How to Install New Kitchen Cabinets | how-tos | DIY

DK - Do It Yourself Home Improvement, 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Take time to prepare the wall surfaces and assemble the kitchen cabinets before installing them. Drawing the first guide line for positioning cabinets is essential to the success of the whole project. Cabinets and countertops are heavy items, and you will need someone to help you lift them into position.

Laying Out Cabinets

• The starting point for installing any kitchen is a level guide line for the top of the base cabinets. A height of about 34-1/2 above the floor is standard. The countertop is added later.

Start in one corner, using a level to guide you. Older floors can be uneven, so check the line’s height at intervals to make sure base cabinets and appliances will fit beneath it comfortably along the entire length.

Mark a second line to show the thickness of the countertop. Generally, wall cabinets are installed so that they are 19-1/2 from the top of the countertop, but adjust this height according to the manufacturer’s specifications for positioning cabinets around the stove.

If you are attaching wall cabinets to a stud wall, you will need to use a stud finder so you attach cabinets to studs, or provide additional support with extra blocking to ensure that fasteners are solid.

Preparing the Cabinets

• Once you have marked up the wall surfaces, you should assemble the cabinets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for each type of cabinet.

Wall cabinets sometimes have installation rails across their backs that you cannot see once the cabinet is held up to the wall. Note their size and position so you can drill pilot holes directly through the inside of the cabinet once you have positioned it.

Installing the Cabinets

• Provided you have measured and marked accurately, installing the kitchen itself should be relatively straightforward. Follow your layout marks and attach cabinets to studs with screws. Predrill pilot holes and countersink screws beneath the surface. It may be easier to install upper cabinets first.

If you have a block wall, you can screw the cabinets directly to the wall with brackets. Drill and plug pilot holes in a masonry wall. It may be necessary to cut holes or notch cabinets to accommodate utilities. Wall cabinets will need to be positioned carefully, again, ensuring that they are securely screwed to the wall surface.