Step-by-Step Guide to Florida Kitchen Cabinet Installation

Installing kitchen cabinets in Florida requires careful planning, precise measurements, and an understanding of local building codes. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or working with professionals, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of installing kitchen cabinets in the Sunshine State, addressing Florida-specific considerations as well as general installation best practices.

Understanding Florida Permit Requirements

Before beginning any kitchen cabinet installation project in Florida, it’s essential to understand the permit requirements, which can vary by municipality. In general, simply replacing kitchen cabinets is often considered a minor repair not requiring a permit in many Florida jurisdictions. However, if your project involves structural changes, electrical work, plumbing alterations, or major layout changes, permits will be required.

The Florida Electrical Code has specific requirements that may affect your cabinet installation. For instance, when replacing cabinets, the code requires that all electrical outlets and switches be replaced with new ones to prevent potential fires caused by overloaded circuit breakers. Additionally, you may need an electrical permit if the total power consumption of your replacement cabinets exceeds 100 watts.

It’s always advisable to check with your local building department before beginning work, as building codes can vary significantly from one Florida county or city to another.

Gathering Tools and Materials

Before beginning installation, ensure you have all necessary tools and materials:

Essential Tools:

• Level (4-foot and torpedo)
• Stud finder
• Drill and drill bits
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Shims
• Clamps
• Saw for cutting fillers
• Laser level or water level

Materials:

• Cabinet screws (#10 x 2½” wall attachment screws)
• Frame attachment screws (#8 x 2½” trim head screws)
• Shims
• Support rails or cleats

Preparation Phase

Step 1: Measuring and Marking

The foundation of a successful cabinet installation is accurate measurement:

1. Locate the floor’s highest point using a level. Check several places along the wall until you find the high point, then mark this spot.
2. From this high point, measure up 34½” and draw a level line across the wall to establish the top of the base cabinets.
3. For wall cabinets, measure up 19⅜” from the high point to establish the baseline[9]. Alternative measurements suggest 19½” for this line.
4. From the wall cabinet baseline, measure up the same distance as the height of your cabinets (30⅛”, 36⅛”, 39⅛” or 42⅛”) to establish the top line for wall cabinets.
5. Locate and mark wall studs using a stud finder. Mark the center of each stud and extend these lines vertically using a level.

Step 2: Preparing the Space

1. If you’re installing new floors, this is typically the time to do so, allowing the flooring to extend underneath the cabinets. The exception is floating floors, which should be installed after the cabinets.
2. For floating floors, cut plywood strips to the thickness of your new floor and underlayment. Level these with shims before tacking them down.
3. Remove old cabinets and repair any wall damage. Apply paint if needed before installation.
4. If you’re working with pre-assembled cabinets, remove all doors, drawers, and shelves to make the cabinets lighter and easier to handle.

Wall Cabinet Installation

Many Florida professionals recommend installing wall cabinets first so base cabinets won’t be in your way as you work.

Step 1: Beginning with Corner Cabinets

1. Start with corner cabinets, as these establish the position for the rest of your installation.
2. Transfer stud locations to the cabinet by marking the back and pre-drilling pilot holes at the top and bottom hanging rails, ¾” down from the top and ¾” up from the bottom.
3. With assistance, lift the corner cabinet into position on your marked lines. Use a 2×4 or T-brace at the front to prop the cabinet in place.
4. Use a level to ensure the cabinet is plumb and level. Insert shims as necessary.
5. Fasten the cabinet to the wall with #10 x 2½” wall attachment (pan head) screws. Do not fully tighten until all cabinets are positioned.

Step 2: Installing Remaining Wall Cabinets

1. Position the next cabinet on your reference line next to the corner cabinet. Check that it’s level and plumb, shimming as necessary.
2. Clamp the adjacent cabinets together at the face frames, ensuring they’re flush.
3. Drill pilot holes (3/32″) through the face frame in three places (top, middle, and bottom). Use #8 x 2½” frame attachment screws to join the cabinets together.
4. Secure the second cabinet to the wall at the stud locations.
5. Continue this process along the wall until all wall cabinets are installed.
6. Once all cabinets are properly positioned and shimmed, finish tightening all wall screws.

Base Cabinet Installation

After completing wall cabinet installation, proceed with base cabinets:

Step 1: Installing Corner Base Cabinets

1. Similar to wall cabinets, begin with corner base cabinets.
2. Position the corner cabinet according to your reference line, checking that it’s level and plumb.
3. Shim underneath the base and at the back as needed to achieve proper leveling.
4. Fasten the cabinet to the wall studs with screws, but don’t fully tighten until all base cabinets are positioned.

Step 2: Installing Remaining Base Cabinets

1. Position the next cabinet beside the corner cabinet. Level and align the front faces, using shims as needed.
2. Clamp the cabinets together at the face frames.
3. Drill pilot holes through the face frame and attach cabinets together with #8 x 2½” frame attachment screws.
4. Fasten the cabinet to the wall at stud locations.
5. For areas with plumbing or gas lines, measure and create appropriate cutouts in the cabinet backs before mounting to the wall.
6. Continue installing remaining base cabinets, checking for level and plumb as you go.
7. Once all cabinets are properly positioned and shimmed, finish tightening all wall screws.

Step 3: Adding Toe Kicks

1. Once all base cabinets are secured, install toe kicks across the bottom front of the cabinets.
2. Measure and cut toe kicks to fit the length of each cabinet run.
3. Secure toe kicks in place according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Installing Fillers and Moldings

Step 1: Measuring and Cutting Fillers

1. Measure any gaps requiring filler pieces, which help accommodate odd dimensions between cabinet runs and walls.
2. Carefully trim fillers to the appropriate width with a saw.
3. Clamp the filler in place, drill pilot holes, and attach to the cabinet with #8 x 2½” frame attachment screws.

Step 2: Installing Crown and Trim Moldings

1. For trim moldings where cabinets meet walls, measure and cut to proper length. Use small finish nails or a pin nailer to attach where cabinet and wall meet.
2. For crown moldings along the top edge of wall cabinets, you may need to install blocking material first, especially for full overlay cabinets.
3. When moldings meet at an angle, use a miter box for proper cuts. Attach to the face frame using small finish nails or a pin nailer.

Final Steps

Step 1: Installing Hardware

1. Decide on the placement of your hardware and mark the locations on cabinet doors and drawers.
2. Drill holes for hardware screws using a drill bit that matches the size of your hardware screws.
3. Insert screws from the backside of doors and drawers, and attach hardware. Tighten until secure but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the wood.

Step 2: Reinstalling Doors and Drawers

1. Reinstall all cabinet doors, ensuring hinges are properly aligned and doors function smoothly.
2. Replace all drawers and shelves that were removed during installation.
3. Make any final adjustments to door hinges and drawer slides for proper alignment and function.

Florida-Specific Considerations

Climate Considerations

Florida’s humid climate can affect cabinets over time. Consider using materials and finishes that withstand humidity well and ensure proper sealing of all cabinets.

Professional Assistance

While DIY cabinet installation is possible, many Florida homeowners opt for professional installation services. As Eugene Bershadsky, a Senior Designer and Sales Manager at Impressions Kitchens USA notes, “While DIY can be appealing, professional kitchen cabinet installation services in Florida ensure precision and save you from potential costly mistakes”.

Conclusion

Installing kitchen cabinets in Florida requires attention to detail, proper planning, and awareness of local building codes. By following this step-by-step guide, you can achieve a successful cabinet installation that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your Florida kitchen. Remember to check with local authorities regarding permit requirements for your specific project, especially if it involves structural, electrical, or plumbing changes.

Whether you choose to tackle this project yourself or hire professionals, proper preparation and understanding the process will help ensure your new kitchen cabinets are installed correctly and will provide years of service in your Florida home.