19 Jul Kitchen Cupboard Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you’re putting together a cupboard or trying to look after the ones you have, it’s important to acknowledge common kitchen cupboard mistakes and how to avoid them. Otherwise, you risk ruining perfectly good kitchen cupboards or having to replace them sooner than expected.

Thus, DIYCupboards.com has put together this handy rundown on the dos and don’ts of cupboard installation and maintenance, for DIYers by DIYers. Read on and discover South African expert hacks to create and maintain a sturdy and beautiful kitchen that you can take pride in.

Installing Kitchen Cupboards

This might seem obvious, but many people overlook that the way cupboards were initially installed can have a long-lasting impact on their functionality and usage. For example, only half-screwing in an important bolt could cause a wonky cupboard or the door to fall off. Here are some of our tips for installing a DIY cupboard properly:

Have a Floor Plan

Don’t just wing it! Instead, have a floor plan that details exactly where you would like your cupboards to go. Include previously measured dimensions, positioning, and the list of each component you’ll need.

Stay on Plan

We recommend that you keep a list of the supplies and components you need to build your kitchen cupboards. You can stick it up on the wall and reference it when you need help installing the cupboards. This way, there’s less opportunity for things to go missing. DIYCupboards.com will provide you with a materials list and analysis of elevations. Each unit, panel, and door is clearly labelled with corresponding numbers matching the floor plan for easy reference. Of course, if you need help, ask one of our DIY Designers.

With a flatpack, this is even easier. Some of the easiest flatpacks to put together are the 900mm kitchen wall unit, the 450mm kitchen floor unit with 4 drawers, and the 600mm kitchen wall unit (all on sale!)

Maintaining Kitchen Cupboards

One of the most important parts of keeping your cupboards sturdy and well looked after is having a cleaning routine and periodically checking that everything is still where it should be. It’s crucial that you understand how to look after your DIY cupboards.

Clean them regularly

Be sure to gently clean the inside and outside of your cupboard using a clean towel and mild detergent, like Clean Green or Sunlight liquid. You should dry them well after cleaning, too to prevent warping.

Avoid excess moisture

Moisture makes wood warp or rot, so keep cupboards away from humidifiers and the sort. When possible, turn on your stove’s extraction fan to lessen moisture.

Adjust Hardware

From time to time, make sure all the nuts, bolts, hinges, etc. are in their proper place and good condition. This can help prevent wear and tear, keeping your cupboards fresh for years to come. In addition, be sure to organise your cupboards nicely. Not just for aesthetics, but to stop the cupboard shelves and support structures from being overloaded with weight.

If you have any questions about kitchen cupboard mistakes and how you might avoid them, contact us so our team of DIY cupboard experts can help you. Let’s make your kitchen great again!