Even if I'm not hanging cabinets, that's very good information to have. Thanks for showing that to us. Your demonstrations are always so clear and helpful. Thanks, Leah.
Leah I would like to take a moment to thank you! As a female I wasn’t taught how to do all these projects I do like tiling ,putting in toilets ,laying tile putting in showers, putting in kitchen cabinets ,but I do them feeling pretty darn confident after I watch your videos… Thank you
Just taught this to my husband and son earlier this week as we are about to remodel our kitchen. I used to install cabinets for a living briefly, so I'm happily pulling from that knowledge now and saving money while teaching my son new skills.
I retired 4 years ago and made my hobby "Home Improvements", as we bought an older unit by a lake here. It badly needed a lot of updating, but I do enjoy the physical work and love to save money on the labor. I wish I had discovered Jane on day one, but I discovered her about 3 years ago. Although I am a pretty good DIY'er, because my Dad was a pro and made me work with him all through all HS & College, I am still a rookie in many areas. Jane explains everything PERFECTLY for me. She helped me in closing an office of the dining room and making it a guest room. She got me framing , Drywalling and doing so many upgrades room by room my wife has been amazed. I saved my kitchen for last because of the cost and new skill challenges. I have just started and should finish in no more than two weeks from bottom to top. Jane is a star! Thanks for doing what you do Jane.
I was about to install my kitchen cabinets after assembling them, when RUclips recommended this video (because we all know that our phones are listening to us, if you didn't know that you have obviously not been paying attention). Anyways, I watched this video (I love Leah's videos, she's so good) and holy crap, she saved me from putting a 3" screw into the studs that I know are near outlets and wiring. Went to the hardware store, got the right length (and correct type) of screw, and now I have well-installed cabinets and functional wiring simultaneously. Thanks a MILLION Leah, you are SO good. Also, anybody catch when she's talking about contractors saying "What about the plates" she's saying very subtly "Please don't mansplain me in the comments, there's a reason I didn't bring those up" haha!
I've done tons of house projects in the last 25+ years on my homes and several others, and I have to confess, I know that there are wires going through studs, but I had forgotten this detail and I tend to buy those 3" to 3 1/2" Spax screws for most projects. I'm hanging upper cabinets in my home this coming week, and I am VERY glad I came across this video! Cheers from another lefty! :)
I've been looking at several cabinet videos not one talked about only putting screws through the cabinet rails or even what a cabinet rail was.thank you for your videos! When I see them come up i watch no matter what they are about. Always informative
your are an awesome teacher taking into consideration all the possibilities and explaining them in detail. If you raised children, I know they ALL love you for teaching and guiding them so well as you do us. not everyone has such a gift. Bless you as I have been bless to have found you. Never get tired of learning all you teach me.
Leah My girlfriend and I are getting ready to make a tiny home, we've been watching your RUclips's to get the correct way to do the wall's and kitchen. We both like how well you do the information. Thumbs up.
Thanks, Leah! Forewarned is forearmed!!! I'll be interested to see the kitchen remodel. I have some reservations about the cabinet quality, however. At 0:43 and 2:18 I'm seeing staples that were used. I realize that (hopefully) components were also glued, but staples as fasteners in furniture/cabinets don't inspire me. Anyway, looking forward to seeing your kitchen project develop!
Wow! Excellent tutorial on how to choose the correct screw length. I had no idea about the requirement for wires to be run through the center of the stud...glad I learned this tonight because we're hanging cabinets tomorrow! Thank you!!
Thank you, Leah! Getting ready to hang a couple of laundry room cabinets I made for my wife. I saw this video previously, but saved it to my list to make sure I watched it again when it was time to hang them. Very informative, so glad you posted this video! Keep up the great work!
I am using cabinets.com now for my remodel; they did a great job with their design, and are quick to respond. I will be ordering my cabinets as soon as the changes I suggested are made. Very pleased so far.
Subscribed . I was googling recommended screw depth for attaching cabinets and it took me here . My cabinet will be holding an over the range microwave. I do realize some of the weight is on the upper back wall on the hanging rail they provide . In my case I have 1/2” drywall over 3/8” plaster . Then the cabinet has a backing making it 1” thick where it’s supported . I’m basically going to use a 3” screw and hope for the best
WOW…THANKS!!! I just watched a video from Lowe’s and they said to put the screws down through the middle of the cabinet 🤦🏽♀️ I’m thinking wouldn’t that eventually pull the back of the cabinet off 🤔 Thanks for showing the proper way and for the information about the screws…AWESOME! NEW SUBSCRIBER ☺️
Leah, What a wonderful gift you have in presentation. I get the feeling that you would be a very warm person to know.I'm a ' Tradie"; however I love watching your vids and you've taught me that I don't know everything.Good luck for the future and stay as nice as you are. John in Australia.
Hey, John, that is very nice of you to say! I love hearing from other tradespeople, and Australia is on my "bucket list" to visit one day. Best regards, Leah
That is a great idea and I never thought of it, but never put up any cabinets though. I love your tips so much and you have great videos for everyone doing projects around home.
Good tip Leah. I know someone who hung cabinets last year and the screw went right through the nailing plate and into the wiring. Luckily it was only in one spot and in a spot where the wire went from one box to the next and was an easy fix.These modern screws are harder and have a self drilling tip and some nail plates aren’t as hard as others.
Leah is right about this. In California the electricians are supposed to install nail blocks or nail plates on the stud to prevent a screw or nail from penetrating their wires when the drywall is to be installed. Well, they don’t always do it. I just ran into this at a home when I had to remove drywall because of a plumbing leak. So follow her advice on this, even all you pros who think you know everything. I’ve seen this on homes that are only 20 and 30 years old, some studs have the nail blocks and others don’t.
Great video! I will be raising the height of some existing cabinets in my older kitchen to accommodate the height of a modern refrigerator, and this info helped a lot. I didn't even know there were cabinet-specific screws. I think I will also find the need to replace/reinforce the hanging plate. The deep cabinet over the fridge and the adjacent standard-depth cabinet are tilting down. It's good to be able to do things yourself with some help from people like you.
in most of the counties around Minneapolis in MN, nailing plate is only required if you cannot meet that center hole in the stud for whatever reason, or if you have thicker tubing/pipe
I have a voltage sensing stud finder I check the wall first and if their is live wire I use the 2 1/2” screw if theirs none I use 3”, I have both on hand, and 3” ensures strength where possible
Once again, like I posted on one of your videos, I just love your personality and your knowledge that you are sharing with us is top notch. The way you explain, the video work and mock ups are perfect for us DIY-ers. Thank you. “I can do this”
I just recently subscribed and I am watching every single one of your videos. I love them to death. I am a 70-year-old grandmother and I am retired and enjoying my home-improvement projects. I would love to see a video where you finish the inside of a she shed. As far as insulation, big board paneling building a bench. I especially would like to know how to Insulate the peak ceiling in my shed if that’s possible. And I can do it👍
Amazing...Here I am... 1:45 AM...deciding how I should center my cabinets, if I should cut my homemade 4 door 70" floorstanding oak in half...and wall mount 1/2 of it... pondering, pondering... running the studfinder...stud here, stud there...electrical ... awww hell, I'm going to bed.... And then "magically", I open youtube... and Leah pops in... with advice... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thank you Leah . I think of you often when working on projects . I’m building shelves in. My basement and used some of your anchoring techniques to fasten 2X4s to the old concrete walls . Some learning curve but SUCCESS . you can do it too echos in my mind . ❤️
We bought our house from a guy who did a lot of remodeling himself (not all with permits) so I can only hope that any wiring was centered in the studs correctly. I might need to invest in a Walabot to ensure my safety. BTW, Leah, I first stumbled across one of your videos a year or so ago and thought, "this lady drives me nuts, she talks to us like we were 6 years old." Now I really appreciate your slow, thorough explanations and have watched a bunch of your videos. Turns out in some areas of DIY, I am no smarter than a 6-year-old! Thanks for what you do.
Leahs a great teacher! she has a very special way of making videos interesting and breaking down complex concepts into simple terms that are easy to understand
Hi, Leah. 25-year custom cabinetmaker here. I'll never understand why volume cabinet factories -- and even some custom shops -- use those stretcher/mounting strips instead of, say, a full-length 1/2" back in upper cabinets. The back (and how solidly it is attached to the rest of the carcase) is all that's holding that heavy box full of dishes on the wall! Over time those built with the stretchers often fail as the weight begins to pull the back out of the cabinet. It's like their reputation isn't worth a couple of bucks for an extra sq. ft. or two of imported plywood. If the homeowner is lucky it will be a gradual failure and they can catch it in time to save grandma's china! Great tip about the screw length. I always look forward to your videos.
Just watched this video. I have bought 4 wall cabinets that does not have a hanging rail. What would be the proper steps to install these? More cabinet screws per stud?
Great info and an Easy Peasy video.. What type of cabinet screws do you recommend.. that are pocket friendly.. $$$ .. We're adding two 30x 30 x 12 unfinished upper cabinets.. My wife paints the cabinets by hand, doors first and then cabinets last and I install them.. It's more gratifying to DIY the right way..! Thanks..!
This was a great piece of information I never thought about. I'd never heard that the wiring had to be exactly in the center before, but I've also never worked with anything more complicated than a mock stage wall. Something I encountered recently that drove me insane was having to learn, at 34, that I should not assume a wall is actually flat. Stood there on a ladder for a good 30 minutes trying several different straight edges wondering "How are these all out of straight the exact same way?" >.>
Even if I'm not hanging cabinets, that's very good information to have. Thanks for showing that to us. Your demonstrations are always so clear and helpful. Thanks, Leah.
Leah I would like to take a moment to thank you! As a female I wasn’t taught how to do all these projects I do like tiling ,putting in toilets ,laying tile putting in showers, putting in kitchen cabinets ,but I do them feeling pretty darn confident after I watch your videos… Thank you
Just taught this to my husband and son earlier this week as we are about to remodel our kitchen. I used to install cabinets for a living briefly, so I'm happily pulling from that knowledge now and saving money while teaching my son new skills.
I retired 4 years ago and made my hobby "Home Improvements", as we bought an older unit by a lake here. It badly needed a lot of updating, but I do enjoy the physical work and love to save money on the labor. I wish I had discovered Jane on day one, but I discovered her about 3 years ago. Although I am a pretty good DIY'er, because my Dad was a pro and made me work with him all through all HS & College, I am still a rookie in many areas. Jane explains everything PERFECTLY for me. She helped me in closing an office of the dining room and making it a guest room. She got me framing , Drywalling and doing so many upgrades room by room my wife has been amazed. I saved my kitchen for last because of the cost and new skill challenges. I have just started and should finish in no more than two weeks from bottom to top. Jane is a star! Thanks for doing what you do Jane.
I was about to install my kitchen cabinets after assembling them, when RUclips recommended this video (because we all know that our phones are listening to us, if you didn't know that you have obviously not been paying attention). Anyways, I watched this video (I love Leah's videos, she's so good) and holy crap, she saved me from putting a 3" screw into the studs that I know are near outlets and wiring. Went to the hardware store, got the right length (and correct type) of screw, and now I have well-installed cabinets and functional wiring simultaneously. Thanks a MILLION Leah, you are SO good.
Also, anybody catch when she's talking about contractors saying "What about the plates" she's saying very subtly "Please don't mansplain me in the comments, there's a reason I didn't bring those up" haha!
Leah and my morning coffee.
Its gonna be a good day.
I CAN do this!
Cheers
Well said, hey you!
THIS IS THE BEST BREAKDOWN EVER!!! I've literally been googling for hours trying to find these sorts of details for hanging cabinets
I've done tons of house projects in the last 25+ years on my homes and several others, and I have to confess, I know that there are wires going through studs, but I had forgotten this detail and I tend to buy those 3" to 3 1/2" Spax screws for most projects. I'm hanging upper cabinets in my home this coming week, and I am VERY glad I came across this video! Cheers from another lefty! :)
Great video 👍🏿….Many people know how to do different things well, but they can’t teach or explain. You are a natural teacher and I appreciate you.🙏🏿
I've been looking at several cabinet videos not one talked about only putting screws through the cabinet rails or even what a cabinet rail was.thank you for your videos! When I see them come up i watch no matter what they are about. Always informative
Oh my gosh!!! In ALL the many wall hanging cabinet videos I've watched, not one person mentioned this critical tip. Thank you!!
your are an awesome teacher taking into consideration all the possibilities and explaining them in detail. If you raised children, I know they ALL love you for teaching and guiding them so well as you do us. not everyone has such a gift. Bless you as I have been bless to have found you. Never get tired of learning all you teach me.
Thanks! I’ve got plans to install bathroom cabinets and I hadn’t thought of the risk of not using the correct sized screws.
Your work ethic blows my mind. I wish more people committed half as much to their trade as what you have.
I really like the way you explain the "how" and the "why" on your videos!!!
Leah
My girlfriend and I are getting ready to make a tiny home, we've been watching your RUclips's to get the correct way to do the wall's and kitchen.
We both like how well you do the information. Thumbs up.
Thank you so much. I'm a new homeowner and was planning on hanging a bathroom cabinet soon and I never would of even thought about this.
Thanks, Leah! Forewarned is forearmed!!! I'll be interested to see the kitchen remodel. I have some reservations about the cabinet quality, however. At 0:43 and 2:18 I'm seeing staples that were used. I realize that (hopefully) components were also glued, but staples as fasteners in furniture/cabinets don't inspire me. Anyway, looking forward to seeing your kitchen project develop!
Wow! Excellent tutorial on how to choose the correct screw length. I had no idea about the requirement for wires to be run through the center of the stud...glad I learned this tonight because we're hanging cabinets tomorrow! Thank you!!
You address subjects that are missed everywhere else, thank you Leah.
Thank you, Leah! Getting ready to hang a couple of laundry room cabinets
I made for my wife. I saw this video previously, but saved it to my list to make
sure I watched it again when it was time to hang them. Very informative,
so glad you posted this video! Keep up the great work!
I am using cabinets.com now for my remodel; they did a great job with their design, and are quick to respond. I will be ordering my cabinets as soon as the changes I suggested are made. Very pleased so far.
Subscribed . I was googling recommended screw depth for attaching cabinets and it took me here . My cabinet will be holding an over the range microwave. I do realize some of the weight is on the upper back wall on the hanging rail they provide .
In my case I have 1/2” drywall over 3/8” plaster . Then the cabinet has a backing making it 1” thick where it’s supported . I’m basically going to use a 3” screw and hope for the best
Thank you. I’m installing cabinets this winter and had no idea about this.
i watched your videos on crown molding..i have them all put up now..thank you for the great advice.
WOW…THANKS!!! I just watched a video from Lowe’s and they said to put the screws down through the middle of the cabinet 🤦🏽♀️ I’m thinking wouldn’t that eventually pull the back of the cabinet off 🤔 Thanks for showing the proper way and for the information about the screws…AWESOME! NEW SUBSCRIBER ☺️
Super helpful! I love how you always inspire, educate and empower women!
Leah, What a wonderful gift you have in presentation. I get the feeling that you would be a very warm person to know.I'm a ' Tradie"; however I love watching your vids and you've taught me that I don't know everything.Good luck for the future and stay as nice as you are. John in Australia.
Hey, John, that is very nice of you to say! I love hearing from other tradespeople, and Australia is on my "bucket list" to visit one day. Best regards, Leah
Leah's videos are the BEST!! She really does need her own tv show!!!!! Excellent explanations!😊👍
That is a great idea and I never thought of it, but never put up any cabinets though. I love your tips so much and you have great videos for everyone doing projects around home.
Good thing I watched this. I was just about to go looking for 3" cabinet screws today!
I’ve been following you for plumbing and now to fix a falling kitchen upper cabinet your awesome!!! Thanks for everything you do 🙏🏽
Great visual! I know it takes a lot to do these videos and it is appreciated.
Good tip Leah. I know someone who hung cabinets last year and the screw went right through the nailing plate and into the wiring. Luckily it was only in one spot and in a spot where the wire went from one box to the next and was an easy fix.These modern screws are harder and have a self drilling tip and some nail plates aren’t as hard as others.
Leah, your advice is timeless!
Leah is right about this. In California the electricians are supposed to install nail blocks or nail plates on the stud to prevent a screw or nail from penetrating their wires when the drywall is to be installed. Well, they don’t always do it. I just ran into this at a home when I had to remove drywall because of a plumbing leak. So follow her advice on this, even all you pros who think you know everything. I’ve seen this on homes that are only 20 and 30 years old, some studs have the nail blocks and others don’t.
I'm glad to see you addressing this topic.
Your videos are always super clear and easy for us DIYers to understand. Great job, thanks for posting!
Yet another great video, Leah. I never knew this, and it will be quite helpful when I get to my garage remodel this fall!
Great video! I will be raising the height of some existing cabinets in my older kitchen to accommodate the height of a modern refrigerator, and this info helped a lot. I didn't even know there were cabinet-specific screws. I think I will also find the need to replace/reinforce the hanging plate. The deep cabinet over the fridge and the adjacent standard-depth cabinet are tilting down. It's good to be able to do things yourself with some help from people like you.
Thanks Leah!! Always enjoy watching your videos. When I get myself into a situation.. I try and think, what would Leah do?
in most of the counties around Minneapolis in MN, nailing plate is only required if you cannot meet that center hole in the stud for whatever reason, or if you have thicker tubing/pipe
Leah, I love your videos! You explain things so well. I’m a beginner at woodworking and you have been such an inspiration to me ;-).
I have a voltage sensing stud finder I check the wall first and if their is live wire I use the 2 1/2” screw if theirs none I use 3”, I have both on hand, and 3” ensures strength where possible
Once again, like I posted on one of your videos, I just love your personality and your knowledge that you are sharing with us is top notch. The way you explain, the video work and mock ups are perfect for us DIY-ers. Thank you. “I can do this”
Watching in the UK, you fantastic! Excellent presenter and very talented. You should have your own tv show.
I just recently subscribed and I am watching every single one of your videos. I love them to death. I am a 70-year-old grandmother and I am retired and enjoying my home-improvement projects. I would love to see a video where you finish the inside of a she shed. As far as insulation, big board paneling building a bench. I especially would like to know how to Insulate the peak ceiling in my shed if that’s possible. And I can do it👍
Oh I love Leah! As soon as I saw her face in the thumbnail, I knew it was worth watching. Thanks again, brilliant advice!!
Great tips as always, seems a little patience and common sense can go a long way, instead of blindly rushing in. Thanks again Leah
Thanks for taking the time with this tip. I'm rehanging kitchen cabinet and was reaching for a longer screw....
Amazing...Here I am... 1:45 AM...deciding how I should center my cabinets, if I should cut my homemade 4 door 70" floorstanding oak in half...and wall mount 1/2 of it... pondering, pondering... running the studfinder...stud here, stud there...electrical ... awww hell, I'm going to bed....
And then "magically", I open youtube... and Leah pops in... with advice...
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🥰🥰🥰🥰
Once again saved by Leah, your videos are always spot on.
Getting ready to hang our new cabinets in a few weeks - this video was terrific! Thank you!
I LOVE, LOVE your videos!! I appreciate that you consider us newbies! You're an excellent teacher!!!!
Great info! Very impressed with your channel, as a new home owner I’m constantly watching!! Thank you!
🙂
Thank you Leah . I think of you often when working on projects . I’m building shelves in. My basement and used some of your anchoring techniques to fasten 2X4s to the old concrete walls . Some learning curve but SUCCESS . you can do it too echos in my mind . ❤️
way to go, Jon! And thanks...🙂
Thanks for the tip & thanks for starting this channel Leah & crew.
As always, another great teaching moment from Leah.
Your tips are always so practical, I always learn something new when I stop by your channel!
Your videos are always uplifting and helpful. From one leftie to another, my handwriting is iffy as well. Cheers.
Always learn a lot from your content. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God bless you!
We bought our house from a guy who did a lot of remodeling himself (not all with permits) so I can only hope that any wiring was centered in the studs correctly. I might need to invest in a Walabot to ensure my safety.
BTW, Leah, I first stumbled across one of your videos a year or so ago and thought, "this lady drives me nuts, she talks to us like we were 6 years old." Now I really appreciate your slow, thorough explanations and have watched a bunch of your videos. Turns out in some areas of DIY, I am no smarter than a 6-year-old!
Thanks for what you do.
I will be hanging new kitchen cabinets for the first time. You make some really practical points that I needed to know. Thank you for this! ;-)
you're welcome, and good luck with your project!
Electrifying advice...Thanks, Leah!
😀
C'mon Leah your handwriting is great!
Great tip Leah! Work smarter not harder as they say. Makes perfect sense. You don't always have to "overkill" erything! Thanks again Leah!
You are the absolute best Leah!
Exellent advice. Not only for cabinets but other applications as well.
I’ve gotten in the habit of not doing any customer projects without seeing if Leah has a video on it first.
I would say one of the most informative DIY videos I've seen. Thank you! I have aluminum studs.
I did not know this about wiring. Great video Leah. From one South Paw to another. Lee, Norway, Maine.
Thanks Lee, I love the name of your town!
Great info, Leah! Thank you for the content - and your amazing clear explanation.
“Here’s the thing”... I love this channel 😄
This is simple common sense,common sense isn't so common with most people today so gladly this information is here to help them
This is amazing tip. Thank you.
Only thing is I’m in a 1950 house so I have plaster. I wounded if the hole is 1 1/4 still.
Leahs a great teacher! she has a very special way of making videos interesting and breaking down complex concepts into simple terms that are easy to understand
Each time I need help or google search I find myself here. At this point I’m subscribing lol
Hi, Leah. 25-year custom cabinetmaker here. I'll never understand why volume cabinet factories -- and even some custom shops -- use those stretcher/mounting strips instead of, say, a full-length 1/2" back in upper cabinets. The back (and how solidly it is attached to the rest of the carcase) is all that's holding that heavy box full of dishes on the wall! Over time those built with the stretchers often fail as the weight begins to pull the back out of the cabinet. It's like their reputation isn't worth a couple of bucks for an extra sq. ft. or two of imported plywood. If the homeowner is lucky it will be a gradual failure and they can catch it in time to save grandma's china!
Great tip about the screw length. I always look forward to your videos.
Hey, thanks for commenting! I appreciate you sharing your professional experience with the community.
Lol, made comment about the nailing plate...removed it. Nice work Leah.
Thank you!! So glad I found this first!
Good video excellent tip! I always thought that the longer 3” screws were a must to hold more load. Thanks for the tip.
I ran my wires along the middle of my backsplash same height as my outlets. Not a issue in my circumstance. But love your videos.
I always love your vids Leah, youre an awesome teacher.
Just watched this video. I have bought 4 wall cabinets that does not have a hanging rail. What would be the proper steps to install these? More cabinet screws per stud?
Very good tip Leah. Never knew anyone who gave this warning.
I knew what was in the box!!!! It’s in the title 🤣🤣 great video and thanks for the info!!!!!
Your handwriting isn't too bad Leah: ) And thank you for this important tip
Not planning on hanging cabinets anytime soon, but glad I watched this. 100% chance I’d grab the longest nail there was…
Thanks so much! We're about to install our own cabinets so that's really good to think about!
Hey hey L,eft hander here also 🙂. Thank you for the great, comprehensive video. See ya
Hi Leah.. do you have a DIY for hanging cabinets right through a total cement wall? Thanks!
Great info and an Easy Peasy video.. What type of cabinet screws do you recommend.. that are pocket friendly.. $$$ .. We're adding two 30x 30 x 12 unfinished upper cabinets.. My wife paints the cabinets by hand, doors first and then cabinets last and I install them.. It's more gratifying to DIY the right way..! Thanks..!
Another great video by Leah!
Great video, always good to see your excellent work
Finally someone actually putting out good info.
thank you!
This was a great piece of information I never thought about. I'd never heard that the wiring had to be exactly in the center before, but I've also never worked with anything more complicated than a mock stage wall.
Something I encountered recently that drove me insane was having to learn, at 34, that I should not assume a wall is actually flat. Stood there on a ladder for a good 30 minutes trying several different straight edges wondering "How are these all out of straight the exact same way?" >.>
Thanks you for sharing this beautiful video with Excellent Explanation was the best.
you're very welcome, Pedro, and thanks for watching!
As always one of the best demonstration videos
That was an excellent video. I'm going to be doing some cabinet work this fall and next spring. For sure, this is something to consider.
This is great information and explained so clearly. Thank you, Leah.
you're very welcome, Debbie!