How to Assemble IKEA Kitchens
IKEA kitchen cabinets are a popular alternative to custom cabinets because they are less expensive and often take less time to install. IKEA products typically cost less because they are delivered in multiple boxes. Many IKEA styles are readily available at the local store, but most IKEA kitchen installations involve ordering some or all of the unassembled cabinets from a warehouse, resulting in a large amount of boxes and bags of varying sizes being delivered. But if you follow a few steps, that intimidating stack of boxes and parts can be transformed into an IKEA kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 5-gallon bucket
- #4 (large) Phillips-head screwdriver
- Masking tape
- Thick point marker
Instructions
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1
Make a sketch of your kitchen with each cabinet box identified by a number or letter. You may already have a printout using IKEA planning software. Either way, get something down on paper identifying each cabinet and where it goes. You will soon find yourself amongst a mountain of similar-looking cabinet cases.
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2
Organize a work area to give yourself enough room to work. Clear a room if you have to. Plan to assemble the cabinets as close to the kitchen as possible, but not actually in the kitchen, so you don't clutter it up. Place two 5-gallon buckets near your designated workspace and use one to keep track of the hardware for each cabinet as you assemble it. Use the other bucket to store any extra pieces and tools that accumulate. Each IKEA product typically includes some simple tools that may be required for assembly, and may items ship with optional parts.
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3
Group all similar cabinets together. You'll save time by grouping and assembling like cabinets together. Take the time to organize the pieces ahead of time. This will make assembly much faster.
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4
Separate all the cabinet door and drawer fronts and stack them neatly out of the way. Wait until you have installed the cabinets before tackling the drawer boxes and door fronts.
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5
Assemble the cabinets. Follow the printed instructions for assembling each size and type of cabinet. Position the dowels, screws, and cam locks as instructed in the panel ends, press together and use a large Phillips-head screwdriver to lock the cams tight. Proceed to Step 6 after assembling each cabinet and repeat until all cabinets are assembled.
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6
Place a piece of masking tape with its corresponding letter or number on the front of each cabinet as it's completed. Store the completed cabinets with the fronts (and labels) visible.
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7
Mount the cabinet cases as outlined in the included instructions. Refer to the labels you've created to make sure you install the cabinets in the right locations.
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8
Assemble the drawer and door fronts and make final adjustments.
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Tips & Warnings
A #4 Phillips-head screwdriver works better than smaller screwdrivers on IKEA cam-lock hardware. The more common #2 bits may strip the cams.
