Installing new kitchen cabinets can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Many homeowners wonder if they should install the upper or lower cabinets first. While there is no definitive right or wrong way, there are some pros and cons to each approach. Here is a detailed look at whether to install upper or lower kitchen cabinets first.
Introduction
When renovating a kitchen, installing the cabinets is a major milestone. Getting the order right will make the whole process flow smoother. The main decision is whether to start with the wall cabinets (uppers) or base cabinets (lowers).
This article will discuss the following key points:
- The pros and cons of installing upper cabinets first
- The pros and cons of putting in lower cabinets first
- Other factors to consider when deciding on order
- A final recommendation on which is the better approach
After reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of the ideal cabinet installation order for your kitchen remodeling project.
Installing Upper Cabinets First
Tackling the upper cabinets is often the more intuitive starting point. However, there are good reasons why beginning with the lower cabinets may be the wiser route. Let’s look at the potential benefits of installing wall cabinets first.
Allows More Unobstructed Space
The main advantage of installing upper cabinets first is that you have a wide-open floor space to work in. Without base cabinets and countertops in place, you can move freely around the whole kitchen area.
This makes carrying large cabinets in and having room to step back to check alignment much easier. It also allows cabinets to be temporarily placed on the floor while adjusting filler strips and other fittings.
Easier to Envision Final Layout
With just the wall cabinets mounted, it can be easier to visualize the final kitchen layout. You get a clear sense of the position and size of the uppers.
This can help better plan base cabinet placement to align countertops and appliances properly. It also allows assessing if any upper cabinets need repositioning.
Sets Level Base for Lowers
The bottom edge of the wall cabinets provides a level base point to work down from. This helps keep the base cabinets aligned and the countertop heights consistent.
Without the uppers installed, determining the correct height for the lower cabinets can be trickier.
Cons of Installing Uppers First
However, starting with the upper cabinets also has some distinct disadvantages.
Increased Difficulty Installing Lowers
Having the base cabinets in place first means you can stand on them to install the wall cabinets. Without this elevated platform, installing the uppers requires more equipment or assistance.
Accurately marking mounting points on the wall is also trickier from floor level. Having the base cabinets installed provides a better reference point for placement.
Potential Countertop Misalignment
While the bottom of the wall cabinets does provide a level guideline, you still need to account for the thickness of the countertop when positioning the lower cabinets.
Even slightly off measurements can mean the countertop is out of alignment between the base and wall cabinets. It’s easier to keep everything aligned working from the base up.
Creates Obstacles for Lowers
The existing upper cabinets can get in the way during base cabinet installation. They make it harder to fit larger cabinets into place and create tight working spaces.
Installing Lower Cabinets First
Now let’s examine the potential advantages of starting your kitchen cabinet installation with the base units first.
Ease of Installation
Having base cabinets in place provides a platform to stand on, making installing the wall cabinets much easier. This avoids the need for ladders or scaffolding.
You can use the tops of the lower cabinets as a reference point for where to position and install the uppers. The base cabinets make it simpler to find wall studs for secure mounting.
Ensures Proper Alignment
Starting with the base cabinets means you can create an accurate countertop height and level line to work up from.
This helps align the upper cabinets precisely with the countertop and avoid any uneven surfaces between the lowers and uppers.
Unobstructed Working Space
Without wall cabinets overhead, you have wide-open access for installing the larger base cabinets. This allows easy maneuvering and fitting.
Cons of Starting With Lower Cabinets
However, beginning with the lower kitchen cabinets also has some potential downsides.
Disrupts Kitchen Usability
Having base cabinets installed first without upper cabinets means no completed kitchen storage or countertops yet. This can disrupt normal kitchen use during the renovation.
Makes Visualizing Layout Harder
Without the wall cabinets in place, it may be more difficult to envision the final kitchen layout and proper lower cabinet positioning.
Requires More Temporary Supports
Base cabinets will need more bracing and temporary supports without the uppers installed first. This adds time and complexity to the installation process.
Other Considerations When Deciding Order
Beyond just upper or lower cabinets first, there are a few other factors that can influence install order:
- Kitchen layout – Galley or L-shaped kitchens may do best starting with uppers, while large open designs favor lowers first.
- Countertop material – Integrated countertops like granite favor installing lowers first for proper fit.
- Cabinet style – Frameless cabinets are easier to align than face-frame.
- Wall material – Drywall allows easier upper install than masonry, which favors lowers first.
- Appliances – If integrating appliances, having lowers in place provides the right openings.
Recommendation on Order
While there are pros and cons to both approaches, overall it is best practice to install lower cabinets first.
The ease of installation and alignment benefits generally outweigh the wider working space of uppers first. This order also minimizes disruption to kitchen use during renovation.
However, for difficult layouts like galley kitchens, starting with the upper cabinets can work better. Just take extra care that base cabinet height and countertop alignments are precise.
Do You Install Upper or Lower Kitchen Cabinets First? – In Summary
Deciding on installation order for new kitchen cabinets is an important decision. While there are benefits to installing upper cabinets first, it is usually wise to begin with the lower cabinets.
Key takeaways:
- Lower cabinets first provides a clear reference point for upper cabinet placement.
- Countertop alignment and height will be more accurate starting from base cabinets.
- Installation of uppers is easier with lowers providing a standing platform.
- It minimizes disruption to normal kitchen use during renovation.
- Tricky kitchen layouts can sometimes benefit from upper cabinets first.
Carefully think through your kitchen design, cabinet types, and countertop material when planning best install order. But in most cases, focus on getting those base cabinets in first to make the rest of the process smoother.
With your cabinet installation sequenced properly, you’ll avoid alignment issues and be one big step closer to your dream kitchen!