Key Tips for Installing European Frameless Kitchen Cabinetry

For the installation of European frameless kitchen cabinetry, precision and meticulous attention to detail are key. Here are tips to assist you and your contractor in preparing for a seamless fitting, ensuring a great fit and finish with European frameless cabinetry. This is not an exhaustive compilation of best practices or installation instructions; rather, they are Pro Tips gleaned from installer oversights noted over the past decade. Drawing lessons from others' errors not only saves time but also enhances client satisfaction.

Team Client Happiness

We're both part of Team Client Happiness. And, we’re here to assist you in completing the job. Although product concerns, damages or discrepancies are rare, they can occur. Your expertise is invaluable, and we appreciate your on-site knowledge and solution. If you encounter an issue or concern, please let us know before taking any action. Options to keep the job going is to use the provided touch up kit (paint and wood only), reorder or order parts as well as your ability to do a field fix. We're here to assist, but to prevent surprises, all field fixes need a photo showing the issue and your cost estimates for approval before doing the work. Any shipping nicks and scratches on the fronts that cannot be remedied with the touch-up kit should be reported and photographed before installation and within two weeks of receiving the cabinet. Sorry, we are unable to consider invoices for unapproved work.

Concerns? Contact Customer Service Director at kurt@modcabinetry.com or 510 288 3491

Review

1. Print and review the Mod Cabinetry Layout given to you by the client. This information is vital for correctly fitting and arranging cabinets. The plans include item numbers that match layout.
2. Retain and review the load list given by the delivery company or by the client.
3. Retain and review the appliance specifications given by the client.
4. Review the installation of European Frameless cabinetry if you don't do it regularly. This installation method requires precision door and drawer adjustments as well as cutting, scribing, and installing panels, along with constructing two-part fillers, crown molding, and light rails (backer rail + facade). Mod Cabinetry clients come to us for a modern flush look, thus all these elements need to align flush with the door and drawer fronts. It's crucial not to recess these finishing pieces, as in align them with the casework, unless specifically requested by the client. Remember, if you trim them to fit flush with the casework, new panels may need to be purchased if the client requires them to  align with door and drawer fronts.

Verify

1. Remeasure the kitchen space and compare the measurements against the shop drawings/cabinet plans. Verify the placement of electrical outlets, plumbing lines, and any other obstructions that may impact the cabinet layout.
2. Check for out-of-plumb and out-of-level walls. Frameless cabinets require very flat walls for a proper flush fit. You will need shims behind or beneath the cabinets to adjust for any wall or floor imperfections. This helps keep the cabinets flush against the wall, level and aligned with each other.

Preparation

1. Remove Shelves, Doors and Drawers

• Label and remove doors to protect their fronts from damage during installation and by other trades. Store them safely with a protective blanket wrap.

1. Dry-Fitting Cabinets

• Before securing any cabinets, dry-fit or temporarily position each cabinet box and appliance in its planned location without fastening it. This allows you to check for proper fit and alignment.
• Use shims behind the cabinets to level them against uneven walls during the dry-fit process. This helps identify any shimming needs before permanent installation.
• Inspect for potential interference with appliances, windows, or other obstructions, and make necessary adjustments to the cabinet layout.

1. Appliance Verification

• Review the appliance specs carefully and cross-reference them with the cabinet plans to ensure proper fit and clearances in the designated appliance cabinet openings.
• During the cabinet installation, prepare the appliance openings precisely according to the manufacturer's specifications. Tape the spec sheets inside the openings as a reference.
• Ensure that appliance cabinets like those for slide-in ranges or farmhouse sinks are installed with the proper depth and height to allow the appliance to fit flush and operate correctly.
• Double-check that cabinet door swings and any filler panels will not interfere with the operation or venting of the appliances once installed.
• If appliance panels need to be attached to the cabinetry, review those specifications as well

By thoroughly field verifying measurements and dry-fitting the cabinets before installation, contractors can identify and resolve any issues related to fit, alignment, or obstructions. This crucial step helps prevent problems and ensures a precise, professional installation of European frameless kitchen cabinetry.

Finishing Touches

1. Scribe Panels: These panels can be sold in oversized dimensions, allowing them to be scribed to the wall for a seamless and polished finish.
2. Scribe Filler Strips: Utilize a backing block to support the filler.
3. Install Light Rail. Not all designs include a light rail. Check the plans. Use a backer block to build out light rail.
4. Crown Molding. Not all designs include crown molding Check the plans. Use a backer block to build out the crown.
5. Install Toe Kick
6. Replace Shelves, Drawers, and Doors
7. Adjust  European-Style Hinges .We utilize European-style concealed hinges and glides tailored for frameless cabinets, enabling micro adjustments in various directions for optimal revels and alignment. Verify the embossed brand name on the hinges and glides of the purchased collection. Follow the hinge manufacturer's guidance and videos to achieve seamless door operation and alignment through incremental height, depth, and side adjustments until perfect alignment is achieved. Our selections includes Blum, Salice, DTC, and Hettich hinges based on the ordered collection.
   We have gathered insights from installers online to serve as a valuable resource for your consideration. Please cross reference with the instructions from the manufacturer:
   

1. Blum Hinges and Glides
2. Salice Hinges and Glides
3. Hettich Hinges and Glides
4. DTC Hinges and Glides

8. Install decorative hardware last. When installing decorative hardware like knobs, pulls, and handles on cabinets please use a cabinet hardware jig or template

Summary of Key Tips for Installing European Frameless Kitchen Cabinetry

1. Retain and Review:

• Refer to the Mod Cabinetry Layout Installers Version and appliance specifications.

1. Field Verify:

• Measure and compare kitchen space to plans, check for out-of-plumb/level walls, and use shims as needed.

2. Preparation:

• Remove and label shelves, doors, and drawers.
• Dry-fit cabinets and appliances, level against walls with shims, and adjust as needed.
• Verify appliance specs and prepare openings to ensure proper fit.

3. Finishing Touches:

• Scribe panels and filler strips, install light rail and toe kick, replace shelves, drawers, and doors.
• Adjust European-style hinges for proper door operation and alignment.
• Install cabinet hardware.

Mod Cabinetry exclusively sells cabinets that are designed, built, and delivered. Please note we do not offer installation services nor installation consultation. This is not an exhaustive compilation of best practices or installation instructions; rather, they are Pro Tips gleaned from installer oversights noted over the past decade. Drawing lessons from others' errors not only saves time but also enhances client satisfaction. Our shared client is required to hire a skilled professional familiar with European Frameless cabinetry, as outlined in the purchase contract. Be sure you are confident and comfortable with European Frameless cabinets. The above tips and actions are crucial aspects for installers/contractors when providing bids for any European Cabinet installations.