How to Install Kitchen Cabinets

Install Kitchen Cabinets – let’s start.

Kitchen cabinets, when installed properly, can act as an elegant and beautiful feature to the room. It might seem like a daunting task but the truth is, installing kitchen cabinets is rather straightforward and you don’t need to be an expert handy person to pull it off. You will need the right tools and, correct instructions, along with some patience and fortitude.

The following Do-It-Yourself walkthrough will guide you every step of the way through the kitchen cabinets installation process. First things first: if you’re doing an entire room remodel, you might want to knock off the following tasks before starting on the cabinet installation:

New Flooring – installing new flooring is much easier without cabinets in the way. When selecting the material, ensure that the flooring is capable of sustaining the weight of the kitchen cabinets.

Electrical – If you live in an older home, it’s best to consider updating the electrical outlets and switches to best set up your new kitchen. An electrician might be necessary for this part and will have a much easier time running wire and installing electrical boxes on an empty wall.

Drywall Repair – It is far easier to patch any holes or repair damaged walls without the cabinets in the way.

Paint –It’s much easier to paint an empty wall than it is to tape, edge, and paint around freshly installed cabinets. You also run the risk of getting paint and scratches on your new kitchen cabinets.

Once the room is prepared and the cabinets are delivered, you are ready to begin. It is important to keep in mind that having an extra hand or two will be useful when installing your new cabinets, especially wall-mounted ones.

What You Need

For a straightforward and efficient installation, you will want to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials prior to starting. The last thing you want to be doing is stifling any progress with constant trips to the hardware store.

Step 1. Set Measurements

Step one is drawing two lines to prepare the installation area. The first will be 34 1/2 inches from the highest spot to the floor – marking where the cabinets will sit. The secondary line should be 54 inches from the highest spot to the floor where the cabinets will sit. This should give you an 18-inch backsplash from your countertop to your wall cabinets. Should a 20-inch backsplash be desired, measure to 56 inches. (Standard countertops generally measure 1 1/2 inch thick).

It is crucial that the two lines are made from the highest spot on the floor in order to ensure that the cabinets are level. Most floors in modern homes – those built in the last half century – have floors that are level. Older houses don’t offer such a guarantee.

Finding the high spot

• Take a flat 2×4 and lay it on the floor where the cabinets will sit.

• Set your level on top. Raise the 2×4 where needed, using shims to get it level. Wherever you’ve raised it to is your high spot.

• Check that spot again with other areas where the cabinets will sit to ensure everything is level.

Now that you’ve got your high spot you can draw your lines. Ensure that these lines are level, especially the 54- or 56-inch line.

Next, use your kitchen plans and draw the outlines where the cabinets will sit based on the indicated measurements.

Now use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark them on the wall in the area where the cabinets will go.

Step 2. Set a Ledger Board

A ledger board is a temporary board used to make installing wall cabinets far easier. This board supports the weight of the cabinets as you level and screw them in place. Set the board on the wall and secure it to the studs with screws. Ensure the board you are using is flat and that it is level when you screw it in place.

Step 3. Check Your Cabinets

Once you have received your cabinets, open the boxes and ensure they are in good condition and all the necessary parts are included.

Next up, move the floor cabinets in place based on the kitchen diagram. It is vital that they fit as planned and sit at the highest point on the floor. These cabinets should also sit directly below the squares drawn on the walls that represent where each wall cabinet will go.

After doing this, remove the floor cabinets carefully. It might be a good idea to use the cardboard from the boxes to protect your floor as you work.

Step 4. Hang Wall Cabinets

Wondering how to hang cabinets? First – remove the doors from your wall cabinets. Label each cabinet and door to make replacing them later much easier. Remove the drawers and label them and the space they fit. To hang your cabinets, start with the corner ones. Mark the stud locations on the hanging strips at the bottom and top on the back of the cabinet and pre-drill a pilot hole with a 1/8-inch bit. This ensures accuracy, makes hanging easier and reduces any chances of splitting. Lift the cabinets into place and set them on your ledger board. Screw it in place while ensuring that it is level and plumb prior to screwing in the second screw. Start with the top screws then knock off the bottom ones.

The process will be a little different with the next cabinet installation. Transfer the stud locations onto the hanging steps on the back and pre-drill. Lift the cabinet into place and use clamps to ensure it is secured. Apply shims when needed to make even and screw into place. Now secure the cabinet to the one next to it. Repeat this step to secure each wall cabinet. Remove the ledger board once all of your wall cabinets are in place.

Step 5. Install Base Cabinets

Again, when it comes to installing base cabinets, start with the corners and shim to make level. Pre-drill holes and screw into place. Once the first cabinet is secure, set the next new cabinet. Shim to level and clamp together. Ensure they are level and secure. Repeat this step for each additional cabinet. Move onto the next cabinet only when cabinets are level, plumb, and even.

Step 6. Finish With Doors and Trim

Once the cabinet installation is complete, move onto the trim and carefully nail it in place. Pre-drill if these boards are made of wood to minimize the chance of splitting. Now re-attach the cabinet doors and drawers.

Reach Out to Our Experts

Properly installing kitchen cabinets can really bring the room together. But it is also necessary for functionality as all of your dishes and cookware is housed here. If the above guide is making things more confusing than clear, consider going to the pre-assembled kitchen option. Reach out to our experts at Do It White for your next kitchen remodeling and consider getting pre-assembled kitchen cabinets and our installation services for seamless kitchen remodeling.

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