How To Install Molding On Your Old Cabinet
Molding is what truly defines a custom cabinet. Most cabinets are plain boxes, so the molding design is of the utmost importance. If you want to update your cabinet and make it look more modern, you can install a new molding. This is a relatively simple DIY project that you can do with a few basic power tools. This article explains how to install new molding on an old cabinet.
What You Need
All you really need for the installation is a compound miter saw and a pneumatic nail gun. It is also important that you are mindful of the width of your new molding. You don't want it it to be so big that it hits your doors or drawers. But, you do want it to be wider than your existing molding so it covers any lines left behind by the old product. You will also need some chisels and a hammer to remove the existing molding.
Cutting and Installing the Molding
First, cut the flat piece that will run into the wall. Then hold that piece up to the edge of the cabinet where it will be installed. Mark the back side with a pencil. This way you don't need to waste your time with a measuring tape. You will then make your first angled cut on the pencil mark. Before you go any further, check the length. If it looks good, attach to the cabinet. When shooting, make sure your shoot through the thickest part of the molding. Also, make sure you hit nails into the wall and into the cabinet. Also, check the pressure of the gun. If the pressure is too high, you could shoot right through the wood. If the pressure is too low, the nail head could stick out.
Then, when it comes time to install the next piece you cut the angled piece, put it in place and then mark the other end. Once that piece is cut to the right length and you double check it, you can attach it to the cabinet. Just start at one at one end of the cabinet and work your way all the way around it.
As you can see, changing the molding on your cabinet is quite simple if you have the right tools. The hardest part is probably getting the molding design to match up along the angled cuts. If you follow these tips, you will end up with a better end result. For assistance, talk to a professional like Scott Arthur Millwork & Cabinetry.