Alright, so I'm finally tackling the kitchen remodel I've been putting off forever. Got the cabinets delivered yesterday, and now they're just sitting there staring at me, daring me to mess this up, lol. I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos, and it seems straightforward enough, but you know how these things go—everything looks easy until you're halfway through and realize you're missing some crucial step or tool.
I've got basic tools—drill, level, stud finder (that sometimes lies to me), measuring tape, etc. But I'm wondering if there's anything else I should definitely have on hand before I dive in. Like, is there some magical gadget or trick that makes hanging cabinets way easier? Or maybe some common rookie mistakes I should watch out for?
Also, I'm a bit unsure about the whole leveling thing. My kitchen floor isn't exactly perfectly flat (old house problems), so I'm guessing the walls might be a bit wonky too. Any tips on how to deal with uneven walls or floors when you're trying to get everything straight and level?
If you've done this yourself, I'd love to hear how it went—good, bad, ugly, whatever. Just trying to mentally prepare myself here, haha.
Honestly, I'd reconsider relying too heavily on a standard stud finder, especially if it's already giving you trouble. In older homes, wall studs aren't always evenly spaced or predictable. I usually recommend the magnet trick—just run a strong magnet along the wall to find drywall screws or nails, which reliably indicate stud positions. Also, don't underestimate the value of shims when dealing with uneven walls...they've saved me more times than I can count.
