by Ruth Jimenez
Everyone is trying to save money by doing home renovation projects themselves. Things that just two years ago you may have hired someone to do are now being done by thrifty homeowners. One such project you may consider doing yourself is renovating your bathroom and this can include installing new bathroom storage cabinets.
You can go to any local cabinet shop or home improvement store and purchase your new storage cabinets and get expert advice on your design ideas for your renovation. Most cabinet specialist will help you with a variety of aspects like choosing the type of cabinets that will utilize your space properly. For example you may be able to incorporate a medicine cabinet or maybe a large cabinet to store extra towels and bedding.
Once you have purchased your storage cabinet then you need to make sure you have the necessary tools to install them properly. Here is a list of tools you should have on hand:
1. Screw Gun-Either electric or battery operated will work fine.
2. Drill bit-This will let you drill a pilot hole so that you do not split the wood while running screws into the cabinet.
Fences, unlike punishments, clearly mark out the perimeters of any specified territory. Young children learn where it is permissible to play, because their backyard fence plainly outlines the safe area. They learn about the invisible fence that surrounds the stove, and that Grandma has an invisible barrier around her cabinet of antique teacups.
—Jeanne Elium (20th century)
3. Screws-Many cabinet companies such as Norcraft may recommend a # 8 or 10 screw.
4. Level-To make sure that you are installing the cabinet level.
5. Pencil-To mark the level line, making installation easier.
6. Stud Finder-Many people prefer to use these to help them locate the wall studs behind the drywall.
7. Two People-For the non professional installer it is important and very helpful to have an extra person on hand.
Once you have gathered the necessary tools to install your storage cabinet the installation process is not that difficult. Here is an example of how to install a vanity wall cabinet such as a toilet topper. First you want to measure up to 55" (this is the recommended height to avoid hitting the average person's head).
In a cabinet of natural history, we become sensible of a certain occult recognition and sympathy in regard to the most unwieldy and eccentric forms of beast, fish, and insect.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
Make a mark at that height and then take the level and draw a line that is at least as long as the cabinet is wide. Then you will want to locate the studs. It is very important that you find at least one stud and preferable two when you are hanging a wall cabinet. Not doing so could result in seriously hurting someone. Once you have located the stud mark the stud on your level line.
Now, have your helper hold the cabinet into place, holding it perfectly along the level line. Make a mark on the inside of the cabinet where you should drill the pilot holes. They should line up with where the studs are.
Lower the cabinet and used your drill bit and screw gun to drill your pilot holes. When you do this you need to drill the holes on the hang rails that all cabinet manufactures have on their cabinets. Some are on the inside of the cabinets; most are on the outside and are the wood pieces that run the width of the cabinet on the top and the bottom of the cabinet.
Once you have done this place the cabinet back in place and then use your screws to attach the cabinet to the wall. Make sure that you have successfully hit the studs with at least two screws, one on the top and one on the bottom. Following these instructions should give you a quick, level installation of a bathroom storage cabinet.