2 Min. Read

Family DIY TV’s Mike Sante is back with another episode on the progress of his DIY kitchen remodel. Mike worked with CliqStudios designer, Lucas, to create this gorgeous and grand transitional-style kitchen in Newport Lily and Chai. In this episode Mike walks us through how he installed the cabinets on his refrigerator wall, which is the method he would use for the remainder of his kitchen installation.



Taking a laser level and a measuring tape, Mike started by checking to see if his ceiling and floors were level. He quickly learned that one side of the room was taller than the other. Based on this discovery, Mike recommended to start installation on the shorter side of the room, so the wall cabinets don’t run into the ceiling. Prior to any cabinet installation, he marked off where studs were located on the back wall, so it would be easier to navigate as cabinets went up. 


Mike Sante of Family DIY TV using a laser level on his wall before kitchen cabinet installationMike Sante of Family DIY TV using a laser level on his wall before kitchen cabinet installation
Kitchen cabinet installation

Another tip Mike recommended is to use a ledger rail to help with wall cabinet installation. Ledger rails are long strips of level wood screwed into the wall that act as a support for the back of wall cabinets to rest on. They also ensure everything is level, and you can even mark your stud locations on this wood strip for convenience as well. With the assistance of shims and wood clamps, Mike used his level to confirm everything was plumb before screwing cabinet face frames together and attaching cabinets to the stud locations on the wall.  


Mike Sante of Family DIY TV using a ledger rail to support wall cabinets during cabinet installationMike Sante of Family DIY TV using a ledger rail to support wall cabinets during cabinet installation
Ledger rail for wall cabinet support
Mike Sante of Family DIY TV using a ledger rail to support wall cabinets during cabinet installationMike Sante of Family DIY TV using a ledger rail to support wall cabinets during cabinet installation
Ledger rail for wall cabinet support

Once the installation was complete, Mike started walking through some kitchen upgrades he included. Mike enjoys the idea of a smart kitchen so touchless faucets, voice-controlled lighting, built-in speakers, and color-changing lights were all a no-brainer. Some final touches included undercabinet lighting and toe kick lighting which created an upscale look.  

 

Do you love Mike’s kitchen remodel? Explore Newport cabinets now! 


Refrigerator wall of white shaker kitchen cabinets with under cabinet lighting and toe kick lightingRefrigerator wall of white shaker kitchen cabinets with under cabinet lighting and toe kick lighting
Newport kitchen cabinets in Lily