Posts Tagged ‘Screws’

Installing kitchen cabinets: Simpler than ever before

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Renovating kitchen cabinets does not necessarily mean that you need to incur huge costs. With a little time and ingenuity, you can save costs by installing the kitchen cabinets all by yourself. But this task does not have to be as daunting as it sounds. That’s because there are several sites online that offer detailed, step-by-step guides on the exact way to install kitchen cabinets.

How to go about installation?

Whether you’re installing kitchen cabinets for the first time or you’ve accomplished this rather uphill task in the past, there are certain steps to be borne in mind that will make this installation process a breeze. So, get that cup of coffee and go through the following carefully:

* While dismantling the old kitchen cabinets, make sure that all the screws and nails fixed to the wall are removed carefully and completely.
* In case you belong to the category of the first time installer, then it would be better to install the wall cabinets first and then move to the base. Also, make sure you start from a corner.
* Most cabinets come fitted with drawers and may not really make sense to dismantle them. But by doing so you will make the cabinets lighter. Make sure you know exactly where the drawers fit after the installation.
* You’ll need at least two people to complete the installation.
* Ensure that all the nails and studs are in place prior to the installation.
* It is also important to ascertain the place for all the other appliances in the kitchen like the gas, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and the like.
* An outlet for the microwave is essential before the installation.
* The process of leveling begins with a benchmark. It is a straight line that runs parallel to the floor all across the kitchen wall. This will enable you to ascertain the height for the structure and also mark the studs above this line.
* Investing in shimes is also a must. This will make sure that the cabinets are installed in a straight line.
* You’ll also require the services of scribes. These pieces fit between the wall and the cabinets and smoothen out the undulations in the wall. Apart from creating a neat finish, they also ensure that the drawers do not come in contact with the wall.
* Lastly, you must make sure that the quality of the nails and hinges are of a very high standard.

Before attempting the installation of kitchen cabinets, a look at the several videos and installation guides on online sites will definitely be very enlightening. You could also think in terms of the CD-ROM on installation of kitchen cabinets available on Amazon.

Installing kitchen cabinets can give just about anybody sleepless nights. But with so many guides at your disposal, you can actually sleepwalk through the entire process. Here’s wishing you all the very best

Copper backsplash: Let your kitchen shimmer

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

Copper is one material that has withstood the test of time. It has been in vogue for generations and is arguably one of the most practical work surfaces around. Little wonder then, that the copper backsplash is making its mark in several kitchens. It’s not the kitchen, but also the people owning kitchens with the copper backsplash that are shimmering all the time.

Copper backsplash: Lends class to all styles

The copper backsplash adds tremendous aura to a country styled kitchen. But its magic extends beyond the confines of the rustic looking kitchen. The backsplash is equally at home in modern, contemporary and traditional kitchens. Such is the versatility of this classic metal. Over a period of time, the backsplash gains a distressed look that looks truly breathtaking. One look at the copper backsplash and you’re bound to agree that all that glitters is certainly not gold!

Copper backsplash installation

Installing a copper backsplash is as easy as installing a backsplash made of any other material. But there are a few points that need to be borne in mind while installing a copper backsplash. Like the fact that copper does not require the use of nails or screws but only adhesive caulk. A few coats of lacquer are all that is needed to maintain that shiny exterior and protect the backsplash from those ugly fingerprints and change in color. Copper is a rather brittle metal so you must take care against scratching and denting. It’s easy to install, something that you can do on your own. After all, there are no cracks and leaks that you need to worry about. But be very sure to wear safety gloves while cutting the copper pieces.

Designs galore

If you have decided to add that copper charm to the country tone of your kitchen space, then you have plenty of choices. You can either go in for the copper tile backsplash or copper slate backsplash, or even the rather enigmatic looking copper or brass look backsplash. In case you do install the counter sheet backsplash make sure you afford it adequate protection from turning green. Even the copper backsplash panel is quite a rage. Both sealed and unsealed copper backsplashes can create a unique effect. Whatever the finish or design that you choose, you be rest assured of one thing that copper is definitely more effective than stainless steel as it is a highly anti- microbial surface. But what about the copper backsplash price? You’ll find something that fits most budgets.

The copper backsplash exudes charm like no other metal. For the compete effect, go in for a copper sink with copper faucets and watch your family gleam with joy.