Flory Francene

Leveling Kitchen Cabinets For Granite: A Personal Experience

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen countertops to granite, I knew I had to level my kitchen cabinets to ensure a smooth and even installation. At first, I was hesitant and intimidated to do it myself, but after conducting thorough research and seeking advice from professionals, I successfully leveled my kitchen cabinets and installed my granite countertops without any issues. In this article, I will share my personal experience and provide a step-by-step guide, top 10 tips and ideas, pros and cons, and my review and suggestion on leveling kitchen cabinets for granite.

Step-by-Step Guide

Tools Needed:

• Level
• Shims
• Plywood strips
• Drill
• Screws
• Screwdriver

1. Remove all items from the cabinets and remove the cabinet doors and drawers.
2. Using a level, check the cabinets for any unevenness. If the cabinets are not level, use shims to level them. Place the shims under the cabinets until they are level.
3. Using a drill, attach the cabinets to the wall with screws.
4. Measure and cut plywood strips to size and place them on top of the cabinets to provide additional support for the granite countertops.
5. Reattach the cabinet doors and drawers.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

1. Use a long level that spans the entire length of the cabinets to ensure accuracy.
2. Use shims made of plastic or composite materials to prevent warping and swelling due to moisture.
3. Place shims at the corners and the middle of the cabinets for added stability.
4. Use plywood strips that are at least ¾ inch thick for additional support.
5. Consider hiring a professional if you are not comfortable with DIY projects.
6. Ensure all cabinets are level before attaching them to the wall.
7. Check the level of the cabinets after attaching them to the wall to ensure they have not shifted.
8. Recheck the level after installing the plywood strips to ensure they are still level.
9. Use screws that are long enough to securely attach the cabinets to the wall.
10. Take your time and double-check your work to avoid costly mistakes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ensures a smooth and even installation of granite countertops.
• Provides additional support for heavy countertops.
• Helps prevent damage to the countertops and cabinets.
• Improves the overall look and feel of the kitchen.

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
• May require professional assistance if you are not comfortable with DIY projects.
• May require additional materials and tools.
• May require adjustments over time due to settling or shifting of the cabinets.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, leveling my kitchen cabinets for granite was a worthwhile investment of time and effort. It ensured a smooth and even installation of my granite countertops and provided additional support for the heavy countertops. I recommend taking your time and double-checking your work to avoid costly mistakes. If you are not comfortable with DIY projects, consider hiring a professional to ensure a successful installation.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: How do I know if my kitchen cabinets need to be leveled for granite countertops?

A: Use a level to check for any unevenness in the cabinets. If the cabinets are not level, they will need to be leveled before installing granite countertops.

Q: Can I level my kitchen cabinets myself?

A: Yes, you can level your kitchen cabinets yourself if you are comfortable with DIY projects. However, if you are not comfortable, consider hiring a professional to ensure a successful installation.

Q: What materials do I need to level my kitchen cabinets for granite countertops?

A: You will need a level, shims, plywood strips, a drill, screws, and a screwdriver.

Q: How long does it take to level kitchen cabinets for granite countertops?

A: The time it takes to level kitchen cabinets for granite countertops depends on the size and complexity of the project. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.