool battery pack can be replaced with aftermarket versions. But is it worth doing? May 22, 2007

Anchoring Commercial Sink Tops to Drywall

Quick thoughts on fastening to drywall where there are no mounting blocks within the framing. February 18, 2007

Finished Ends With Separate Kickers

Preferred methods of construction. August 7, 2004

Drawer Pull Drilling Jigs

Buy a manufactured one, or make your own? January 26, 2008

Restricting Euro Hinge Swing

A cabinetmaker gets advice on preventing a glass door from swinging too wide and contacting an appliance. September 23, 2006

Where cabinets meet sloped floor

How to properly disguise the gap that appears during installation. August 25, 2003

Island Cabinet Clearance

Thirty-six inches is minimum, and forty-two is better. November 11, 2005

"Installer-Friendly" Cabinets

Installers sound off on how cabinet-makers can make their lives easier. August 29, 2005

Toilet-to-Cabinet Allowable Clearance Tolerances

Cabinet makers and installers discuss the allowable distance between a toilet and a bathroom vanity, and consider how to make adjustments when the space gets tight. November 19, 2005

Attaching Island Cabinets to Concrete Floors

Advice on securing an island cabinet to a concrete slab floor, with attention to the issue of moisture. August 13, 2007

Sharpening Vibrating-Head Saw Blades

Did you know you can sharpen the blades for those vibrating-head detail-sander saws? You can also make your own replacement blades. December 6, 2006

Leg levelers vs. notches and plinths

Leg levelers are the way to go, if you're going Euro. 1998.

Crown Moulding on Frameless Cabinets

Full-overlay doors on frameless upper cabinets make it tricky to apply crown molding at the ceiling. October 9, 2006

Cutting Post-Form Countertops on Site

Installers discuss how to cut out an existing countertop on site for a new cooktop. April 20, 2007

Attaching Faux Doors to an Island Back

Here's a handful of techniques for sticking fake doors onto a cabinet side or back. August 13, 2007

Cabinet Floor-Platform Terminology

Most cabinetmakers are familiar with the idea of a ladder-shaped platform for mounting base cabinets in certain situations. But what do you call the pieces of that assembly? July 29, 2007

Laying Out a Forty-Five-Degree Peninsula

Ideas for accurately placing angled cabinets on site. December 9, 2007

Adhesives for Cabinet Re-Facing

What's a suitable adhesive for attaching a new plywood end panel to an existing cabinet? September 22, 2005

2x4 Base Under Base Cabinets

Constructing ladder bases. December 26, 2004

Corner Cabinet Height Puzzle

When the corner cabinet is higher than the wall cabs, how do you detail the transition? Pros share tips. June 12, 2005

Fixes for a Mis-Drilled Knob Hole

Moving a screw hole over less than the diameter of the hole is a pesky task. Here are a handful of tips. October 8, 2005

Attaching Wall Cabinets to Steel Studs

Steel wall framing poses a particular challenge when it's time to hang upper cabinets.