How to Install Blue Kitchen Cabinets

21 Dec How to Install Blue Kitchen Cabinets

Blue kitchen cabinets can add a bold, dramatic splash of color to your kitchen design. Vibrant navy or soft powder blue cabinets make a statement and showcase your style. And contrary to popular belief, blue cabinets work wonderfully in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.

If you’re ready to take the plunge with blue cabinets, this comprehensive DIY guide will walk you through the entire installation process. We’ll cover everything from selecting cabinet styles and finishes to prepping your kitchen for installation day. Read on to learn insider tips for ensuring your new blue kitchen cabinets look like a professional installer tackled the job.

Choosing Your Blue Kitchen Cabinets

The first step is selecting your dream blue kitchen cabinets. Here are the main factors to consider during the selection process:

Cabinet Door Style

There are numerous kitchen cabinet door styles to evaluate, including shaker, inset, overlay, and flat panel. The clean, simple lines of Shaker-style cabinets pair nicely with vivid blue finishes. For a more ornate, formal aesthetic, inset cabinetry brings both depth and dimension.

Color Tone

Blue kitchen cabinets are available in light powder blue, calming navy, or bold cobalt. Decide whether you want a soft blue hue that blends into your existing decor or an eye-catching shade that energizes the whole kitchen.

Finish

Will your blue cabinets have a glossy or matte finish? Glossy cabinets reflect more light, accentuating the blue tone. Matte finishes offer a more muted effect. Consider neighboring elements like backsplashes and countertops; contrasting finishes prevent your kitchen from feeling flat.

Quality Materials

Focus your search on cabinets constructed from moisture-resistant plywood rather than medium density fiberboard (MDF). Plywood withstands humidity better while providing superior strength.

Once you pinpoint the perfect blue kitchen cabinets for your vision, order them 8-10 weeks before your ideal installation date. This lead time allows the manufacturer to construct and deliver your custom cabinets. Now let’s talk about preparing your kitchen for installation day!

Preparing Your Kitchen for Cabinet Installation

Installing new kitchen cabinets requires careful planning and prep work. Creating an organized, empty workspace sets your blue kitchen cabinet installation up for success.

Here is a checklist of tasks to complete before the installation technicians arrive:

Clear Countertops & Floor Space

Remove everything from your countertops and clear a wide workspace around the full perimeter of your kitchen. This allows ample room for cabinets to be maneuvered into place. Cover countertops with protective cardboard or plywood sheeting to prevent damage.

Label Cabinets & Doors

Before uninstalling your old kitchen cabinets, label each door and drawer with painter’s tape. Write the corresponding cabinet number. This prevents mix-ups when installing your new blue cabinets and ensures doors/drawers are reinstalled in proper place.

Photograph Kitchen Layout

Take photos of your current kitchen layout from multiple angles. Refer back to these images when installing new cabinets to maintain optimal alignment. Pay close attention to corner cabinet positioning and appliance/sink clearances.

Disconnect Appliances

Unplug, disconnect, and relocate freestanding appliances like microwaves and stand mixers out of the kitchen workspace. For built-in appliances, shut off water/gas lines and disconnect prior to cabinet removal.

Pack Up Kitchenware

Pack up all food, dishes, cookware, and other kitchen items. Moving them into temporary storage clears additional space for the installation project.

Deep Clean Surfaces

Clear dirt, dust, grease, and grime from all kitchen surfaces. Start by washing walls, empty cabinets, and drawers. Scrub the sink, countertops, and backsplash. Finally, mop floors thoroughly. Cleaner surfaces allow for better cabinet installation.

Now your kitchen is prepped for the exciting task of installing vivid new blue cabinets!

Installing Blue Kitchen Cabinets: Step-By-Step

Once demolition is complete and the new cabinets arrive onsite, you’re ready to install your bold blue kitchen cabinets. Follow this step-by-step guide for seamless results:

Install Mounting Rails

Measure and mount sturdy 2×4 wood rails along the kitchen walls to support floor and wall cabinet frames. Level rails using a laser level. Apply shims if necessary to compensate for uneven walls.

Hang Wall Cabinets

Working one section at a time, temporarily hang wall cabinets on mounting rails. Ensure doors open/close correctly and cabinets are level. Then drive screws through cabinet frames securing them into studs behind the wall.

Install Wall Cabinet Trim

Apply coordinating trim pieces to cover any visible gaps along the tops, bottoms, and sides of wall cabinets. Trim gives your blue kitchen cabinets a built-in custom appearance.

Set Base Cabinet Frames

Now set the base cabinet frames in place. Verify the units are level and make any adjustments by tapering included leveling legs. Weight down temporarily to prevent shifting.

Secure Base Cabinets Together

Drill pilot holes and drive screws through adjacent cabinet side panels. This joins frames together to form one integrated base unit. Check for level frequently as you work across kitchen.

Attach Base Cabinets to Wall

With all base cabinet frames interlocked and level, drill pilot holes through back panel of cabinet box then drive long screws into the wall studs. This anchors the entire base run securely.

Install Decorative Trim

Slide coordinating trim pieces over edges of base cabinets to finish the aesthetic. Use caulk to fill any remaining gaps then touch-up with matching blue paint if needed.

Install Cabinet Doors & Drawers

Refer to the labels you applied during demolition and reattach all original cabinet doors/drawers or install the new ones included with your order. Verify alignments are correct and doors/drawers open/close smoothly.

Install Countertops

Set your chosen countertop in place, allowing overhang space for barstools as applicable. Some countertops like granite require adhesives while others like butcher block simply sit atop cabinets. Follow material-specific guidance.

Apply Protective Finish Wipe down all blue kitchen cabinets to remove dust and debris accumulated during install. Then apply two coats of a protective polyurethane finish which adds sheen while protecting the blue paint.

That concludes installing stunning new blue kitchen cabinets from start to finish! Now rearrange appliances, unpack kitchenware, and admire your beautiful renovated kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I paint existing cabinets blue?

Thoroughly clean cabinet surfaces then apply two coats of high-adhesion primer. Once dry, lightly sand then wipe away dust. Finally, apply at least two coats of durable cabinet paint in your preferred shade of blue. Allow proper drying times between coats.

What color backsplash pairs well with blue cabinets?

Vivid blue cabinets shine against backsplashes in crisp white, light granite, or stainless steel. For softer cabinet tones, consider warm backsplash hues like beige or brown that accent the blue in a subtle way.

Should I install new cabinets before or after countertops?

Installing cabinet frames before countertops allows you to achieve the perfect height for your counter overhang. Then top them off with freshly cut countertop slabs.

What if my walls are uneven?

Use tapered shims when mounting rails to compensate for dips or bumps. Shim to create a consistent flat plane for precise cabinet installation.

Can I install blue kitchen cabinets myself?

With proper planning, patience, and help from a few friends, DIY blue kitchen cabinet installation is totally achievable! Just take things slow and adhere to all safety precautions. Or hire a professional installer if you prefer to sit back and relax.

Conclusion

Installing eye-catching blue kitchen cabinets injects vibrant personality into your home. By following this guide’s step-by-step process, your custom cabinets can be set up for functionality and aesthetic appeal. Just don’t forget those important prep tasks – clearing space, disconnecting appliances, and deep cleaning. Considering black kitchen cabinets? With some strategic elbow grease, you can either embrace the bold elegance of black or opt for a DIY transformation, crafting stunning blue cabinets that will undoubtedly be the envy of everyone who enters your kitchen!