Install
Your kitchen components will then be prepared for you, either flat-packed for ease of handling or pre-assembled by us as carcasses ready for installation. And if DIY is not your forte, Boardprep will be happy to put you in touch with an experienced kitchen installer, who will share your vision. And that’s all there is to it!
If you are either DIY proficient, or ready to take on the challenge, read on…
DIY Hints and Tips
Kitchens have always been the heart of the home but nothing makes time spent in the kitchen quite as enjoyable as having everything set up just the way you like it, complimented by the satisfaction of knowing that you did it all yourself. Boardprep’s RTA Flat Pack Kitchens make that possible with a range of modern, stylish and surprisingly affordable kitchen options you can design and build yourself. Satisfaction is guaranteed because you’re in control of the whole process. You can design it just the way you want, walk into Boardprep, buy everything you need, and install it yourself whenever it suits you. Boardprep staff are always there to answer any questions and help with the design process.
A few easy steps to your dream kitchen!
Instructions Are Crucial
Installing your flat pack kitchen is a step up from the average kitset assembly job. More units to assemble, more drawers to fit, more cupboard doors to install, plumbing and electrical connections all have to be in the right place and the result must fit perfectly in your kitchen space. Design and planning is usually straightforward but just throwing everything together the moment you get your flat pack kitchen home can lead to disaster. This is one of those jobs where it pays to familiarise yourself with the assembly instructions before you start. Instructions are clear and logical, but there is a lot to understand, so read carefully, unpack your cabinetry and fixings and lay them all out so you can see exactly what you’re dealing with. Taking the time to follow the assembly instructions step-by-step will ensure creating your new kitchen is a rewarding experience.
Installation
Turn off electricity, gas and water and remove appliances, old cabinets, and worktops. Use a registered electrician and plumber to rewire and install new plumbing.
Remove existing kitchen
Take care not to damage walls and fittings creating extra work for yourself.
Prepare walls
Flat, straight surfaces are important for good installation. Repair or replace any damaged walls. If putting in new wall linings, refer to manufacturers installation instructions. It is good practice to prime and apply the first coat of paint.
Mark worktop height
Mark worktop height on the wall (from lowest point if floor isn’t level) and run a level line around the walls.
Assemble cabinets
Assemble each individual cabinetry unit as per instructions. All holes are predrilled and panels come prepped with dowel holes to ensure a perfect panel to panel fit. Match and check panels before assembly (applying a piece of tape and naming each panel helps streamline the assembly process) and take the process step-by-step
Cabinet cutouts
Measure, mark and cut openings in the back of cabinets for plumbing, electrical and gas services
Install cabinets
Put cabinetry units into place starting with a corner unit (or with an end unit if no corners), then screw the cabinet units together.
Adjust cabinet height
Once cabinets are in place, adjust to height line marked on wall. Check the level as you go, then anchor the cabinets to the wall.
Check worktop fit
Position the worktop so overhang at the front is parallel with the cabinets (standard overhang is 40mm.) Mark out the trim line following the contour of the wall. Remove the worktop, and trim to the line using an electric planer
Cut holes in worktop
Refit the worktop. Mark cut-out lines for sink and hob using the templates supplied, then apply masking tape over the lines (you can see the lines through the tape) to help protect the surface of the worktop from chipping as you cut out with the jigsaw. Take the time to double check the position of your cut outs and remove the worktop from cabinets before you cut.
Refit the worktop
Refit worktop, glue sections of worktop together, using a good 2 part epoxy and screw worktop to cabinets.
Fit sink insert
Run a bead of silicone sealant around the underside lip of the sink, then secure it into position on the underside of the worktop using the fasteners supplied.
Install wall cabinets
Install wall cabinets the same way as the floor cabinets but be sure to attach the cabinets to masonry as plasterboard will not provide strong enough support.
Fit the fronts
Fit cabinetdoors, drawer fronts and drawer handles as per assembly instructions.
Fit kick plates
If floor isn’t level you’ll need to trim the bottom of the kick plates to fit. Mark out trim line and trim to line using an electric plane. Fit clips, and attach to the adjustable legs. Using a quality silicone, seal around bottom of the kick plate panels where they meet the floor to protect your kitchen from water spills.
Congratulations. You have just completed your new kitchen installation.
