G-17 Installs cabinets and countertops

Overview

Cabinets and countertops often reach the installation site in sections, so they have to be assembled and fastened in the proper sequence. They must be installed securely, plumb and level, so the hardware and cabinet components work properly.

G-17.01 Performs final on-site assembly and fastening of cabinets and countertops

What you do

• Choose and use tools and equipment that suit the application.
• Check the site conditions to make sure it is ready for cabinet installation.
• Protect floors and surrounding areas from damage during delivery and installation.
• Locate structural components and utilities, and verify that they are suitable for the installation.
• Pre-assemble some cabinet components before installation where needed, following the shop drawings and site conditions.
• Lay out the cabinets from the shop drawings and site conditions.
• Modify cabinets on site when needed to meet the design requirements.
• Position, level and fasten cabinets to walls and floor so they are flush, aligned and installed to industry standards.
• Fit, assemble and fasten countertop components to the cabinets, using tools and equipment as well as scribing tools and equipment.
• Install trim components according to the design drawings.

What you need to know

• How cabinets are constructed; the conditions that affect final installation.
• The on-site assembly sequence shown on the shop drawings, and the sequence of work done by other trades.
• Mechanical fasteners, types of countertops and adhesives.
• Code requirements for cabinet and countertop installation.
• Tools and equipment, including scribing tools, and assembly and fastening procedures.
• How walls, ceilings and floors are built, and how to locate utilities in them.
• Installation techniques for fastening solid wood countertops.

Range of variables

• Conditions include: level floor, plumb walls, square corners, humidity and temperature.
• Structural components include: blocking, studs, joists, trusses.
• Mechanical fasteners include: screws, nails, wall anchors, concrete anchors, ready to assemble (RTA) fasteners, draw bolts.
• Types of countertops include: post form, self edge (G-17.02 adds solid wood).
• Tools and equipment include: power planes, jigsaws, belt sanders, knives, circular (track) saws, levels.
• Scribing tools and equipment include: compasses, pencils and spacers, contour gauges, scribing wheel.
• Trim components include: crown moulding, baseboard, spindles, decorative trims and profiles, light valences, fascia.
• Industry standards include: AWMAC, AWI, WI, CKCA, shop-specific standard.

G-17.02 Finalizes installation of cabinets and countertops

What you do

• Choose and use tools and equipment that suit the application.
• Install handles and accessory hardware according to the drawings and specifications.
• Check and adjust all doors, drawer fronts and hardware to industry standards, so they look better and run smoothly.
• Find and repair imperfections to industry standards.
• Seal cut-outs to industry standards.
• Clean the cabinets, countertop and worksite using cleaners.
• Choose and apply caulking and silicone to keep water from damaging the cabinets, making sure they are compatible with the wall finish.

What you need to know

• Cabinets and types of countertops, and their characteristics and applications.
• Tools, equipment and procedures for finalizing the installation.
• Cleaners and cleaning procedures.

Range of variables

• Tools and equipment include: drills, levels, screwdrivers, caulking guns, paint brushes, rollers.
• Imperfections include: scratches, dents, chips, misaligned joints, damaged components.
• Cut-outs include: sinks, plumbing, removable panels, wire chases.
• Cleaners include: methyl hydrate, thinners, solvents, green cleaners, soap and water.
• Types of countertops include: post form, self edge, solid wood.
• Industry standards include: AWMAC, AWI, WI, CKCA, shop-specific standard.

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Source: Red Seal Occupational Standard – Cabinetmaker, Task G-17 (pp. 118–121).