Installing

Softer and highly polishable, soapstone can be an excellent choice for a stone counter by Michael Pekovich

With a few special tools, you can preassemble the cabinets and cut a big job down to size by Mike Guertin

A handy one-way valve eliminates most of the plumbing work by Lynn Underwood

How to get well-made, affordable cabinets from companies that specialize in boxes, doors, and drawers by Sven Hanson

Careful planning and knowing exactly where the framing is help factory-made cabinets go in quickly and easily for a custom look with no nasty surprises by Kevin Luddy

Make face frames after the doors are hung for a perfect fit and quick, no-hassle installation by Joseph B. Lanza

A belt sander will be your best friend when fitting factory-made laminate countertops to wavy walls by Steve Morris

An experienced fabricator explains the process from the templating to the final setting of the slabs by Joe Ranzoni

From cutting a hole in the counter to attaching the faucets and drain, a master plumber shows the way by Peter Hemp

Solid, durable and attractive, an uncommon countertop can be cast from common materials by Thomas Hughes

by Herrick Kimball

How to fit and fasten cabinets to wavy walls and floors by Tom Law

A veneer face-lift makes a "new" kitchen affordable by Rex Alexander

This system combines traditional looks with efficient assembly techniques by Jim Tolpin