Installing Cabinets in a Mobile Home

The Plan

Before any installation can begin, you must first have a plan. The plan will help you decide what type of cabinetry to install and how many cabinets will fit in your space. Most home centers today have customer service representatives in their custom cabinetry departments that can help you draw up a plan for your space. You will need to know the square footage of your kitchen, the size of your appliances (width and height) and their locations, and your cabinet style preferences. There is also plenty of help online for do-it-yourselfers.

Demolition and Removal

Now it's time for demolition and removal of the old cabinets. This process will go easier if you take it in steps. First, remove all the doors and drawers. Next, remove the countertops. Then remove the lower cabinets. After the lowers are out, you can remove the uppers. Be sure to wear safety glasses, heavy-duty gloves, and a dust mask throughout the entire demo process.

Measuring and Marking

Now that you have barren walls it is time to measure and mark for the new installation. Refer to the plan for exact measurements. Use a good-quality tape measure that is at least 16 feet long, and mark on the walls the exact locations of all cabinets, uppers and lowers. This is the time to make corrections. If something doesn't seem to fit quite right, double-check your measurements and the plan.

Installation

If you double-checked all your measurements and followed your plan, the installation is pretty straightforward. Uppers are installed first so you can have unobstructed access to the walls. Ensure that all uppers are parallel to one another. Next, install the lower cabinets. Ceilings and floors are often not quite parallel, so make floor-to-ceiling measurements throughout the room and start installing at the lowest corner. All the other cabinetry can then be lined up to the that first cabinet. Once all the lowers are in you can install the countertops. Be sure to wear safety glasses and heavy-duty gloves throughout the installation process.

Apply the Finish

Most cabinetry today comes from the factory with the wood finish already applied. If you specifically requested unfinished cabinets, now is the time to apply the finish. The easiest finish to use is a one-step finish available in the paint section of your local hardware store. To apply the finish, first remove all doors, drawers and hardware. Now apply your finish of choice in the following order: cabinet frames, doors, then drawers. Re-install the doors, drawers and hardware after the finish has dried (usually 24 hours). Most wood finishes require 2 weeks or more to fully cure (different from just drying), so be gentle with your new cabinets for the first few weeks. Read the label on the can of finish for cleaning and care instructions. Follow all safety precautions listed on the label throughout the application process.