New cabinets can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of a kitchen. Although installing kitchen cabinets does not require professional skills, it does take an eye for precision. In order for cabinets to work properly and look right, they must be installed level, plumb, and flush with each other.

Plan to put in cabinets after rough wiring and plumbing are installed but before you install finish flooring. This way, you won't use more flooring material than necessary and you won't be in danger of damaging new floors. Install wall-mounted cabinets first so the base cabinets won't be in your way as you work.

If your cabinets don't arrive assembled, put them together according to the manufacturer's directions--but remove (or don't install) doors, shelves, and drawers. If you remove these parts, label them so you will know where they go.

The wall behind the cabinets should be smooth, level, and clean. Make sure it's flat by placing a long straightedge against it. Mark any bumpy or bulging areas. During installation, tap wood shims--short pieces of wood shingles--beneath or behind the cabinets to make slight adjustments. If the irregularities are significant, you can compensate for them by using a scribe rail.

Upper cabinets are extremely heavy when they're loaded with canned foods or dinnerware, so they must be fastened very securely to wall studs. Screw through a strong part of the cabinet--most have a support rail that runs across the back for this. For each cabinet, at least three screws should penetrate the wall studs by at least 1 1/2 inches.

It is particularly important to install the first wall and base cabinets level and plumb, both from side to side and from front to back, because each additional cabinet will be aligned with the first ones.

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