Installing Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) cabinets can feel like putting together a giant puzzle. You’ve chosen your style, maybe some shaker cabinets colors or perhaps the warm tones of light mocha kitchen cabinets.
You might even be drawn to the rich look of walnut RTA cabinets. The excitement builds as the boxes arrive, promising a fresh new look for your kitchen. But then comes the moment of truth: fitting them perfectly into your space.
Gaps can be a real headache, turning your dream kitchen into a source of frustration. This article will guide you through the essential steps to accurately calculate your filler needs, ensuring a seamless and professional-looking RTA cabinet installation.
The Importance of Precise Measurements
Accurate measurements are the bedrock of any successful cabinet installation. Skip this step, and you’re practically inviting gaps. Think of it like tailoring a suit; precise measurements ensure a perfect fit. Without them, you might end up with sleeves that are too short or a jacket that’s too tight.
The same principle applies to your affordable RTA cabinets. Start by measuring the total length of the wall where your cabinets will be installed. Do this at the floor, countertop height, and near the ceiling. Walls aren’t always perfectly straight, so these multiple measurements will reveal any discrepancies.
Note the largest measurement. Next, carefully measure the width of each cabinet you plan to install. Don’t just rely on the manufacturer’s specifications; double-check with your own measuring tape. Small variations can add up. Finally, identify any obstructions like pipes, electrical outlets, or windows. These will influence where your cabinets can be placed and where fillers might be necessary.
Understanding Filler Strips
Filler strips are your secret weapon against unsightly gaps. These plain pieces of wood, often available in matching cabinetfinishes, bridge the spaces between cabinets and walls or other fixed elements. Here is what they offer:
- They ensure a continuous, built-in appearance.
- They fill awkward spaces.
- They provide clearance for doors and drawers to open fully.
- They offer a surface for scribing to uneven walls.
Consider situations where filler strips are essential. If a run of cabinets ends against a wall that isn’t perfectly square, a filler strip can be scribed (cut to match the wall’s contour) to create a seamless transition.
Similarly, if you have a corner where two runs of cabinets meet, a filler strip in the corner can provide the necessary space for door and drawer hardware to operate without colliding.
Calculating Filler Needs: Step-by-Step Process
Following the right process to calculate your filler needs ensures that you don’t have to worry about issues down the road. Here is what you need to do.
Initial Measurement and Cabinet Width
First, determine the total width of all the RTA cabinets you’ll be installing in a specific run. Let’s say you have three cabinets, each 30 inches wide. Their combined width is 90 inches. Next, measure the total length of the wall where these cabinets will go.
If the wall is 92 inches long, the difference (92 – 90 = 2 inches) represents the total filler space you need to account for on that wall. This initial calculation gives you the total gap you need to address.
Distributing Filler Space
This 2-inch gap could be filled with a single 2-inch filler on one end, or split into two 1-inch fillers, one at each end. Consider the placement of doors and drawers when deciding how to distribute the filler space.
You might need a wider filler on one side to ensure a drawer doesn’t hit a wall when opened. Thinking about how your kitchen cabinets will function daily helps determine filler placement.
Accounting for Obstructions
Remember to account for any obstructions. If you have a 4-inch wide pipe sticking out 2 inches from the wall, you’ll need at least a 2-inch deep filler to cover it, and potentially more width to allow for cabinet placement. Obstructions dictate the minimum depth and sometimes the width of your builder cabinets.
Corner Installations
For corner installations, calculate the total width of the cabinets meeting in the corner and compare it to the wall dimensions extending from the corner. Any difference will likely require a filler.
Corner fillers ensure a smooth transition between cabinet runs and allow doors to open properly, especially important if you’ve chosen walnut shaker kitchen cabinets.
Double-Checking Measurements
Always double-check your measurements before ordering or cutting any filler strips. Small errors in measurement can lead to noticeable gaps, even with top-rated RTA cabinets. Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving a professional look with your good value kitchen cabinets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced installers can stumble when it comes to filler strips. One frequent error is underestimating the filler needed for door and drawer clearance, especially in corners. Here are the common mistakes that you need to avoid:
- Not accounting for out-of-square walls.
- Forgetting to account for appliance widths.
- Assuming all walls are perfectly straight.
- Not considering the swing of adjacent doors.
Final Thoughts
Calculating your filler needs accurately is a vital step in achieving a professional and gap-free RTA cabinet installation. Remember, even when choosing the cheapest kitchen cabinets online, attention to detail in installation makes all the difference.
Ready to start your dream kitchen project? Explore the wide selection of affordable RTA cabinets at Frugal Cabinets and get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How wide should a filler strip be?
The width depends on the gap you need to fill and any clearance requirements. Measure the space accurately.
Can I use the same filler for different cabinet finishes?
It’s best to use fillers that match your cabinet finish for a cohesive look.
What tools do I need to install filler strips?
You’ll typically need a measuring tape, level, drill, screws, saw, and possibly a scribing tool.
Where are filler strips typically used?
Fillers are common at the ends of cabinet runs, in corners, and around obstructions.
Are filler strips always necessary?
Not always, but they are often needed to achieve a professional and seamless installation.
