How to Hang Cabinets Over an Island

Fasten ceiling-mounted cabinets into studs to support the weight.

Cabinets installed above an island countertop are attached to the ceiling. Such cabinets maintain an open design theme while creating visual separation. Although installing such cabinets requires planning and careful preparation, the end result in the form of increased storage and versatility is worth the effort. It is essential the cabinets be firmly secured to the ceiling so they can hold their weight and that of the items they contain. Purchase wooden cabinets in your desired style from a cabinet maker or home improvement center.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Drill (optional)
• Drywall saw
• 2-by-4 framing boards
• Hammer
• 3-inch wood nails
• Joint compound
• Screwdriver
• Tape (optional)
• Drill
• 3-inch lag screws and washers
• Level
• Clamps
• 1 1/2-inch wood screws

Instructions

1. Slide an electronic or magnetic stud finder across the desired spot in the ceiling to locate studs. Mark the location of the studs with a pencil every time the stud finder lights up or produces a beeping sound.

2. Mark the outline of the cabinet on the ceiling with pencil. Drill a hole into each corner of the outline if there is an attic directly above the space. Alternatively, if there is no attic, remove the drywall along the outline using a drywall saw.

3. Hammer framing boards between the studs over the desired cabinet location. Position the boards with the flat sides facing down to give yourself more wood into which you can insert mounting hardware.

4. Patch up the drywall you removed within the outline using joint compound. Skip this step if you did not remove drywall.

5. Unscrew and remove each door from the cabinet using a screwdriver. Label each door before setting it aside so you know where it goes back. This reduces the cabinet weight during installation. Alternatively, tape the doors to the cabinet to keep them from opening and chipping or cracking during the installation process, when they hit against each other or the ceiling.

6. Bore pilot holes through the tops of the cabinets through which you will drive the mounting screws.

7. Set the cabinet flush against the ceiling. Drive a washer and 3-inch lag screw through each pilot hole through the cabinet and into the ceiling. Do not tighten the screws, but check that the cabinet is level and straight beforehand. Make any adjustments if required.

8. Set the second cabinet flush against the ceiling next to the previous cabinet. Ensure the frames of both the cabinets are in line, or reposition as necessary before clamping the second cabinet in place. Repeat the process of driving washers and lag screws through the second cabinet and into the ceiling to secure it in place.

9. Drive 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the cabinet boxes to join them together. Repeat the process to hang the remaining cabinets over the island countertop. Replace the doors or remove the lengths of tape from each.