26 June 2012

Cabinets...a work in progress.

When we began this house building adventure, we signed up to do more ourselves than we'd ever done before.  This included installing our own cabinetry.



We ordered our cabinets through a factory, rather than have them custom made.  When they were delivered, they arrived wrapped up like this:


No instructions, a vague notion of where each piece belonged, and a small panic attack in-sued.  Thankfully, I had the help of our contractor, and in-laws.  The first cabinets we installed were in the kitchen.  We figured hanging the upper cabinets is infinitely easier before the lower cabinets were installed.


Once I got the gist of things, I installed a lot of the lower cabinets myself...and then we realized we needed extra parts.  Even though these are factory cabinets, a lot of "custom" work is still involved.


I was grateful to have the wisdom and help of my father-in-law to install the island cabinets, especially!  


The cabinets have been a work in progress.  We finished what we could, ordered the additional parts, (and even had to have one replaced!), and worked on the flooring in the meantime.  


We've had to tell the littles they cannot keep running around the kitchen island...but it was so fun!

Here is my bathroom vanity.  It took three attempts, and some pretty bad dings in the walls, but I got them in all by myself.


Our counter tops arrived late last Thursday evening.  {There was a delay in getting them delivered, which involved the delivery driver getting in an accident just a quarter mile from the house!!}  We set the counter tops in place, and were a bit bewildered as to how to install them properly.  None of them seemed to fit!  I might have cried just a bit.

However with some more great help from Big Brother and our contractor, we got them installed on Friday.  I didn't know we'd have to build up the counter tops for them to sit correctly on the cabinets.


However, we learned some new skills, even resolved a little damage in shipping, and it all worked out in the end.


The counter tops are pre-fabricated laminate.  This allowed them to have a special rolled edge, and makes them look a little more like a stone product.  The dark counters in the kitchen are finished in "River Gem Stone", and the white counter tops everywhere else are "Perla Piaza".  They are Wilsonart HD products.


Once the counter tops were built up, it was Big Brother's job to help me secure them with screws.  He could climb into the cabinets better than I could!


The kitchen is looking much more finished.  And we're one step closer to moving in.


I can't wait to cook up something yummy in here!

15 happy thoughts:

Design Esquire said...

Wow!!! I'm sorry to hear all the highs and lows of getting the cabinets and countertops installed, but it is worth all the effort! Everything looks fabulous! Your kitchen is going to be wonderful. I love the layout, the light fixtures, and all the finishes you chose.

Unknown said...

I'm so impressed with your work ethic and ability to tackle anything that comes your way. Wowee!!!! It's looking so great in there. Eep, I'm excited for you!

Unknown said...

You guys are troopers. I bet the little headaches of build/remodel are multiplied times 10 when you DIY! The kitchen and bath are looking gorgeous! I love those pendant lights and the custom work you did on the cab fronts. Awesome.

Impera Magna said...

Wow... looking great! You must be getting exciting about nearing the "finish line" and moving in!!!

Sorry about the headaches... building a home is not for sissies!

(((((Chris)))))

Tiffany said...

Love the lighting fixtures in the kitchen. And cracking up how your son could squeeze in better - wahaaa. But he gets to help, good bonus.

Kate said...

I love hearing about your house adventures. The kitchen is stunning. You've done an amazing job!

KJ@letsgoflyakite said...

Beautiful work, everything is coming together so well. I am floored by how much you have been willing to take on.

Unknown said...

It's really all starting to come together, and looks like it will be a great space. (My kids are obsessed with running around the island bench in our kitchen too!)

Melissa said...

Every time I read one of your house posts I can only be amazed and think that you are amazing!! What a ton of work...great job Chris!!

Maria said...

It's amazing all you're doing! and that kitchen is... the kitchen of my dreams!

Heidi Wilcox said...

I love your pendant lights above the island! And how great is it that the kiddos get to help, and therefore, hopefully, take better care of the new house! Can't wait to see it finished.

Trisha said...

Some ideas for adding even more to cabinets...I am leary of spending money and found some cheap options that are sturdy and pretty cool. If you like, check it ou on my blog: www.blogspot.myhouseredressing.com

Trisha said...

It would be better if I got the address right...myhouseredressing.blogspot.com. :)

deborahparker said...

I just love the way you describe things here. Although information given here are really great but I love the way you make this post, honestly. It seems that I am seeing an informative video rather than reading a blog post. Its something in between video and text may be info-graphic. Your kitchen looks fabulous with that countertops.

Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

It's all looking wonderful Chris! I bet you're getting so excited!! Almost done.
xoxo

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