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| Installing an In Wall Cabinet |
If you are like most people, the bookshelves in your home are already crowded, the cabinets and drawers full, and the closets jam-packed. If you haven’t already run out of storage space, you are probably close to it. Very often homes already have space for additional storage it just may not be where you have thought to look. One way to create space and add a little character to your home is to customize it with recessed or built-in cabinets – no need to knock down walls.
Here is what you will need:
One of the first things you’ll need to do is decide where you want to install the cabinet. Before you proceed further you’ll need to shut off the circuit breaker to the room and to any room on the opposite side of the wall.
Next, you will need to determine if there is anything behind the wall that will interfere with the cabinet installation. Plumbing pipes, heating ducts, electrical, telephone and cable wires can all interfere with the installation of a recessed cabinet. Also, you’ll want to use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where you want to install your cabinet. Many times if the wall is weight-bearing, studs can be removed or relocated if needed, but you’ll need to check with a qualified professional before cutting or removing a stud.
In order to really know if there is anything that could interfere with installation you will need to check inside the wall cavity. To do this, drill a pilot hole in the wall at the location that will be the center of the cabinet. Use a metal hanger (you may have to bend it slightly) to prod around inside the wall for anything that could cause a problem or complicate the cabinet installation. At this point, if everything looks clear you can enlarge the hole and look inside the wall cavity with a flashlight to be certain you do not encounter something unexpected. Keep in mind that any wires can be pushed either behind the cabinet or rerouted over the top of the cabinet so that they do not interfere.
Next, measure the outside of the cabinet and lightly mark the wall for the cabinet opening. Check to make sure that your lines are level. Then carefully cut, using a saw-like motion, along the lines with a drywall knife to create the opening for the cabinet.
Place the cabinet into the hole in the drywall and “test fit” it to make sure that it fits as it should and that it is level. Remove the cabinet and make adjustments as necessary.
Next, apply Loctite® Power Grab® construction adhesive to the back of the cabinet frame and outside edge. Take care to put adhesive anywhere that the cabinet will be in contact with the studs or wall to ensure it is securely bonded.
Place the cabinet back in the opening and press firmly into position. This will ensure that the cabinet adheres properly to the wall. You may need to lean a piece of wood against the cabinet until the adhesive has dried completely. Allow to thoroughly dry for at least 24 hours.
In a short period of time and with just a little elbow grease you’ll have a beautiful built-in cabinet for additional storage or to display your favorite items.
Special thanks to In Wall Cabinets for providing the cabinet featured in this project. Click here for more information and products available from In Wall Cabinets.
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