Appliance Installation is a trade that requires problem-solving skills. This is because technicians work with water and electrical lines, which can be dangerous for someone without the right experience.

An appliance installer delivers, installs, and connects appliances for customers and may make repairs or install replacements. This job may also require a valid driver’s license and customer service skills.

Stand-alone appliances are complete units that can be placed in a cabinet or on a countertop. This is the most basic type of installation and is ideal for freestanding appliances such as washers, dryers, or refrigerators with a water dispenser. This style of installation is also often used for ovens.

When choosing this type of installation, it’s important to consider the height and depth of your counters. Standard appliances tend to be a few inches higher than the counter and will sit proud, while customized models will match the counter and sit flush.

For this type of installation, it’s necessary to have access to an existing power source and a water line for products like refrigerators with water dispensers. It’s also important to measure all doorways, hallways, and stairwells that your product may need to pass through. This includes removing any doors that must be removed to allow the product to fit through.

In-Cabinet Installation

In framed cabinetry, a built-in appliance such as a refrigerator, garbage disposal, or dishwasher sits against the face frame. In these cases, a piece of 3/4-inch-thick wood called an appliance garage hinge is installed between the face frame and the cabinet back. The hinges allow the cabinets to be removed or opened for maintenance.

Installing appliances in framed cabinets can add a finished look to your kitchen. You can use a template or purchase a prefabricated kit to get the look you desire.

Before you shift your cabinets around, shut off the power and water for safety. Also, turn off any gas lines that run to the appliance.

Begin by making a layout line on the wall with a 4-foot level, a framing square, and a straight 2×4. Using a stud finder, locate and mark stud locations on both the face frame and cabinet back (Photos 3 and 4). If the walls are not plumb, flat, or square, make any needed alterations before installing the cabinets. Add shims between and under the cabinets as needed to ensure a smooth, even installation.

Wall-Mount Installation

As technology advances, it becomes easier to wall-mount many formerly bulky floor-standing appliances. While there are many pros to mounting appliances on walls (including improved sound quality for speakers and TVs, more space for shelving and tall furniture, and no need for cords to hang from the floor or drape across doorways), there are some considerations that must be taken into account when choosing this type of installation.

For example, if a wall-mounted appliance is installed flush against the wall without a specific stud-mount design, heat can build up in the drywall and cause a fire. This can also damage the cabinetry or countertop behind it and void any warranty on the product.

Whether a wall-mount appliance is being installed in a stud or non-stud wall, you’ll need a few tools to complete the installation. A stud finder is required to locate wall studs, and a level is needed to ensure the mounting plate is straight on the wall. Most wall-mount appliances will come with a mounting bracket, along with the screws and fixings you’ll need to secure them.

Under-Cabinet Installation

Cabinet lighting is a great way to illuminate work spaces, particularly those that require the use of sharp kitchen tools. It also adds a beautiful design feature to any room. Cabinet lights are available as battery-operated solutions or can be directly wired into a wall. Direct-wire options provide a more polished look and are easier to install.

Consider the lumen needs of the space you want to light before deciding on a fixture type. For example, you might want a light with a warm white output to create a more relaxing atmosphere or one with a cool white output for increased focus and awareness. You should also determine whether you’re looking for a static, fixed color temperature or one that changes with a dimmer switch.

There are several types of under-cabinet light fixtures that can be used, including puck lights, linear lights, and strip lights. Puck lights are small round lights that self-adhere to the surface of the cabinet, while linear and strip lights are on a track with lights spaced along it. Light bulb options are varied as well, with halogen, xenon, and LED bulbs commonly available.

It’s important to find a power source for your under-cabinet lights before beginning the installation process. Ideally, the new cabinet lights will be connected to the same circuit as your kitchen lighting. If this is not possible, you’ll need to turn off the circuit at the main electrical panel before removing the existing wall plate and receptacle.

Once you’ve found a power source, it’s time to start preparing the cabinet for your new lights. Begin by measuring the cabinet’s width and depth to ensure that the lights will fit properly. Mark the spots where you’d like to mount your lights, and pre-drill holes if necessary. Attach the lights to the cabinet using screws or adhesive, and then connect them to the wiring through the receptacle.

If you’re installing LED under-cabinet lights, make sure to choose damp-rated fixtures to resist moisture. Alternatively, you can use battery-operated LED lights or direct-wire fluorescent or incandescent fixtures.

Daniel Hoyt