How To Install Cabinets

 

• Tools & Materials
• Hammer
• Stud Finder
• Ladder
• 4' Level
• 2x4's and Plywood Triangles for T-brace
• Carpet Scraps for Padding on T-brace
• Keyhole Saw
• Shims
• Tape Measure
• 6" C-clamps
• Wood Screws
• Chalk Line
• Drill & Bits

Notes
Double and triple chick all measurements.
Cabinets should be level and plumb to insure doors and drawers will operate properly.
For wall cabinets use a measurement of 84" from the floor to the top of the wall cabinet.
To ease installation remove doors and drawers.

Blind Corner Wall Cabinet
36"-39" wall space
The blind corner wall cabinet may be pulled up to 3" from the corner and a filler strip should be used with the cabinet next to it. Attach the filler strip in the same manner as joining the cabinet stiles. Hang the cabinet in the same way as other wall cabinet.

Diagonal Wall Cabinet
24" wall space
This on each wall for installation. Set in place with cabinets on each side of it. Attach cabinets to the walls. Level and plumb  cabinet requires 24" of space from each wall. Filler strips are not necessary with this cabinet.

 Blind Corner Base Cabinet
36"-39" wall space
The blind corner base may be pulled up to 3" from the corner and a filler strip is used with the cabinet next to it to allow for proper door and drawer operation. Attach the cabinet in the same manner as other base cabinets.

Lazy Susan Base Cabinet
36" wall space
Allow 36" on each wall for installation. Set it in place with cabinets on each side of it. Attach cabinets to the walls. Level and plumb the Lazy Susan Base and attach to the stiles of the adjoining cabinets. To support the counter top use 1"x2" wood strips.

Beginning
After you have planned your cabinet system locate the wall studs in the area you are going to install your cabinets and mark them using a chalk line. Next mark a level line for the top of the wall cabinets and the base cabinets. Begin installation with the corner cabinets firs. Install the wall cabinets before the base cabinets because this will allow free use of your ladder and T-brace.

Wall Cabinets

1. Make a T-brace tall enough to support a wall cabinet at the height that you marked on the wall. While you and a helper steady the cabinet on top of the T-brace, level it and check that the top stays even with your guideline. 
2. Drill pilot holes through the mounting rails at the stud locations you have marked. Then drive wood screws in leaving them loose enough to allow for adjustment. Next use a level to see if the cabinet front is plumb. If it is not you can use shims to bring the cabinet into plumb. After making sure the cabinet is level and plumb fasten the top and bottom screws securely.
3. Place the next cabinet into position using the T-brace. Use C-clamps to clamp the stiles of the 2 cabinets together and countersink 2 wood screws into the stiles. Make sure the cabinet is level and plumb. Then screw the cabinet to the wall through the mounting rails and into the studs. Repeat the steps with the remaining wall cabinets. Make sure they are level, plum and that all screws have been tightened.

 Base Cabinets

1. Place the first cabinet into position according to your plan. Use your level to see if the cabinet is both level and plumb. If it is not use shims on the floor to bring the cabinet level and shims between the cabinet and the wall to bring the cabinet plumb. A wooden block can be used to avoid damage to the floor or wall when driving shims. (Drill pilot holes through the mounting rails at the stud locations you have marked. Then drive wood screws in leaving them loose enough to allow for adjustment. After making sure the cabinet is still level and plumb fasten the top and bottom screws securely.)
2. Place the next cabinet into position and level it so that it lines up with the first cabinet and with your guidelines marked on the wall. Use C-clamps to clamp the stiles of the 2 cabinets together and countersink 2 wood screws into the stiles. Make sure the cabinet is level and plumb as you did before. Then screw the cabinet to the wall through the mounting rails and into the studs. Repeat these steps with the remaining base cabinets. 
3. If you are not using a special corner cabinet, use filler strips at the corner to allow enough space for doors and drawers to operate smoothly. Join the filler strips in the same manner as you do the stiles of the cabinets. To support counter top, attach 1"x2" wood strips to the wall along your guidelines so they are level with your cabinets. 
4. After all cabinets are in place make sure they are still level and plumb. if necessary adjust your shims, then make sure all mounting screws have been tightened. At this point use you keyhole saw to trim the shims even with the cabinet. 
5. Place your counter top into position and make sure it is held tightly against the wall to insure the best fit. Then anchor the counter to the cabinets using the corner braces provided on each cabinet. Be careful not to screw too far or use screws that are too long because you may damage the counter top. 

Finishing
Unfinished Cabinets

• Fill screw holes made in the face frame stiles with wood putty then sand the surface.
• Attach veneered and panels to exposed sides of cabinets with glue or nails. Some trimming may be needed.
• Attach doors and insert drawers into cabinets.
• Attach Toe Kick trim with glue or nails.
• Add Shoe mouldings and Scribe moulding to conceal gaps and shims along floor and walls.
• Sand cabinets and prep for stain. Use a tack cloth to thoroughly wipe the surface and remove dust and any excess glue. A surface that is improperly prepared will not stain correctly.
• Stain cabinets to match your decor. 

 Finished Cabinets

• Attach doors and insert drawers into cabinets.
• Attach Toe Kick trim with glue or nails.
• Add Shoe mouldings and Scribe moulding to conceal gaps and shims along floor and walls.
• Finished Crown moulding can be attached to wall cabinets with nails.