How to Install Kitchen Cabinets
We've gathered a playlist of helpful installation videos on our YouTube channel to provide step-by-step visual instructions, expert tips, and best practices for installing your new cabinets.
Installing kitchen cabinets is a project that many homeowners can successfully complete with the right preparation, basic tools, and a little patience. You don't have to be a professional carpenter or experienced DIYer to achieve beautiful, professional-looking results.
This guide assumes your old cabinets have already been removed and your kitchen is ready for installation.
Before You Begin
Before installing your new cabinets, consider completing the following projects first:
Install New Flooring
If you're replacing your flooring, it's often easier to install it before the cabinets. Be sure your flooring material is suitable for supporting cabinet weight. Hardwood, tile, and many luxury vinyl products work well, while some floating laminate or vinyl floors should not have cabinets installed directly on top.
Update Electrical Outlets
An empty wall makes it much easier for an electrician to:
- Install new outlets
- Add electrical circuits
- Relocate switches
- Upgrade to GFCI-protected outlets where required
Repair Walls
Now is the ideal time to patch drywall, repair damaged areas, and prepare the walls for your new cabinets.
Paint the Room
Painting before cabinet installation is much faster and helps prevent accidental paint splatters on your new cabinetry. Any minor touch-ups after installation are much easier than painting around finished cabinets.
Before Installation
Once your cabinets arrive:
- Inspect every cabinet for shipping damage.
- Verify all cabinets, doors, drawers, and accessories have been delivered.
- Compare everything with your kitchen design plan.
Tip: Wall cabinets can be heavy. Having one or two helpers will make installation much safer and easier.
Tools You'll Need
- 4' or 6' level
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Stud finder
- Cordless drill/driver
- Drill bits
- Clamps (minimum 8" opening)
- Hammer
- Finish nails
If you'll be cutting toe kicks or trim, you'll also need:
- Circular saw
- Workbench or sawhorses
Materials You'll Need
- Kitchen layout drawing
- Wood shims (3–4 bundles)
- 2½" cabinet screws
- 1×2 ledger board (equal to the total length of your wall cabinets)
Step 1 – Mark the Walls
Begin by locating the highest point of the floor where your base cabinets will sit.
This is one of the most important steps of the entire installation.
From this highest point:
- Mark a level line 34½ inches above the floor for the top of the base cabinets.
- Mark another level line 54 inches above the floor for the bottom of the wall cabinets.
This creates the standard 18-inch backsplash between the countertop and upper cabinets.
If you prefer a 20-inch backsplash, mark the wall cabinet line at 56 inches.
Finding the High Spot
Lay a straight 2×4 across different areas of the floor and place a level on top.
Shim beneath the board until it's perfectly level.
The location requiring the most shim represents the highest point of the floor.
Once located:
- Draw perfectly level reference lines.
- Outline cabinet locations according to your kitchen plan.
- Locate and mark every wall stud.
- Mark plumbing, electrical boxes, wiring, gas lines, and vents.
Step 2 – Install a Temporary Ledger Board
A ledger board temporarily supports your upper cabinets during installation.
Secure a straight 1×2 board along your wall cabinet reference line, fastening it directly into the wall studs.
Double-check that it's perfectly level before continuing.
Step 3 – Test Fit the Cabinets
Before permanently installing anything:
- Remove cabinets from their boxes.
- Inspect each cabinet carefully.
- Position the base cabinets according to your layout.
- Verify everything fits correctly.
After confirming the layout, move the cabinets out of the way to begin installation.
Protect finished flooring with cardboard or moving blankets.
Step 4 – Install the Wall Cabinets
Always begin with the corner wall cabinet.
For each cabinet:
- Remove the doors and drawers.
- Label each door and drawer so reinstallation is easy.
- Transfer stud locations onto the cabinet's hanging rails.
- Drill pilot holes.
- Lift the cabinet onto the ledger board.
- Secure the cabinet with screws into the wall studs.
- Check for level and plumb before fully tightening.
For each additional cabinet:
- Clamp it tightly to the previous cabinet.
- Align the cabinet faces perfectly.
- Add shims where needed.
- Screw cabinets together through the face frames.
- Secure the cabinet to the wall studs.
Continue until all wall cabinets are installed.
Remove the ledger board once complete.
Electrical Cutouts
If a cabinet requires openings for electrical outlets or wiring:
- Measure carefully after the adjacent cabinet is installed.
- Transfer measurements to the cabinet.
- Double-check your measurements before cutting.
Remember: Measure twice. Cut once.
Step 5 – Install the Base Cabinets
Begin with the corner base cabinet.
Set it in place and use wood shims until it's:
- Level
- Plumb
- Properly aligned
Pre-drill pilot holes and fasten the cabinet securely into the wall studs.
Continue installing each additional cabinet:
- Shim as needed
- Clamp cabinets together
- Align face frames
- Screw cabinets together
- Secure each cabinet to the wall
Check for level and alignment after every cabinet.
Do not continue until each cabinet is perfectly aligned.
Corner Cabinet Tip
If you're installing a Lazy Susan corner cabinet that doesn't fully reach both walls, install additional 1×2 wall blocking before setting the cabinet. This provides proper countertop support.
Step 6 – Install Toe Kicks, Doors & Drawers
After all cabinets are secured:
- Install toe-kick boards.
- Cut to fit where necessary.
- Nail them carefully into place.
If gaps appear between the toe kick and floor because of uneven flooring, install shoe molding or scribe molding for a finished appearance.
Finally:
- Reinstall all drawers.
- Rehang all cabinet doors.
- Adjust hinges so reveals are even.
- Install cabinet hardware if desired.
Congratulations!
Your new kitchen cabinets are now installed.
Take a final walk through your kitchen, verify every cabinet is level, every drawer operates smoothly, and every door aligns properly.
With careful preparation and patience, you've completed one of the most rewarding parts of your kitchen remodel.
Enjoy your beautiful new kitchen from Kitchen Cabinet HQ!
