How To Install Kitchen Cabinets
If you have the right tools, as well as a little patience, any do-it-yourselfer can perform a kitchen cabinet installation. Learn how in this Buildipedia video:
Lay the cabinets out to get a feel for how they will look and fit together.
Corner Cabinets
To ensure the doors will be able to open and operate correctly, you will need to install spacers at the end of each cabinet:
- Remove the doors.
- Clamp the spacer to the edge of the cabinet.
- Make sure the faces are nice and flush and drill three or four pilot holes. This will allow the screws to go in easier and prevent the face of the wood from splitting.
To form the corner, butt the two cabinets and clamp them together at the top and bottom. Check for an even reveal, then drill pilot holes and fasten with wood screws.
Check for level and square and attach the two cabinets to the wall. Use a stud finder to find the studs behind the plaster board. Drill through the top rail then in through the plaster wall and into the stud.
Sink Base
Cut holes into the back of the cabinet using a hole saw to make room for the rough plumbing. Remove the false fronts.
Use wood shims to level the cabinets and keep them square. Clamp the cabinet faces together so they’re flush, drill pilot holes and fasten with wood screws. With the faces connected, mark the stud locations and screw the cabinets to the wall through the top rail. These steps may need to be repeated several times depending on the size of your kitchen.
End Panels
End panels are used wherever there is an under-counter appliance at the end of a run of cabinets. A cleat is installed into the wall, and then the end panel is nailed to the cleat. An L-bracket is used to install the front part of the panel to the floor.
Align the face of the end panel with the other cabinets and use finish nails to attach it to the cleat. Level the front of the panel, drill pilot holes, and install the L-bracket.
Doors
Put the doors back on. Cabinet door hinges are typically adjustable. Make sure the door heights match and adjust before tightening the hinges completely.
