How to Set Up Kitchen Cabinets

Install your kitchen cabinets one at a time.

When you purchase kitchen cabinets as part of a set, you will need to set up and install the cabinets yourself. As you locate all of the pieces, you will find that some assembly may be required before you can hang the cabinets in your kitchen. Assemble the cabinets using the instructions provided by the manufacturer, so you end up with cabinets that look like wooden box frames. Once you have prepared the kitchen cabinets, you are ready to start setting up and hanging the cabinets.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Ruler
• Wall stud finder
• Wood glue
• Mechanical screwdriver
• 3-inch screws
• Level
• Cabinet doors
• 1/4-inch screws
• Manual screwdriver

Instructions

1. Place all of the kitchen cabinets you want to install on one wall beside each other. Measure the collective width of the cabinets to ensure that there is enough wall space for them. Measure the height of the cabinets to make sure that they will not interfere with some other objects nearby when they are mounted. Apply the measurements to the wall to ensure there is room for the cabinets.

2. Measure the width and height of the first cabinet and, using the pencil and ruler, draw its the outline on the wall where you want to hang it. Repeat this step with the remaining cabinets, so you have a blueprint of the kitchen cabinets on the wall. When drawing, do not leave any space between cabinets. They should all be side by side with no gap.

3. Use the stud finder to locate the studs in the wall on which the drawings are made. If possible, locate two studs in each cabinet drawing to provide your cabinets with maximum support. Use the stud finder by dragging it horizontally across the wall, and make a pencil mark at the spot where the device beeps.

4. Apply some wood glue on the back of the first cabinet. Hold the cabinet up so that the glue is pressed against the wall, holding the cabinet in place. As you hang the cabinet, place the level on top or in the cabinet itself to ensure you are hanging it evenly. Use the mechanical screwdriver and the 3-inch screws to attach the cabinet by aiming the screws at the wall marks made in step 3. Repeat this step with the remaining kitchen cabinets.

5. Attach the doors to each cabinet once the wood glue has dried. Allow at least an hour for the entire set of cabinets to dry and settle. Use a simple screwdriver and a couple of 1/4-inch screws to attach the doors to the cabinets.

References

• Home Museum: Architectural Casework
• Fine Woodworking: Bookcases
• Cinema Source: Installing In-Wall Speakers